St Marylebone Parish Church

900th Anniversary Film

From Past to Present

We were commissioned to create a short film capturing 900 years of St Marylebone’s history in a way that felt engaging, visually rich and easy to follow. The animation needed to show how the story of the parish church and the surrounding area are deeply connected.

It also needed to reflect the church’s enduring mission, housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and caring for the sick, while featuring prominent historical figures like Charles Dickens, Admiral Nelson and Florence Nightingale who shaped the community and its legacy.

Illustration of a countryside church at dusk with a crow perched on a sign reading “St Mary on the Bourne,” under a dramatic, moody sky and surrounded by gravestones.

Illustration of a christening ceremony inside a church, with a priest reading, a couple holding a baby near a baptismal font, bathed in warm, golden light.

Illustration of a shadowy figure running inside a dimly lit church, passing an altar with a cross, creating a mysterious and dramatic atmosphere.

Illustration of a stern-looking man in Victorian attire walking past a snowy church scene with families outside, evoking a historic winter moment, possibly inspired by “A Christmas Carol.”

Crafting a Seamless Journey Through Time

To tell St Marylebone’s 900-year story with care and accuracy, we collaborated closely with historians, writers and researchers. Using architectural drawings, paintings and archival material, we built a historically grounded visual world.

Condensing nine centuries into four minutes was no small task. We used carefully planned transitions and camera movement to guide the viewer through time while keeping the story fluid and connected. Detailed illustration and custom sound design helped create an immersive experience, whether viewed online or within the walls of the church itself.

Illustration of a grand city church at sunset, with people walking, a red London bus, and cars in front, capturing a vibrant urban scene with warm golden light.