Top Video Production Companies in the United States
Video has become the default format for almost every marketing surface — paid social, YouTube, sales enablement, brand films, product launches, and increasingly, AI-driven personalization. The right U.S. video production company brings the strategic instinct to know what kind of video the work actually needs (a high-production brand film versus a fast, native-feeling social cut versus a polished explainer) along with the production capacity to ship it on time.
The best firms also bring distribution thinking — building shoots that yield 30 cuts and crops instead of one finished video, because that's what modern channel mixes demand. Clutch helps you compare top U.S. video production companies through verified client reviews, portfolios, and pricing data. Filter by budget, industry, and video type, and explore related directories:
• Top Video Production Companies
• Video Production Companies in Los Angeles
• Video Production Companies in Chicago
• Video Production Companies in New York
• U.S. Video Production Companies for Advertising & Marketing
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 172 projectsSparkhouse is a distinguished multimedia production company specializing in videography, video editing, and corporate video production. With an impressive 100% positive feedback from clients, Sparkhouse is praised for its effective communication, timely delivery, and high-quality output. Approximately 30% of reviews commend their seamless project management, and around 20% highlight their capacity to produce cinematic and visually appealing video content.
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 17 projectsBLACKBIRD PRODUCTIONS is a multimedia production company specializing in videography, video editing, and corporate video production, offering comprehensive services from cinematography to post-production. With a 100% positive feedback rate, clients consistently praise their flexibility, professionalism, and timely delivery, emphasizing their ability to accommodate changes and provide high-quality visual content suited for various digital and social media platforms.
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 18 projectsGardner Productions Group is a professional multimedia production company excelling in Video Production, Film Editing and Production, and Corporate Video Production. With 100% positive feedback, clients consistently praise their high-quality assets, timely delivery, and exceptional project management. The company's strong culture fit and adaptability have made them a preferred choice for creative commercials and brand awareness initiatives.
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$1,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Elizabeth, NJ
Services provided
Ruah Creative House, a video production company, was established in 2024. Headquartered in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the team offers Video Production and Marketing Strategy.
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Undisclosed$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Casper, WY
Services provided
Wedit is a small Casper, Wyoming-based video production agency. Their services include Video Production.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 12 projectsThink Branded Media is a video production company that excels in creating high-quality multimedia content, including corporate video production, cinematography, and video editing. Overall, 100% of reviewers praised their creativity, professionalism, and efficient project management. Notably, 70% mentioned their ability to deliver impressive results under tight deadlines, and 60% highlighted their collaborative approach and adaptability to client needs.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 4 projectsTakt/Studios is a multimedia production firm specializing in video production, videography, and video editing services. With a 100% positive feedback rate from reviewers, the company is praised for its attention to detail, creative excellence, and strong project management. Clients commend Takt/Studios for delivering high-quality, impactful video content that aligns with their brand identity and communication goals.
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 62 projectsCasual is a multimedia production company specializing in video production services, including motion graphics, videography, and post-production. They are recognized for their creativity, professionalism, and ability to produce high-quality deliverables across various industries, with 100% of reviews highlighting their exceptional project management and flexibility. Clients consistently praise their culture fit, responsiveness, and the impressive quality of the final products.
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Undisclosed$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Liberty Lake, WA
Services provided
Caleb Malen Films is a small video production agency launched in 2021. Their team offers Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Tampa, FL
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Video production company Alpas Films was founded in 2022. The agency offers Video Production and Content Marketing, and is small.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9San Francisco, CA
Services provided
Video production company eIMAGE specializes in Video Production and Advertising. They are headquartered in San Francisco, California.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hrFreelancerUnion, MO
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Xranker Pro Video Marketing, a Content Marketing and video production company, was established in 2017. Located in Union, Missouri, the team provides Content Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Pawtucket, RI
Services provided
Focus Forward Media, Inc., a video production agency, was founded in 2017. The team offers Video Production and Branding and is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 10 projects5 Pound Media is a multimedia production company specializing in video production services, including videography, video editing, and corporate video production. Across their reviews, 5 Pound Media consistently receives positive feedback, with approximately 95% of clients praising their creativity, professionalism, and efficient project management. Clients frequently highlight their ability to deliver high-quality video content on time and within budget, with 60% mentioning their adaptability and effective communication.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 52 projectsOrigin Films is a distinguished multimedia production company specializing in videography, film production, and corporate video production. They consistently receive positive feedback, with 100% of reviews highlighting their exceptional project management and creative storytelling capabilities. Notably, 85% of reviewers commend their ability to enhance brand visibility and engagement through visually compelling video content. Overall, clients appreciate their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail.
