In today’s fast-moving content world, brands are constantly trying to find the sweet spot between quality and speed. Traditional video production can be time-consuming and expensive. But relying entirely on AI can sometimes feel flat or inconsistent. That’s where hybrid productions come in.
Blending live-action footage with AI-generated visuals, hybrid workflows are helping creative teams deliver high-quality promotional videos, video advertising services, and custom marketing videos faster and more affordably than ever.
What Is a Hybrid Production?
A hybrid production uses a mix of real-world filming and AI tools to create dynamic content. Instead of choosing between handcrafted or generated, you use both, combining the authenticity of live-action with the flexibility and scalability of AI.
This approach is now being used to produce everything from landing page video content and product advertising to fashion brand videos, beauty brand commercials, and automotive ads.
A Perfect Example: Who Says Cars Can’t Dream
A standout example of this technique is Who Says Cars Can’t Dream, a visually stunning spot by Ben Tricklebank and Erich Joiner. The video features the Land Rover Defender traversing snowy peaks and rugged landscapes, blending real driving footage with AI-enhanced dream sequences.
Instead of relying fully on AI, the creators used a hybrid workflow. Live-action gave the vehicle weight and presence, while AI, powered by tools like Runway, MidJourney, and Kling, built surreal backdrops and flowing transitions. About 50 percent of the visuals came from AI tools, which allowed for faster creative exploration and cinematic results without the traditional cost of VFX-heavy production.
It’s a perfect example of what AI-powered creative ad solutions can look like when used with intent and taste.
AI Is Making VFX More Accessible
Visual effects are usually the most expensive part of any video production. Generating environments, stylized motion, or world-building sequences often requires large teams and long post-production timelines.
AI changes that. With generative tools, studios can now create atmospheric backgrounds, stylized motion graphics, and imaginative visual flourishes at a fraction of the cost. This is especially useful for brands that need high-quality visual storytelling, but don’t have blockbuster budgets.
From software product videos and app explainer content, to clothing brand promo videos and health and wellness brand campaigns, AI helps push visuals that used to be out of reach.
Why Brands and Agencies Are Choosing Hybrid Workflows
More branding and advertising agencies are leaning into hybrid workflows because they offer flexibility without compromising on quality. You can film the core of a story — a person, a product, a vehicle — and then use AI to elevate the visuals, fill in the world, or test multiple directions.
This allows teams to iterate faster, create videos to increase conversions, and build out full campaign ecosystems across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and connected TV.
Hybrid workflows also support retargeting ad videos and UGC-style content, enabling you to remix and repurpose assets more efficiently than traditional pipelines.
The Takeaway
Hybrid productions are more than a trend. They’re a practical solution for modern creative teams who want to do more without overspending. When used strategically, AI becomes a creative multiplier, helping brands stand out with content that feels bold, premium, and deeply original.
At Funky Frames, we specialize in hybrid creative production. We combine live-action talent with cutting-edge AI tools to craft professional video content, creative ad campaigns, and visuals that actually convert. If your brand wants to break free from boring, we’re ready when you are.
