McDonald's: The Big Arch
The Big Arch Rumble: Transforming hunger into a bold sonic experience for McDonald’s biggest burger yet.
- advertising
- composition-and-production
For the launch of McDonald’s biggest burger to date, The Big Arch, we partnered with Leo Burnett UK to amplify a universal sensation – the stomach rumble – into an unforgettable sonic experience.
Our goal was to create a sound that was not just heard but deeply felt, sparking a new global creative platform.
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McDonald’s was introducing The Big Arch, designed to satisfy ‘Big McDonald’s Hunger.’ The campaign had to capture this hunger authentically to make the new burger iconic. We needed a sound that not only represented hunger, but was connected unmistakably with the McDonald’s brand.
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We transformed the humble stomach rumble from a simple sound effect into a cinematic, visceral experience, collaborating with director Eric Wareheim. We began by layering real stomach rumbles with a range of instruments, including floor toms, timpani, and cuica drums. This process transformed a quiet gurgle into a full-blown orchestral growl, creating a sound that was both relatable and larger-than-life.
A sonic twist anchored the project: we reimagined the iconic McDonald’s 5-note melody. Instead of its usual light, cheerful tone, we transposed it into an office-rattling rumble that tied the sound directly to the brand’s identity.
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The result was ‘The Big Arch Rumble,’ an immersive and unforgettable sonic identity. This sound became the heart of the campaign, powering a national takeover across TV, social media, radio, and in-restaurant displays. By giving ‘Big McDonald’s Hunger’ its own powerful and distinct sound, we helped turn the new burger into a cultural moment and a future McDonald's classic.
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