LONDON, UK — McDonald’s, with the aim to serve justice and free fries as it launched the world’s first fictitious law firm dedicated to fighting fry theft, gave fans the chance to claim back stolen fries.
In its latest campaign, McDonald’s rebranded its UK Twitter account as the fictitious law firm “Fries Claims.” The account was taken over by a “Fries Claims: lawyer, encouraging McDonald’s fans to report their stolen fries.
@McDonaldsUK posted throughout the day with an assortment of real-time responses, “legal” advice, live video replies, and vouchers to act as compensation for successful “claimants.”
The social-led campaign, created by creative agency Leo Burnett, builds on the insight that according to Twitter search terms, there has been a 100% increase in reports of fry theft in the last 12 months.
Have you been the victim of Fry theft? Fries Claims opens for business this Friday 🍟⚖️ #FriesClaims pic.twitter.com/8v6ut1TssU
— McDonald's UK (@McDonaldsUK) October 4, 2022
Throughout the week, content was teased on Twitter, including an introductory video from a “Fries Claims” lawyer to recruit new clients, as well as dramatic testimonials featuring reconstructed footage of fry pinching incidents.
A series national out of home posters and press ads, including an ad in The Sun, calls on McDonald’s fans to get involved. Taking inspiration from stereotypical small claims law firms, these ads used the “Fries Claims” corporate branding alongside a lawyer who stated, “Are you a victim of Fry theft? Justice and Fries will be served.”
As well as social content, a full “Fries Claims” corporate identity has been produced to be used in the video replies, including branded office supplies such as mugs, stationery, and pin badges.
There will be no napkin left unturned in your quest for justice 🍟 https://t.co/iqXcIG0U5z pic.twitter.com/XyppnsmUpR
— McDonald's UK (@McDonaldsUK) October 7, 2022
We checked 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕝𝕒𝕨 and looking away does not permit fry theft. https://t.co/MOilvjsK5H pic.twitter.com/SdqNmSsD9M
— McDonald's UK (@McDonaldsUK) October 7, 2022
PR agency Ready10 worked with a psychologist to explore the scientific mental processes of both fry pinchers and their victims, deep diving into the neuro-reactions in the brain when fry thefts occur. The triggers, motivations, and what the act tells us about our interpersonal relationships with our friends and families have also been explored, along with research into the fry-pinching habits of the nation to discover when and where it most commonly occurs.
Louise Page, head of consumer communications and partnerships at McDonald’s UK & Ireland, said: “Fries Claims is a playful campaign that shines a light on the little rituals we all have when it comes to McDonald’s. The mischievous act of fry pinching is a universal experience: something we all relate to… so why not draw on this insight and have a bit of fun with it?”
Andrew Long and James Millers, creative directors at Leo Burnett UK, said: “Millions of McDonald’s Fries are stolen every day, whether it’s your mate on the way home from the Drive-thru or your dad after opening the door to the McDelivery driver… There’s been nothing fans can do about fry theft, until now. To raise awareness for the launch of the Fries Claims law firm we did what any law firm would do… from advertising to client testimonials. The idea ties into McDonald’s storytelling ambition of turning up in more innovative, less predictable ways.”
CREDITS:
CAMPAIGN TITLE: Fries Claims
CLIENT: McDonald’s UK
ADVERTISING AGENCY: Leo Burnett UK
CCO: Chaka Sobhani
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Mark Elwood
CREATIVE DIRECTORS: James Millers & Andrew Long
CREATIVES: Gina Ramsden & Freya Purnell
HEAD OF PLANNING: Tom Sussman
PLANNER: Benjamin Obadia
CLIENT PARTNER: Layla Potter
BUISNESS DIRECTOR: Jay Perry
ACCOUNT MANAGER: Nicola Kuan
HEAD OF DESIGN: David Allen
DESIGNER: Rupert Knowlden
DESIGNER: Carmen Perez
PROJECT DIRECTOR: Emily Patterson
DIRECTOR: Zack Langsdon
PROD CO: Prodigious
PRODUCER: Elliot Somers
EDITOR: Damian Wilks
POST PRODUCER: Craig Priestley
AUDIO: George Turner
McDonald’s Brand Team:
Chief Marketing Officer, S.V.P: Michelle Graham-Clare
Head of Consumer Communications & Partnerships: Louise Page
SOCIAL AGENCY: OLIVER
Nick Smith – Senior Social Media Manager
Amy Jones – Senior Digital Communications Manager
Jessica Gomes – Social & Community Executive
PR AGENCY:
PR AGENCY: Ready10
MANAGING DIRECTOR: David Fraser
DIRECTOR: Kate Addy
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR: Nick Russell
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER: Christie Barber
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Immy Omole
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Grace Lynch
MEDIA AGENCY: OMD
