A series of mixed media films for international NGO WaterAid to help young audiences understand the science behind climate change

Film 1

The first in the series introduces the science behind climate change, breaking down concepts like weather, climate and the greenhouse effect into simple, engaging visual stories. By combining green screen shot footage of presenter and WaterAid Education lead, Becca Barker, with playful illustration and animation, the film makes complex environmental science accessible for younger audiences while laying the foundations for the rest of the series.

Our approach

Working closely with WaterAid, we developed a visual style that combined live-action footage with illustration and animation. A presenter, filmed on green screen, became the guide through each story, allowing animated worlds, weather systems and environmental concepts to appear around them.

Illustration was used to visualise scientific processes in a way that was easy to access and fun. From the water cycle to changing climates, animation brought energy, personality and a sense of playfulness to the explanations. By combining real human performance with playful motion design, the films remained educational without ever feeling like a lesson.

Bright colours, expressive illustration and carefully paced animation helped simplify complex ideas into clear visual stories designed specifically for younger audiences.

Film 2

The second explores the impacts of climate change on people and the planet, explaining how rising temperatures are leading to more extreme weather, changing landscapes and increasing pressure on access to clean water. Through a combination of presenter-led storytelling and animated visual metaphors, the film helps younger audiences connect global environmental changes with their real-world consequences.

Film 3

The third film explores the connection between climate change and water, explaining how rising temperatures are disrupting weather patterns and making access to clean water more difficult for communities around the world. Combining presenter-led explanations with illustration, animation and real stories from WaterAid's global work, the film brings complex environmental issues to life in a way that's engaging and easy for younger audiences to understand.

Film 4

The fourth film looks at how we can respond to climate change, exploring the practical actions that help reduce emissions and build resilience in communities around the world. Combining live-action presentation with playful illustration and animation, the film concludes the series on an optimistic note, empowering younger audiences with an understanding of the solutions as well as the challenges.

The result

The finished series of four educational films transforms challenging climate science into engaging stories that children can easily understand and enjoy.

By blending live action with animation, WaterAid was able to communicate important global issues in a way that feels approachable, memorable and full of optimism—helping the next generation better understand the relationship between climate, weather and access to clean water.