Macca’s NZ remixes iconic ‘Make it Click’ jingle in a bid to keep road trippers safe in latest summer campaign via DDB Group Aotearoa

As Kiwis get set to hit the road this summer, McDonald’s New Zealand and DDB Group Aotearoa are reminding people to stay safe and “Make it Click”.

In a bid to keep Kiwis safe during the season of road tripping, they have dug deep into the archives. Together with the talented New Zealand DJ Jess Rhodes, McDonald’s is remixing road safety with a modern take on the classic Kiwi anthem ‘Make It Click’.

Originally launched in the eighties, ‘Make It Click’ influenced a generational change in seatbelt use. It was then re-released by McDonald’s in 2003 to a new generation, now Millennials and Gen Xs, as part of their road safety education.

Now in 2024, the anthem returns with a fresh DnB mix, reminding a younger generation of drivers to click it twice – buckle up and activate ‘do not disturb’ on their devices to stay focused behind the wheel.

Says Luke Rive, director of marketing, McDonald’s: “The key message of ‘Make It Click’ is just as important today as it was 21 years ago. Too many lives are still being lost by not wearing your seatbelt or distracted driving. But giving this classic track a makeover, we hope to reach a new generation of Kiwis in a fun and meaningful way.”

DDB managing partner Karla Fisher said the “power of ‘Make it Click’ is our memories of childhood and the song’s catchy melody. However, we needed to find a way to make this classic track cool again. We have engaged Jess to ensure ‘Make it Click’ is a certified banger, while bringing a new Gen Z audience into the fold, and making sure the existing audience fell in love with it again. No easy feat.”

DDB chief creative officer Gary Steele said the creative minds at the Group explored a different form of media when it came to creating the Make it Click ad: “We wanted to make sure that the Make it Click remix was front and centre of this campaign, as well as tying the ad back to the Rhode to Rhythm.

“So instead of your classic McDonald’s ad, we made a music video that would appeal to every generation that have experienced the Make it Click jingle.”

Jess will also document her ‘Rhodes to Rhythm’ journey, sharing road safety tips and enjoying Macca’s stops along the way, before debuting the track during her set at Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne on New Year’s Eve.

Client: McDonald’s
Marketing Director: Luke Rive
Head of Brand & Media: Leigh Benvie
Senior Brand Manager: Laura Lloyd

Agency: DDB Group Aotearoa (DDB, Mango, Track)

Production Company:
Executive Producer: James Moore and Samantha Attenborough
Producer: Fleur Swarbrick
Director: Mardo
DOP: Devan Narsai
Post Production Company: Fish’n’Clips
Editor: Mardo
Soundtrack/composer/Music: Jess Rhodes
Sound: Franklin Road – Stefaan van Leuven
BTS Videographer: Matt Gerrand
BTS editor: Dan Partington

Media Agency: OMD/Fuse