The Bear is a woman-led, Emmy-winning commercial production company based in Austin, Texas, shooting around the globe. Directors Ben Steinbauer and Berndt Mader founded The Bear in 2007, and Executive Producer Elizabeth Spiva, our fearless leader with 20+ years of experience, runs the den.
We make TV and streaming commercials, branded content, documentaries and stop-motion animation for brands like Capital One, Budweiser, TikTok, YETI, Whataburger, Tito's, Whole Foods, Southwest Airlines and Academy Sports + Outdoors, with agencies including GSD&M, McGarrah Jessee, Bandolier and Preacher.
Recent work includes Academy's campaign that aired during FOX's 2026 FIFA World Cup coverage and Roto-Rooter's stop-motion holiday spot "North Pole," which won a Gold ADDY and Judge's Choice at the 2024 Austin ADDYs. Berndt Mader won a 2011 Daytime Emmy for the Disney Channel spot "The Time I... Got 322 Pairs of Shoes."
We're best known for our cult comedy documentaries, Winnebago Man and Chop & Steele, and we've collaborated with Richard Linklater, David Gordon Green and the Austin Film Society. Like the city we call home, our work is eclectic, and we tell stories with humor and heart. The only thing we love more than a bear pun is a great collaboration.
"The team met deadlines and exceeded our creative expectations."
Nov 3, 2026
Co-Owner & Creative Director, Bandolier Media
George Ellis
Verified
Advertising & marketing
Austin, Texas
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Verified
The Bear produced an animated commercial for a creative agency. The project involved real claymation mixed with animated effects based on a holiday script.
The Bear delivered a successful commercial that was recognized by industry news and won a Gold Addy. The Bear's team met deadlines and creative expectations. The client praised the vendor's creativity.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Co-Owner, Creative Director of Bandolier Media
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
We're a creative agency producing content and commercials for brands.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Bear to accomplish?
Create a memorable Christmas commercial for Roto-Rooter
SOLUTION
How did you find The Bear?
Existing Connection
Why did you select The Bear over others?
Pricing fit our budget
Great culture fit
How many teammates from The Bear were assigned to this project?
2-5 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
We engaged The Bear to produce a memorable animated commercial for Roto-Rooter based on a holiday script we developed. It involved real claymation mixed with animated effects.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Simply put, the commercial was a hit. The client loved it. Consumers loved it. And it was recognized by industry news like Creativity and Adweek. It also won a Gold Addy. But the most important thing is that it delivered the exact outcome we hoped for: an instant classic commercial that the client will run every Christmas.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
The team met deadlines and exceeded our creative expectations.
What was your primary form of communication with The Bear?
In-Person Meeting
Virtual Meeting
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
Creativity!
Are there any areas for improvement or something The Bear could have done differently?
I can't think of any way the team could have improved. Flawless project.
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