Microsoft Advertising announces creative storytelling awards

Microsoft has launched a creative storytelling contest– The Microsoft Advertising Story Awards (MSAs) – which invites marketers from 30 countries across the world to submit a campaign idea for a brand or non-profit of their choice using Microsoft Advertising’s storytelling platforms.

Announcing the awards, Neville Taraporewalla, country director, advertising and online, Microsoft said, “We have initiated this unique contest to highlight the wider focus of the business, which is to help brands step back from the clutter, and put storytelling back at the heart of marketing. We strive towards providing an international platform to the enormous amount of talent residing in India and are confident that entries from India will be innovative and engaging.”

Asked about the uniqueness of the contest, David Sable, global chief executive officer, Y&R said, “Unlike other awards, this is all about inspiring digital marketers to take their discipline back to its roots by developing fresh ideas that focus on reaching a target audience with a powerful story. We encourage anyone with a knack for great storytelling and a creative brain to pair up and throw their hat into the ring.”

The judges have been selected based on their professional prowess and knowledge of storytelling around the world. David Sable, global chief executive officer, Y&R will chair the global judging panel, which will also include Maria Luisa Francoli Plaza, global chief executive officer of MPG and Havas Media North America.

The jury panel for India comprises Anita Varma, director, Digital Driftwood; Florist Van Hjeist, general manager - marketing and operations at Microsoft Corporation (India); Pradyuman Maheshwari, editor-in-chief and chief executive officer, MxMIndia; Shantanu Sirohi, chief executive officer, Interactive Avenues; and, Tushar Vyas, managing partner, Group M (South Asia).

The last date for submission of local entries is 31 March. The winner of the India competition will advance to the global finals where two global winners will be crowned with the Global Microsoft Advertising Story Award for 2012. The winners will also be awarded a two-week long trip as Microsoft Advertising’s guests to the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity 2012 which is scheduled on 17-23 June in Cannes, France.

For more information on how to enter the competition, visit the Microsoft Advertising Story Awards website