The nationwide campaign will air in cinemas, TV, and online - www.themonkeyreturns.com - to depict a sweet yet heart-breaking story.
Creative agency Leo Burnett Sydney created a mini-film about a monkey returning to earth in 2026 after being sent into outer space as part of the US space exploration program in the 1960s.
The monkey, which is grey and old now, continues to hang on to a photo of its human-friend through the years. After traveling across different galaxies and solar systems, the monkey is eagerly anticipating his return to Earth. However, home is not what it used to be.
The project marks a new brand focus for WWF on sustainability. The creative team at Leo Burnett, Michael Canning and Kieran Antill, explains that with Space Monkey, the aim is to try and change the way people think about the environment and re-define the issue in a way that struck an emotional chord with people.
"It’s so important that we engage young people in as many ways as possible on the environmental issues we face today. They are the future. I’m hopeful that this monkey’s return from space will peak their interest, and remind them that we only have one home," said Jay Benjamin, executive creative director at Leo Burnett.
The music is done by renowned Australian musician Ben Lee, who also collaborated with Leo Burnett in 2009 for Earth Hour' 'Vote Earth'.
Behind the scenes:
Credits:
Project Space Monkey
Client World Wildlife Fund
Creative agency Leo Burnett Sydney
Executive creative directors Andy DiLallo, Jay Benjamin
Copywriter Michael Canning
Art director Kieran Antill
Executive producer Adrian Shapiro
Account managers Paul Everson, Jodi McLeod
Production company Revolver
Executive producer Michael Ritchie
Producer Georgina Wilson
Director Steve Rogers
Director of photography Mandy Walker
Editor Jack Hutchings, The Butchery
Music Ben Lee 'Song for The Divine Mother Universe'
Sound design Paul Taylor, Sound Reservoir
Post-production company Animal Logic
Production designer Steven Jones-Evans
Costume designer Margot Wilson
Prosthetics Odd Studios
Set construction Studio Kite
Exposure Online
Creative agency Leo Burnett Sydney created a mini-film about a monkey returning to earth in 2026 after being sent into outer space as part of the US space exploration program in the 1960s.
The monkey, which is grey and old now, continues to hang on to a photo of its human-friend through the years. After traveling across different galaxies and solar systems, the monkey is eagerly anticipating his return to Earth. However, home is not what it used to be.
The project marks a new brand focus for WWF on sustainability. The creative team at Leo Burnett, Michael Canning and Kieran Antill, explains that with Space Monkey, the aim is to try and change the way people think about the environment and re-define the issue in a way that struck an emotional chord with people.
"It’s so important that we engage young people in as many ways as possible on the environmental issues we face today. They are the future. I’m hopeful that this monkey’s return from space will peak their interest, and remind them that we only have one home," said Jay Benjamin, executive creative director at Leo Burnett.
The music is done by renowned Australian musician Ben Lee, who also collaborated with Leo Burnett in 2009 for Earth Hour' 'Vote Earth'.
Behind the scenes:
Credits:
Project Space Monkey
Client World Wildlife Fund
Creative agency Leo Burnett Sydney
Executive creative directors Andy DiLallo, Jay Benjamin
Copywriter Michael Canning
Art director Kieran Antill
Executive producer Adrian Shapiro
Account managers Paul Everson, Jodi McLeod
Production company Revolver
Executive producer Michael Ritchie
Producer Georgina Wilson
Director Steve Rogers
Director of photography Mandy Walker
Editor Jack Hutchings, The Butchery
Music Ben Lee 'Song for The Divine Mother Universe'
Sound design Paul Taylor, Sound Reservoir
Post-production company Animal Logic
Production designer Steven Jones-Evans
Costume designer Margot Wilson
Prosthetics Odd Studios
Set construction Studio Kite
Exposure Online
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