McCann India has announced the launch of Fresh Take 2026, a new platform designed to accelerate the careers of early‑stage ad film directors. Developed in partnership with D&AD and Mothership Productions, the initiative seeks to spotlight fresh creative voices and provide them with industry exposure, learning opportunities, and access to live commercial projects.
The programme is open to directors within the first three years of their careers, offering them a chance to showcase their storytelling and filmmaking abilities. Participants can submit up to five pieces of work created between 1 June 2023 and 30 June 2026, with entries closing on 10 July 2026. Submissions will be reviewed by a jury of professionals from advertising, filmmaking, and content creation, ensuring that the evaluation reflects both creative and commercial sensibilities.
The winner of Fresh Take 2026 will receive a paid trip to the prestigious D&AD Festival 2027 and will be commissioned for two projects at McCann India over a 12‑month period. Two runners‑up will gain complimentary access to D&AD’s online masterclass programme, Storytelling for Action, equipping them with tools to refine their craft and expand their industry knowledge.
Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer at McCann India, emphasised the importance of rediscovering new talent in the industry. “Discovering talent had always been a big part of the advertising industry. We’ve discovered and given good talent to a lot of other creative industries. But over the last few years, we’ve started leaning increasingly into the tried and tested. This is a small way for us to bring back the same. Young talent who may lead us into the future of storytelling and film making.”
Donal Keenan of D&AD echoed this sentiment, highlighting the global importance of nurturing emerging talent. “Supporting the next generation of up‑and‑coming talent is so important. It’s valuable work that D&AD delivers very well across its learning and talent programmes globally, so we are delighted to partner with McCann in India to continue to champion and celebrate talent from the region.”
Kashif Memon of Mothership Productions added that the initiative aims to bring new creative voices into the spotlight, giving young directors a platform to demonstrate their understanding of storytelling and commercial filmmaking.
The winners of Fresh Take 2026 will be announced on 7 August 2026, marking a significant milestone for India’s advertising industry as it continues to invest in the next generation of creative leaders.
McCann India has launched Fresh Take 2026, a platform for early‑career ad film directors, in partnership with D&AD and Mothership Productions. Open until 10 July, the programme offers winners industry projects and global exposure, aiming to nurture new creative voices and strengthen India’s role in shaping future storytelling.
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