McCann India Launches ‘Fresh Take 2026’ to Spotlight Emerging Ad Film Directors
McCann India has launched Fresh Take 2026, a talent initiative in partnership with D&AD and Mothership Productions to identify and support emerging ad film directors.
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McCann India announced Fresh Take 2026, a new talent initiative to find and develop the next generation of ad film directors in India.
The programme is developed in partnership with D&AD, the global authority on creative excellence and with Mothership Productions, one of India’s leading production and post-production houses. McCann India’s initiative aims to provide an opportunity to budding filmmakers to showcase their work and accelerate their careers in advertising and storytelling.
Directors within their first three years of directing are welcome to apply to Fresh Take 2026. Entries now open. Closes 10 July, 2026.
Creative Opportunity:
Participants may submit up to five works for directed projects between June 1, 2023 and June 30, 2026. The submissions should show the director’s creative voice, storytelling ability and filmmaking craft and all entries must have been made within the entrants’ first three years as a director.
The winner will receive a paid trip to the D&AD Festival 2027, one of the most important global events for the creative industry. The winning director will also be commissioned for two projects by McCann India within 12 months, which will provide hands-on experience and an opportunity to build a stronger commercial portfolio.
Emerging Filmmaker:
The two runners-up will also receive free access to D&AD’s online masterclass programme, Storytelling for Action, giving them the chance to further develop their skills through industry-led learning and mentorship.
Speaking about the initiative, Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, McCann India, said, “Discovering talent has always been a big part of the advertising industry. Over the last few years, we’ve increasingly leaned into the tried and tested. This is a small way for us to bring that spirit back and support young talent who may lead us into the future of storytelling and filmmaking.”
Donal Keenan, Chief Operating Officer, D&AD, said the partnership aligns with the organisation’s long-standing commitment to supporting emerging creative talent globally.
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“Supporting the next generation of up-and-coming talent is so important. We are delighted to partner with McCann India to continue championing and celebrating talent from the region, and we look forward to welcoming the winners to the D&AD Festival 2027,” he said.
Kashif Memon, Founder and Executive Producer, Mothership Productions, described the initiative as an opportunity to bring fresh voices into the spotlight.
“Fresh Take 2026 is designed to help agencies and young filmmakers discover largely unexplored creative talent while encouraging directors to demonstrate their ability to create work that resonates with audiences and delivers impact,” he said.
