Paul McCartney Goes Ape, Donates Beatles Hit to Ad for Chimpanzees

BCG Brighthouse Produces TV Spot for Save the Chimps Sanctuary in Florida

Save the Chimps, a sanctuary for chimpanzees rescued from labs and show business, is getting by with a little help from a friend: Paul McCartney. 

The rock icon donated a Beatles classic perfectly suited to help raise funds for the refuge in this 30-second TV ad debuting on February 28

“Most people don’t realize chimpanzees can live into their sixties, thus their lifelong care at sanctuaries is a costly commitment,” says McCartney. “I was happy to donate ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’ to Save the Chimps’ new campaign, as nearly half of the 200+ rescued chimps they look after are seniors.”

The heartwarming spot features many of the sanctuary’s aged apes enjoying their retirement in the Florida sunshine. Chimpanzees suffer the same aging ailments as many humans, including arthritis and heart disease, for which they receive specialized vet care at the 150-acre sanctuary. 

The spot was produced gratis by BCG BrightHouse in Atlanta after the creative agency was approached with the idea by Dan Mathews of Save the Chimps. Mathews, a former SVP at PETA who created the “Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” ad series, has worked with McCartney on other campaigns.   

“Our team at BCG BrightHouse relishes working with worthwhile initiatives. So we were delighted when Dan asked us to help him realize this brilliant film. We believe that it will generate donations and secure ongoing care for the chimpanzees,” said Mike Lear, ECD/Head of Creative at BCG BrightHouse in North America.

The global creative purpose consultancy provided the necessary resources and expertise to bring this film to life through post-production. 

Writer/Director: Dan Mathews 

Executive Creative Director: Mike Lear

Creative Director: Kelley Lear

Executive Producer: Ashley Maiola

Editors: David Bunzey, Clay Leddin

Sound: John Roberts, Soundbyte Atlanta

Sound Production: Cathy Roberts, Soundbyte Atlanta 

Music: Sir Paul McCartney, The Beatles

In addition to Sir Paul, other notable supporters of Save the Chimps include Pink, Pamela Anderson, Alan Cumming, and Jane Goodall, who heads Save the Chimps’ Advisory Council.

Source: BCG BrightHouse

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