McCann India launches Fresh Take 2026 to discover emerging ad film directors

MUMBAI: McCann India has unveiled Fresh Take 2026, a new talent discovery platform aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of Indian advertising film directors.

Created in partnership with D&AD and Mothership Productions, the initiative is designed to give emerging directors a chance to showcase their work, gain industry recognition and accelerate their careers through mentorship and real-world commercial opportunities.

The programme is open to ad film directors within the first three years of their directing careers. Participants can submit up to five pieces of work created between June 1, 2023 and June 30, 2026, provided the projects were produced during the director’s first three years behind the camera.

Entries are open now and will be accepted until July 10, 2026, with winners set to be announced on August 7, 2026.

The winning director will receive a paid trip to the D&AD Festival 2027, one of the world’s most influential gatherings of creative professionals. In addition, the winner will be commissioned for two projects with McCann India over a 12-month period, providing valuable commercial experience and portfolio-building opportunities.

Two runners-up will receive complimentary access to D&AD’s online masterclass programme, Storytelling for Action, offering advanced training and exposure to industry best practices.

Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, McCann India chief creative officer Rahul Mathew said the industry needed to rediscover its appetite for backing emerging talent.

“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,” said Mathew.

D&AD chief operating officer Donal Keenan said supporting new creative voices remains central to the organisation’s mission.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mothership Productions founder and executive producer Kashif Memon described the initiative as a platform that will shine a spotlight on overlooked creative voices while challenging them to prove their storytelling and commercial instincts.

Submissions will be evaluated by a jury comprising senior professionals from the advertising, filmmaking and content industries, with a focus on creative vision, storytelling ability and craft.

As brands increasingly seek distinctive voices and fresh perspectives, Fresh Take 2026 aims to ensure the industry’s next breakout director gets more than just a shot at recognition. They get a pathway into the business.