McCann India has launched “Fresh Take 2026,” an initiative to identify early-career ad film directors, developed in partnership with D&AD and Mothership Productions.
The program is open to directors within the first three years of their careers. Entries are open until July 10, 2026, with winners to be announced on August 7, 2026.
Entrants may submit up to five pieces of work directed between June 1, 2023, and June 30, 2026. Submissions are accepted via an online application form.
The winner will receive a paid trip to D&AD Festival 2027 and a commission for two projects at McCann India over a 12-month period. The two runners-up will receive access to D&AD Online Masterclasses in “Storytelling for Action.”
Entries will be evaluated by a jury of creative and production professionals from the advertising, filmmaking, and content sectors.
“Discovering talent had always been a big part of the advertising industry,” said Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, McCann India.
“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.”
“Supporting the next generation of up-and-coming talent is so important,” said Donal Keenan, COO, D&AD.
“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. I wish all entrants the very best of luck and look forward to seeing the winners at the D&AD Festival 2027.”
“Fresh Take 2026 is an eye-opener for agencies and budding ad filmmakers alike, built on McCann India’s scale and Mothership Productions’ mission to bring young talent to the fore,” said Kashif Memon, Founder & Executive Producer, Mothership Productions.
“This high-stakes award show forces the industry to notice young and largely unexplored voices, while challenging these relatively newer directors to win a paid trip to D&AD by proving they understand exactly what ticks and what sells. What’s not to love!”
