It’s Bigger Than Us: The Ad Industry’s Systemic Problems

The Industry’s Broken System

The inefficiencies in the ad industry aren’t just hurting individual brands—they’re hurting the entire ecosystem. It’s not just a client-side problem; it’s a systemic issue affecting everyone in the creative process.

When I first realized how broken the traditional agency model was, my instinct was to fix it. But the more I looked into it, the clearer it became that this problem was bigger than any one agency or brand. The inefficiencies we face in ad production are part of a much larger, systemic problem within the entire industry.

It starts with the way agencies are structured. For decades, agencies have operated on a bloated, multi-layered system that’s built to maximize their own profits—not to serve the client’s needs. They add more people, more processes, and more fees at every turn, creating unnecessary complexity that slows everything down. As a result, we have an industry where the actual creative process—coming up with ideas and bringing them to life—takes a backseat to managing bureaucracy.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just agencies that are complicit in this. Production companies, vendors, and even clients have all gotten used to this system. It’s become the standard operating procedure. Everyone knows the process is inefficient, but no one wants to disrupt it because there’s too much money at stake.

Changing the System

That’s why this problem is bigger than any one of us. Fixing the inefficiencies in ad production requires a complete overhaul of how the industry operates. It requires a new way of thinking about the relationship between creative and production, one that prioritizes collaboration and efficiency over profit margins and bureaucracy.

At Wild Gravity, we’ve made it our mission to push back against this broken system. By bringing creative and production together under one roof, we’ve eliminated the need for multiple layers of management. We’ve cut down on costs and time, and we’ve created a process that’s more collaborative and streamlined. It’s not just about making better ads—it’s about fixing the system for everyone involved.

Join the Change

Tired of the inefficiencies in the ad industry? In Hacking Advertising, I dive into how we can fix the systemic problems plaguing the industry and create a more streamlined, creative future. The book is being published by Inc. Press and launches in Spring 2025—sign up for my newsletter at www.hackingadvertising.com to get insider tips and Early Bird discounts!