$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 16 projectsSIERRA Production House is a multimedia production company specializing in video production, cinematography, and post-production services. Reviews show an 85% positive feedback rating, highlighting effective project management, clear communication, and cultural fit, with 80% of reviewers noting their ability to deliver high-quality video content on time. Some feedback suggests room for improvement in proactivity and client relationship authenticity.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Santa Monica, CA
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Storyboards Inc is an Advertising company. They offer Advertising and Branding and were founded in 1979. The firm is located in Santa Monica, California.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Washington, DC
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Launched in 1989, zcomm is a small PR firm. Their team specializes in Public Relations and Social Media Marketing.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 43 projectsBrandefy is a multimedia production company renowned for its expertise in video production, videography, and corporate video production. Clients commend their professionalism, creativity, and adaptive approach, with 100% of reviews highlighting their ability to meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality results. Their collaborative approach and attention to detail are frequently praised, making them a trusted partner for diverse video production needs.
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 14 projectsZero One Digital Media is a video production company specializing in multimedia production, video editing, and corporate video production. The company is consistently praised for its professionalism and high-quality work, with 100% of reviewers highlighting its collaborative and responsive approach. Their expertise in video production, from cinematography to post-production services, is frequently commended, making them a trusted partner for various complex projects.
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 35 projectsFeel Right Inc. is a distinguished video production company specializing in Corporate Video Production, Film Editing and Production, and Video Post Production services. With a 100% positive feedback rate, clients commend their high-quality outputs and proactive project management. Remarkable strengths include creative script development and professional cinematography, with 90% of reviewers highlighting their outstanding communication and collaboration abilities.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Tulsa, OK
Services provided
GuRuStu is a web design company. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the team offers Web Design and Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Virginia Beach, VA
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Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Focus DMG is a small SEO agency. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Video Production.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 15 projectsMinifridge Media is a multimedia production company specializing in video production, videography, and video editing services. Clients consistently praise their professionalism, creativity, and project management skills, resulting in a 100% positive feedback rate across reviews. Many reviews highlight their ability to manage complex shoots efficiently and the strong client satisfaction with the final video outputs.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Boston, MA
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Northern Light Productions is a graphic design company established in 1982. The team offers Graphic Design and Video Production and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Norfolk, VA
Services provided
Small Advertising company Sway Creative Labs, is located in Norfolk, Virginia. The team offers Advertising and Print Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Philadelphia, PA
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MEE Productions Inc. Is a small SEO services firm. Launched in 1999, the team offers Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Cumming, GA
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Tkt Consulting LLC is a web design company. Launched in 2001, the agency is located in Cumming, Georgia. Their team offers Web Design and Web Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Waypoint L.A., an Advertising company, is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. They offer Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Advertising company Paradise Creative was founded in 2016. The company provides Advertising and Broadcast Video, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Culver City, CA
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Redbird Group is a branding company. Located in Culver City, California, the firm was established in 1996. Their team specializes in Branding and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Anchorage, AK
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IMIG Audio Video, a small Advertising company, is based in Anchorage, Alaska. Their services include Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Calabasas, CA
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Branding firm Mile 9 was launched in 1995. The company offers Branding and Event Marketing, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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See all 1 projectsClutch Studios provides comprehensive IT system solutions, including full system rebuilds, server capacity enhancements, software integration, and UI improvements. The reviews highlight their exceptional knowledge, effective workflow, and significant impact on client capacity and capabilities, demonstrating their expertise and professionalism. Clients have consistently praised their deep understanding and impressive project execution.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Grand Rapids, MI
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Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, RCP Marketing is a small branding agency. Their services include Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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FLIRT Communications, LLC is an Event Marketing company. Established in 2008, the company is based in Chicago, Illinois. Their team provides Event Marketing and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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XA, The Experiential Agency, Inc. Is a small Chicago, Illinois-based branding firm. The team offers Branding and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Torrance, CA
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Launched in 1980, SooHoo Designers is an Advertising company. The company provides Advertising and Branding, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Matte Black is a branding company. The Los Angeles, California-based team focuses on Branding and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Tacoma, WA
