The Bear

The Bear is a full-service production company led by women and has won an Emmy award, founded by directors Ben Steinbauer and Berndt Mader. We focus on creating commercials and branded content for well-known brands, collaborating with talents like Richard Linklater, David Gordon Green, and the Austin Film Society. Our company is committed to nurturing directing talent, boasting a roster of passionate directors eager to discover opportunities. Reflecting the eclectic vibe of our city, our work spans a variety of styles. Whether it's a 30-second commercial, a feature film, a branded documentary, or anything in between, we excel in storytelling infused with humor and emotion. We are particularly recognized for our cult classic comedy documentaries, including Winnebago Man (directed by Steinbauer), Chop & Steele (directed by both Steinbauer and Mader), the indie feature Prince Avalanche (directed by Green), Yeti’s Soul of a City (directed by Mader), and the “C’Mon Ted!” political campaign (directed by Linklater). Our Executive Producer and visionary leader, Elizabeth Spiva, brings over 20 years of experience collaborating with directors, agencies, clients, post houses, and production companies. With her guidance, The Bear has become a formidable entity in the industry. We cherish both clever bear puns and fruitful collaborations. We can’t wait to embark on a new project with you!