In recent years, the commercial production industry has undergone significant transformation. With shrinking budgets and increased pressure to maximize value, advertising agencies are shifting their approach. One of the most notable trends in 2025 is the rise of the combined bid — a single package that encompasses both production and post-production services. Traditionally, these two phases were handled by separate entities, but this new trend is reshaping the industry and redefining efficiency and creativity.

The economic landscape has pushed advertising agencies to scrutinize every dollar spent. Key factors contributing to reduced budgets include:

Brands are allocating more resources to digital platforms, which often require smaller, more frequent campaigns rather than large, one-off productions.

With the rise of in-house creative teams and boutique agencies, production companies face tighter margins.

The demand for shorter, snackable content means fewer high-budget, long-format commercials.

This budget pressure has driven agencies to seek out innovative ways to streamline costs without compromising quality — giving rise to the combined bid.

A combined bid integrates both production and post-production services into a single package offered by a single production company. Instead of hiring separate vendors for shooting and editing, agencies collaborate with production houses that handle everything from pre-production planning to final delivery.

1. Cost Efficiency

By consolidating services, agencies can reduce redundancies and cut costs.

• Traditional Model:
  Hiring separate production and post-production teams often involves overlapping budgets for administrative tasks, separate markups, and logistical inefficiencies.
• Combined Model:Streamlined communication and a unified workflow minimize overhead and ensure every dollar is spent on-screen.
  

2. Streamlined Workflow

The combined bid allows for seamless collaboration between production and post-production teams. Editors and colorists can be involved early, offering insights during the shoot to avoid costly reshoots. A single point of contact ensures smoother communication and fewer delays.

3. Creative Consistency

When the same team handles both production and post-production, the creative vision remains intact throughout.
Directors and editors work closely to maintain storytelling cohesion.

Agencies benefit from a unified look and feel, aligning perfectly with their brand strategy.

While the combined bid offers many advantages, it’s not without its challenges:

Tradition vs. Change:

Many agencies are accustomed to working with specialized vendors for each stage of production. Adapting to a single-provider model requires a mindset shift.

Capacity Issues: 

Not all production companies have the infrastructure to offer high-quality post-production services in-house. Agencies must vet potential partners carefully.

Risk of Monotony: 

Without diverse creative input, there’s a risk of work feeling formulaic. Agencies should look for production houses with a proven track record of versatility.

To stay competitive in this evolving landscape, production companies are investing heavily in post production capabilities. Key strategies include:

1. Building In-House Teams
From hiring experienced editors and colorists to acquiring state-of-the-art editing suites, production companies are ensuring they can deliver post-production services that rival specialized studios.

2. Expanding Technology
Many companies are leveraging AI tools and cloud based communication platforms to streamline workflows and improve turnaround times.

3. Strengthening Client Relationships
By offering an all-in-one solution, production houses can position themselves as long-term partners rather than one-off vendors.

As advertising agencies continue to face budgetary constraints, the combined bid is poised to become the norm rather than the exception. Here’s what to expect:

Increased Demand for Hybrid Talent:
Companies will seek individuals skilled in both production and post-production to further streamline processes.

Enhanced Collaboration:
Integrated teams will adopt tools and workflows that foster greater collaboration between creative and technical departments.

More Value-Driven Decisions:
Agencies will prioritize partners who can deliver measurable ROI through combined services.

The rise of the combined bid reflects the industry’s commitment to innovation and efficiency. By merging production and post-production under one roof, agencies and production companies can maximize value, maintain creative integrity, and adapt to an ever-changing landscape.Is your agency ready to embrace this new trend? Partner with Aris to experience the benefits of seamless production and post-production. Let’s create impactful content together.