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Olive Group Strategic Marketing Agency is a small Corporate Photography company. They focus on Corporate Photography and Business Consulting and were founded in 2004.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Costa Mesa, CA
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Robinson Hill Architecture, Inc. Is an Architectural Design company. Founded in 1998, the team focuses on Architectural Design and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Topeka, KS
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The C-Team Studios, LLC is a graphic design company. Launched in 2001, the firm is located in Topeka, Kansas. Their team provides Graphic Design and IT strategy consulting.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Clancy, MT
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Video Express Production Inc is an Advertising company launched in 1984. Their services include Advertising and Broadcast Video.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Maple Grove, MN
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Blue 42 is a graphic design agency founded in 2013. Based in Maple Grove, Minnesota, the team offers Graphic Design and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Las Vegas, NV
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New Patients, Inc, a SEO services firm, was established in 1989. The small team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Rio Rancho, NM
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CliffDweller Digital, a SEO services firm, was established in 2002. They specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Des Moines, IA
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Canoe There is a web design company. The Des Moines, Iowa-based agency was launched in 2014. Their services include Web Design and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Newark, NJ
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DreamPlay Media is a video production company. Their small team is in Newark, New Jersey. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Milford, MA
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Glasshouse Media Inc is an Advertising company based in Milford, Massachusetts. Established in 2011, the team offers Advertising and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Quincy, MA
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GLP Creative is a small Advertising company located in Quincy, Massachusetts. The team specializes in Advertising and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Quincy, MA
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MerlinOne is an artificial intelligence company located in Quincy, Massachusetts. They provide Artificial Intelligence and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Moline, IL
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Silver Oaks Communications is a video production company. Established in 1983, the company offers Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Raleigh, NC
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Launched in 2009, Creative Allies is a small Raleigh, North Carolina-based graphic design company. Their team offers Graphic Design and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Hawthorne, CA
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Rocket Studio, an Advertising company, provide Advertising and Broadcast Video. They were launched in 2002.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Pewaukee, WI
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Small SEO company Beyond Private Label, is in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. The team provides Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Established in 1995, RR Productions is a small Corporate Photography company. Their services include Corporate Photography and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49High Point, NC
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Corporate Photography company Albion Associates Inc. Was founded in 1990. The company offers Corporate Photography and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Richardson, TX
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The Halsey Group, LLC is an AR/VR development company headquartered in Richardson, Texas. The team offers AR/VR development and Corporate Training & Coaching.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49McLean, VA
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ITalkBB Media is an Advertising company. They focus on Advertising and Marketing Strategy and were established in 2013. The company is located in McLean, Virginia.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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FirstLine Creative & Media, LLC is an Atlanta, Georgia-based branding firm. They specialize in Branding and Event Marketing and were founded in 1989.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Sisu, Inc. Is an Advertising company. Their team is in Los Angeles, California. The agency offers Advertising and UX/UI Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New York, NY
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Based in New York, New York, Marketing Thru Graphics is a branding agency. The team provides Branding and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Salinas, CA
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Advertising company TMD (The Marketing Department, Inc.) was launched in 1999. The team offers Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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List of the Top 15 United States Video Production Companies
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Costa Mesa, CA
Ability to deliver
39.7/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Brooklyn, NY
Ability to deliver
38.3/40.018.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
Ability to deliver
37.4/40.017.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Video Production25% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Miami, FL
Ability to deliver
37/40.017.4/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Oakland, CA
Ability to deliver
36.5/40.018/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
95% Video Production5% Other -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Walnut Creek, CA
Ability to deliver
36.5/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Video Production20% Other -
$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
36.4/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Video Production20% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Encinitas, CA
Ability to deliver
36.4/40.017.2/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Huntington Beach, CA
Ability to deliver
36.3/40.017.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
Ability to deliver
36.1/40.017.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
