Freefonix
| Company type | Animated television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Animation |
| Founded | January 4, 2008 |
| Founder | Magnus Fiennes, Alex Tate, Simeon Warburton |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom |
Key people | Richelle Wilder (Producer), Chris Rice (Producer), Jerome France (Director), Pierre Alan Chartier (Director) |
| Products | Animated television series, soundtrack album |
| Parent | Cinnamon Entertainment, Method Films, Toonz Animation-Trivandrum |
Freefonix is an animated series for children, developed by Magnus Fiennes, Alex Tate, and Simeon Warburton. It was co-produced by Cinnamon Entertainment, Toonz Animation-Trivandrum, and Method Films for CBBC, in partnership with Isle of Man Film. The show debuted on 4 January 2008 on BBC One with an initial run of thirteen episodes that aired weekly until 28 March 2008. The rest of the episodes were later shown on CBBC from 18 December 2008 through 22 January 2009.
The narrative follows three rebellious musicians known as the 'Freewave' trio who form the band Freefonix. They tap into the mystical energy called the Thirteenth Note to engage in musical duels against their rivals, Mantyz. Their mission is to defend their hometown, Los Bosmos, from the sinister Sonic Lord Vox and Mya De Zya, the head of ComaCo—a record company that manufactures formulaic 'prepsi' artists.
Storyline
Freefonix channel the power of the Thirteenth Note during Soundclash battles with Mantyz. This unique energy enables them to alter space, time, and consciousness through perfect musical harmony, leading to dynamic and explosive confrontations that fuel the drama throughout the series.
Production
The series features vocal contributions from artists such as Jamelia and Justin Hawkins, saxophonist and ex-cricketer Alastair Cook, actor Joseph Fiennes, and musician Haylie Ecker. With a production budget exceeding £10 million ($15 million), it stands as the BBC’s most significant animation project to date. Scriptwriting took place in Los Angeles and Toronto, with story editing managed by Jeffrey Alan Schechter, Baz Hawkins, and Will Schifrin.
Freefonix
This central 'freewave' band wields the power of the Thirteenth Note.
- BB (voiced by Shelley Longworth) – The 15-year-old lead vocalist who previously performed with the prepsi group BCD before joining Freefonix.
- Freezbone "Freez" (voiced by Marcel McCalla) – A 16-year-old guitarist and secondary singer/rapper known for his lively demeanor. His guitar is called Misty.
- Mostart "Mo" (voiced by Jules de Jongh) – The youngest member at 13 years old, Mo is a beatmaker and DJ who uses a SoundShaper device as his mixer. He struggles with self-confidence and harbors feelings for Lady Lux.
Mantyz
The rival rock band that manipulates a corrupted form of the Thirteenth Note.
- Kurtz (speaking voice by Adam Longworth, singing voice by Justin Hawkins) – A 17-year-old egotistical lead singer/guitarist and Lady Lux’s half-brother. His guitar is named Axe.
- Lady Lux (voiced by Shelley Longworth) – The 16-year-old bassist and strategic leader behind Mantyz’s plans.
- Hitt (voiced by Joseph Fiennes) – The 17-year-old drummer who serves as the group’s muscle but often appears unaware.
Other
- Sugar Che (speaking voice by Susan Zelouf, singing voice by Jamelia) – A Sonic Lord who founded Freefonix and acts as their mentor.
- Vox (voiced by Adam Longworth) – A rogue Sonic Lord trapped in the Void of Silencia who seeks liberation through Mya and Mantyz.
- Mya De Zya (voiced by Susan Zelouf) – The vain head of ComaCo, a label specializing in manufactured prepsi music acts. She collaborates with Vox to gain influence and wealth.
Recurring
- CC & DD – Former prepsi band members of BB, deeply immersed in pop culture.
- Snugg Fitt & DJ Loose – Resident DJs at The Bounce, a club specializing in Freewave music.
- Mr & Mrs Start – Mo's parents, whose loving behavior unintentionally irritates him.
- Aw'right Jack – Proprietor of Jack's Pies and Fries, a popular spot among Freefonix.
- Nerdry – Mya's nephew and an inventor at ComaCo, develops technology to support Mya and Mantyz against Freefonix.
Production
Freefonix was developed by Magnus Fiennes, Alex Tate, and Simeon Warburton. The series is produced by Richelle Wilder and Chris Rice under Cinnamon Entertainment, in collaboration with Method Films and Toonz Animation. Direction is by Jerome France and Pierre Alan Chartier. The show features original music from Freefonix as well as guest performances by Justin Hawkins (The Darkness), singer Jamelia, and actor Joseph Fiennes.
Album
The series' soundtrack was launched on 26 January 2009 as Freefonix’s eponymous debut studio album. It contains numerous tracks heard throughout the show. A second album may be released depending on audience interest.