Previously, A-B reimbursed agencies with a standard retainer. Now it will pay a set fee for specific projects, regardless of whether they take longer than previously agreed.
Other savings will be made within production, including set costs for certain projects and a disciplined approach to TV production -- emphasising on pre-shoot testing and not as much work on the cutting room floor.
Keith Levy, vice-president of marketing for A-B, said the company would be downsizing its roster and cutting ties with infrequently used agencies. According to the report in Advertising Age these could include Hill Holiday, Goodby Silverstein & Partners and Momentum Worldwide.
A-B's Budweiser account is handled by DDB, Chicago. Media and planning are handled internally.
Levy said: "It's more about 'Bill me by the project' vs. 'Bill me by the hour'. It's about redirecting budgets tied to retainers back to other parts of the business."
A-B was bought by InBev in July 2008 for £36bn, making the combined company the world's largest brewer.
Last week, it emerged that A-B's chief creative officer Bob Lachky was to step down from his role after 20 years with the company.