Microsoft Advertising launches Global Creative Storytelling Contest

Microsoft Advertising launches Global Creative Storytelling Contest

Neville Taraporewalla

MUMBAI: Software giant Microsoft has announced the launch of a creative storytelling contest -The Microsoft Advertising Story Awards (MSAs) - which invites marketers from 30 countries across the world, including India, to submit a campaign idea for a brand or nonprofit of their choice, using Microsoft Advertising‘s storytelling platforms.

Marketers are asked to submit a hypothetical digital media plan and creative idea for the brand or nonprofit of their choice that addresses a "key business challenge" for that organisation‘s 2012 or 2013 calendar year. The contest does not judge work that has already been executed and challenges marketers across the globe to tell a brand‘s story using Microsoft Advertising technology and solutions including MSN, Mobile, Windows Live, Xbox and Messenger to solve real marketing challenges.

Microsoft India country director advertising and online Neville Taraporewalla said, "At Microsoft Advertising, we have initiated this 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."

Y&R global chief executive Officer David Sable added, "It 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."