10 November 2026
VFX-led studio Native Strangers has created a pro bono film for BookTrust, using live-action storytelling and visual effects to open a window into a child’s imagination and encourage support for the charity’s Christmas appeal.
Gifted to the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, the film explores the worlds that books and shared reading can open-up and highlights why no child should miss out.
The project sees Native Strangers build on its VFX expertise by developing its work as directors and producers of live-action stories. Rather than making a conventional showreel, the team wanted to create a film with a purpose. As parents, they were drawn to BookTrust’s work helping children access books and the benefits of reading.
Shot over two days in Ashford, Kent, the production brought together local performers. Large Format Films supplied the crew and filming equipment, with support from the Pauline Quirke Academy, Kent County Council and Kent Libraries. The academy’s agency, Quirky Kids, helped cast the young performers.
The film follows children receiving a Bookstart book pack, choosing a book at school through the charity’s Bookbuzz programme and sharing a storytime session at the library. As the books open, fantastical worlds begin to grow around them, brought to life through visual effects.
Both the film and shorter social edits are planned for use across BookTrust’s website, social media and email communications from this week, supporting its wider festive fundraising campaign.
“We wanted to give audiences a window into a child’s imagination, creating incredible worlds that felt believable. But we also wanted the project to do more than show what we could make. As parents, we know how much books can mean to children, so BookTrust felt like a natural fit. This was a real team effort, with an incredible crew, local partners and young performers helping us bring it to life. We hope it inspires people to donate and give more children the chance to discover the worlds waiting inside a book.”
Dan Booth, Creative Director at Native Strangers
BookTrust’s Christmas appeal will help deliver 18,000 festive book parcels to children facing disadvantage and those in care across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The appeal also supports the charity’s year-round work helping children and families experience the benefits of books and shared reading.
Annie Crombie, Co-CEO of BookTrust, said: “Sharing a story can bring children comfort, joy and connection, but not every child has the same opportunity to experience it. Native Strangers has captured the imaginative possibilities of reading beautifully, and we’re hugely grateful to them for creating and gifting us this wonderful film.
“We hope it encourages people to support our Christmas appeal, helping us give festive book parcels to children who need them most and support shared reading all year round.”