95% Video Production5% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Irvine, CA
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Somerville, MA
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.016.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Bethesda, MD
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.019.2/20 Reviews9.9/10 Clients & Experience6.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Video Production25% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Santa Monica, CA
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.017.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.016.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Video Production20% Other -
$50,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
35.8/40.017/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Denver, CO
Ability to deliver
35.8/40.017.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9San Francisco, CA
Ability to deliver
35.8/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$1,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
Ability to deliver
35.7/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.1/10 Market PresenceService focus
85% Video Production15% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Baltimore, MD
Ability to deliver
35.7/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.1/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$1,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Englewood, CO
Ability to deliver
35.6/40.016.6/20 Reviews9.3/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
35.5/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Video Production35% Other -
$5,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Inglewood, CA
Ability to deliver
35.5/40.015.8/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
85% Video Production15% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Brooklyn, NY
Ability to deliver
35.4/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience7.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Sausalito, CA
Ability to deliver
35.3/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$25,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
35.3/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Orlando, FL
Ability to deliver
37/40.018/20 Reviews9.3/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Video Production50% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Covina, CA
Ability to deliver
35.2/40.015.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Video Production25% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Austin, TX
Ability to deliver
35.2/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production
Latest Video Production Articles
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U.S. Video Production FAQs
A full video production engagement typically covers some or all of:
- Pre-production — concept development, scriptwriting, storyboarding, location scouting, casting, scheduling
- Production — the shoot itself; directors, DPs, camera and lighting crews, sound, talent direction
- Post-production — editing, color grading, sound design, motion graphics, VFX
- Animation and motion design — 2D/3D animation, explainer videos, motion graphics for non-live-action content
- Distribution-ready cuts — producing the multiple aspect ratios and durations modern channels demand
Some firms cover end-to-end; others specialize in a phase (production-only houses that shoot for agencies, post-only houses that finish what others shoot, animation-only studios). Make sure to match firm scope to whether you need a one-stop partner or a specialist plugging into your existing workflow.
Based on data gathered by our team through client reviews and case studies, the typical timeline for video production goes for:
- Social-first content (creator-style or simple shoots): 2–4 weeks
- Explainer or animated video (60–120 seconds): 4–8 weeks
- Brand film or commercial (high production value, single deliverable): 6–12 weeks
- Campaign with multiple deliverables (hero film + cutdowns + social): 10–16 weeks
- Documentary or content series: 3–9 months
The slowest part is usually pre-production (concept approvals, talent booking, location coordination). Build in stakeholder review windows realistically — last-minute creative pivots after the shoot are extremely expensive.
Based on Clutch pricing data, video production has unusually wide pricing variance because budgets reflect production value as much as deliverable count:
- Social-first or creator-style content: $2,500 – $15,000 per finished piece
- Explainer videos (animated, 60–120 seconds): $10,000 – $50,000
- Brand films and commercials (live-action, mid-tier production): $25,000 – $150,000
- High-production commercials (national-scale, premium talent and locations): $150,000 – $1M+
- Ongoing content retainers: typically $10,000 – $75,000 pet month for steady production cadence
Some pricing fundamentals to keep in mind are location and talent; they drive costs more than equipment. Additionally, post-production scales with creative complexity, not just minute count, and revisions outside the agreed scope are where budgets balloon.
Filter your options on these three factors — portfolio match for the specific kind of video you need, production scale appropriate to your budget, and creative chemistry with the director.
- Portfolio match matters because video production firms are stylistic; a documentary-style firm shoots differently than a commercial firm or an animation studio.
- Production scale appropriate to budget means pairing a $40,000 explainer with a $40,000-tier production house, not a national-commercial shop slumming.
- Creative chemistry with the director is the single biggest predictor of whether the final cut feels right; the director is the creative author, and you'll be in working sessions with them for weeks.
Also ask: how the firm handles revisions and scope changes, what's included versus billed separately (music licensing, talent buyouts, location fees), and what the rights structure looks like for finished work.
- One-size-fits-all reels. A firm whose work all looks identical either has a strong stylistic preference (which may not fit you) or doesn't actually customize to client needs.
- Vague pricing without scope clarity. "It depends" is fine as a starting answer; "we'll figure it out as we go" is a recipe for budget surprises. Reputable firms can quote against a tight scope.
- Reluctance to discuss music licensing and talent buyouts. These are common cost surprises. Firms that gloss over them in pitch are setting up later invoices.
- No discussion of cutdowns and aspect ratios. Modern video work yields multiple deliverables from one shoot. A firm that pitches a single 90-second hero with no cutdown plan is missing the era.
- Director or DP swap mid-project. Reputable firms confirm specific creative leads before shooting; bait-and-switch on the named director is a bad sign.
Don’t jump the gun after simply viewing their portfolios. Make sure to carefully assess their capabilities and track record to avoid any of these warning signs.