Freefonix is a 2008-2009 British children's animated television series created by Magnus Fiennes, Alex Tate and Simeon Warburton and produced by Cinnamon Entertainment with Toonz Animation, Isle of Man Film and Method Films for CBBC. The series launched on 4 January 2008 on BBC One with the first thirteen episodes; airing weekly up until 28 March 2008. The rest of the series was broadcast on CBBC from 18 December 2008 to 22 January 2009. The series focuses on three musical 'Freewave' renegades that make up the fictional band of the same name. Using the power of the Thirteenth Note, a mystical musical energy source, they take part in musical battles against antagonist band Mantyz in order to keep their home city of Los Bosmos safe from the evil Sonic Lord known as Vox and the money-making schemes of Mya De Zya, the head of ComaCo, a record label and corporation who produce manufactured 'prepsi' musical acts.
Storyline
Freefonix have discovered a sophisticated way of fighting their battles against rival band Mantyz, by using the power of the Thirteenth Note, an awesome force that can bend space, time and minds when the perfect sound is created. When the two rival bands meet, the result is an explosive Soundclash, where the opposing forces do battle as all the energies of the Thirteenth Note are released.
Production
Freefonix features performances from singers Jamelia and Justin Hawkins, saxophonist and former cricketer Alastair Cook, actor Joseph Fiennes and musician Haylie Ecker. With a budget of more than £10 million, Freefonix is the largest commission by BBC for an animation. The scripts for Freefonix were written in Los Angeles and Toronto, and story edited by Jeffrey Alan Schechter, Baz Hawkins and Will Schifrin.
Characters
Freefonix
BB – 15-year-old lead singer, formally a member of the prepsi band BCD before becoming a Freewaver.
Freezbone "Freez" – 16-year-old guitarist and secondary singer/ rapper with an outgoing and sometimes hippy personality. His guitar is named Misty.
Mostart "Mo" – 13-year-old beatmaker and DJ of the band, whose SoundShaper device acts as his mixer. Mo lacks confidence due to being the youngest and shortest member, and has a crush on Lady Lux.
Mantyz
Kurtz – 17-year-old self-absorbed lead singer and lead guitarist and half-brother to Lady Lux. His guitar is named Axe.
Lady Lux – 16-year-old bass player and Kurtz's half-sister, also the brains behind their schemes against Freefonix.
Hitt – 17-year-old drummer and muscle of the band, whose clueless-ness often annoys the other members.
Other
Sugar Che – An ancient Sonic Lord who brought Freefonix together and acts as their guide and aid.
Vox – An renegade Sonic Lord who Sugar Che trapped to the Void of Silencia and seeks freedom through the schemes of Mya and Mantyz.
Mya De Zya – The vain head of ComaCo, a record label who produce manufactured 'prepsi musical acts, who after is promised "untold riches and power" from Vox, decides to aid him in his fight against Sugar Che and Freefonix.
Recurring
CC & Dee Dee – Two members of BB's former Prepsie band BCD, and like all Prepsies, are shallow and obsessed with pop culture.
Snugg Fitt & DJ Loose – Two DJs that work at The Bounce, a Freewave music club.
Mr & Mrs Start – Mostart's parents who are unaware that their loving nature towards their son is an annoyance to him.
Aw'right Jack – The owner of the diner Jack's Pies and Fries, where Freefonix often visit.
Nerdry – A nerdy employee at ComaCo and nephew of Mya, who assists her in her plans against Freefonix, much to her hatred towards him.
Production
Freefonix, created by Magnus Fiennes, Alex Tate and Simeon Warburton, is produced by Richelle Wilder and Chris Rice for Cinnamon Entertainment with Method Films and Toonz Animation. The series is directed by Jerome France and Pierre Alan Chartier, and features new tracks from Freefonix with some of the world's top record producing talents and features performances from Justin Hawkins, singer Jamelia, and Joseph Fiennes, actor and brother of Magnus.
Episodes
Album
A soundtrack to the series was released on 26 January 2009, marketed as the self-titled debut studio album of Freefonix. The album features a handful of songs played in the series. A second album is said to be produced if there is enough interest.
