Mumbai: McCann India has announced the launch of Fresh Take 2026, a new initiative designed to discover, support and accelerate the careers of emerging ad film directors shaping the future of Indian advertising.
Developed in collaboration with D&AD, the globally recognised authority on creative excellence, and Mothership Productions, one of India’s leading production and post-production companies, the programme aims to create opportunities for promising filmmakers to gain industry exposure and access real commercial work.
Fresh Take 2026 is open to ad film directors who are within the first three years of their directorial journey.
Entries are now open and will remain open until Friday, July 10, 2026.
Participants are invited to submit up to five pieces of work directed between June 1, 2023 and June 30, 2026, showcasing their storytelling ability, creative perspective and craft. Eligible submissions must have been created during the entrant’s first three years as a director.
Applications can be submitted through the official Fresh Take 2026 entry form.
The selected winner will receive a paid trip to the D&AD Festival 2027, gaining access to one of the world’s most influential platforms for creative talent and industry leadership.
In addition, the winner will be commissioned for two projects with McCann India over a 12-month period, providing hands-on commercial experience and the opportunity to strengthen their professional portfolio.
Two runners-up will receive complimentary access to D&AD Online Masterclasses: Storytelling for Action, enabling further skill development through global learning experiences and mentorship.
Speaking about Fresh Take 2026, Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, McCann India said, “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, COO, D&AD, said, “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. I wish all entrants the very best of luck and look forward to seeing the winners at the D&AD Festival 2027.”
Kashif Memon, Founder & Executive Producer, Mothership Productions added, “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. 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!”
Entries will be reviewed by a jury comprising leading professionals from the advertising, filmmaking and content ecosystem.
Programme Timeline:
Submission Deadline: Friday, July 10, 2026
Winners Announcement: Friday, August 7, 2026
Entries can be submitted through the official Fresh Take 2026 Form: https://forms.gle/PfDUsfB5H1zgxo9q7
