Thousands Have Entered McDonald's First-Ever Online Global Casting Call, Nearly 10,000 Consumers from Around the World To Date Vying to be the New Faces of McDonald's Packaging

Oak Brook, Illinois, United States , 2006-02-05

Since April 3rd, McDonald's(R) has received nearly 10,000 entries to its first-ever online Global Casting Call from consumers around the world vying for the opportunity to be featured on McDonald's packaging and seen by 50 million people in more than 100 countries every day.

Consumers who would still like to join in have until May 31st to submit a personal story of what they love in 100 words or less and a digital photo capturing the essence of their story at www.mcdglobalcasting.com. The website is available in 16 languages. Up to 25 consumers will be chosen as McDonald's new packaging "stars" based on submissions that capture the "i'm lovin' it(TM)" spirit with themes of inspiration, passion and fun.

To date, entries demonstrating people's life passions have been received from more than 66 countries, including, Argentina, Australia, China, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Spain, and United Kingdom. Submissions to date include stories of skydiving in Venezuela, hiking in Canada, surfing in the United States, sailing in Japan, horseback riding in France, and many more inspiring accounts of what people love to do.

"It is not only the quantity of entries received but the quality that has been so impressive in the first month of McDonald's online Global Casting Call," said Mary Dillon, McDonald's Global Chief Marketing Officer. "This enthusiastic response demonstrates how this campaign connects with consumers worldwide and we can't wait to share the selected stories with our 50 million customers."

The cups and bags featuring the 25 new "stars" will be available in McDonald's restaurants around the world in 2007. These "stars" will join the ranks of famous faces that have been featured on McDonald's packaging, including Olympic athletes, tennis superstars Venus Williams and Serena Williams and basketball sensation Yao Ming. In August 2006, the selected "stars" will each receive an all-expense paid trip for them and a guest to London, England, complete with tours of the city, a celebration party and a photo shoot for the packaging with renowned lifestyle photographer, Nick Clements, who has worked with many world-famous celebrities.

For more information on McDonald's Global Casting Call and to view entries, visit www.mcdglobalcasting.com.

About McDonald's

McDonald's is the leading foodservice retailer with more than 30,000 local restaurants serving quality food to nearly 50 million customers in more than 100 countries each day. Approximately 70 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent, local men and women.

Contact

CONTACT: McDonald's Joanne Jacobs 630-623-7943 or 630-697-7346 (cellular) or GolinHarris Kim Todd 312-729-4295 or 312-310-4295 (cellular) , ,