British Gas Energy Trust - Explainer Animation

The Brief

British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charitable trust that plays a vital role in supporting families and individuals across England, Scotland, and Wales who are struggling to pay their bills. With such a far-reaching mission, they wanted to create a clear and engaging way to communicate who they are, what they do, and how people can access their support.

Our brief was to develop an 2D animated explainer video that would highlight the trust’s story and the practical steps people could take to apply for grants. The target audience was twofold: the general public in need of help, and organisations considering funding partnerships. The client’s goal was to present this information in a way that was approachable, digestible, relatable and emotionally resonant.

A story-led approach was important. By following relatable characters in everyday situations, the explainer could transform complex information into a narrative that felt personal, accessible, and uplifting.

Our Response

We knew the heart of this project was empathy. The subject matter was serious, with families struggling to keep up with bills, but our approach needed to instil hope and reassure viewers that support is both available and achievable. We designed a friendly cast of characters who would serve as guides through the story.

The narrative centres around one family, and we expanded the character set to show different individuals and households across the UK, ensuring we represented a diverse range of people and situations. This allowed us to capture the breadth of experiences the Trust supports, while also making sure every viewer could see themselves reflected on screen. For example, to ground the 2D animation in reality, we paid special attention to the architecture types unique to England, Scotland, and Wales, as well as accommodation types, adding authenticity and relatability.

Visually, we leaned into warm, inviting colours to create a cheerful tone that balanced the gravity of the subject matter. The colour palette extended from the Trust’s existing branding, but we expanded it to introduce fresh, vibrant shades that amplified the message of hope and support. The characters were designed to be approachable and friendly, with subtle gestures and expressions that conveyed reassurance.

The explainer also needed to be practical. We showed that British Gas Energy Trust’s services were able to be accessed through both the computer and phone, emphasising accessibility for people of all ages and backgrounds. By demonstrating these touchpoints, the animation did not just tell a story, it provided a tangible guide for action. The resolution centered on a positive outcome: families finding relief and stability thanks to the Trust’s support.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was the balance we achieved between informative and emotive storytelling. It was not simply about explaining a process; it was about showing people that they are not alone and that there are organisations ready to help. The final animation struck exactly the right tone: uplifting, inclusive, and memorable.

For British Gas Energy Trust, the explainer became more than a communication tool. It became a piece of storytelling that embodied their mission, resonated with viewers, and demonstrated the real-world impact of their work.

Style Development

Storyboard Development

Final Animation Snippets

Final Animation

What our client Said

“Producing our first ever animated video was a scary proposition and uncharted territory for us as an agency. Working with The Animation Guys they put us at ease, listened to our ideas and made the process come to life. They’re genuinely decent, honest and hard-working people that ultimately produce first-class animation videos. We couldn’t be happier with our final product and no doubt will return to them for a follow up video at some point! Fully recommend.”

Beth Hellowell

Managing Partner @ Signify Digital