Australian musician Ben Lee has launched the music video for his new single 'Song For the Divine Mother of the Universe', in collaboration with WWF-Australia and Leo Burnett Sydney.

The music video has been created to highlight the devastating impact the human race could have on the planet, unless a more meaningful, healthier and sustainable way of life is adopted to help preserve its future.

The video follows the emotional journey of a chimpanzee launched into space as part of a space
exploration program.

In a dramatic twist, the chimp returns to earth after floating in space for 65 years. Sadly, the earth he returns to is nothing like the one he left.

According to Lee -- a passionate environmentalist -- the project presented him with a unique
opportunity to help promote an issue close to his heart.

"I really wanted to convey the message that we only have one planet and it deserves a future. For
me, it was important to create an emotional story that struck a chord. Hopefully people watching are made to consider the potential consequences of their actions on the planet.

“Because we are presented with a scenario set in the future, the message is ultimately one of hope, promoting the fact we actually have a chance to make a difference, but must act today and live for one planet."

After its 2009 collaboration on ‘Vote Earth’ for Earth Hour 2009, Leo Burnett and Ben Lee began discussing the prospects of developing a music video together, which he was happy to undertake given the cause.

"We thought that a collaboration with Ben -- a high profile figure who is both talented and passionate about the environment -- was a perfect fit," said Lawrence Hennessy, WWF's national marketing manager.

"WWF is a global conservation organisation that lives by the motto For a Living Planet in every
country we're found in. Ben’s music video brings successfully brings home this message.”

Leo Burnett creative director Andy DiLallo said: “The idea of a chimpanzee returning to earth after 65 years lost in space is definitely not what you expect as part of an environmental message."

"The right music was crucial to capture the emotion we needed, which is where Ben Lee was perfect in helping bring the story to life. It’s a story that by nature is very cinematic, so it was a strong fit for both a music video and longer format film,” says DiLallo.

Leo Burnett’s creative team Michael Canning and Kieran Antill said the company wanted to create
the ‘Space Monkey’ music video to try to begin to change the way people think about the
environment.

“Terms like ‘sustainability’ and ‘planet’ can sound a bit scientific and impersonal respectively, so we wanted to re-define the issue in a way that struck an emotional chord with people instead.”

The music video 'Song For the Divine Mother of the Universe', directed by Steve Rogers at Revolver Films, will air nationally on major music broadcasts from May 3, 2010.

http://themonkeyreturns.com/