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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UndisclosedUndisclosed1,000 - 9,999Des Moines, IA
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Meredith Corporation is a Digital Strategy company in Des Moines, Iowa. The team offers Digital Strategy and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Los Angeles, CA
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Deutsch is a midsize UX agency. They provide UX/UI Design and Media Planning & Buying and were established in 1969.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Portland, OR
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Henry V is an Event Marketing company. The Portland, Oregon-based company was founded in 1978. Their services include Event Marketing and Logo.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Washington, DC
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Leighton Broadcasting is an Advertising company headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia. They specialize in Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Atlanta, GA
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The XD Agency is an Event Marketing company. Their team is in Atlanta, Georgia. The company provides Event Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Bemidji, MN
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Pinnacle Marketing Group is a Marketing Strategy company. The team provides Marketing Strategy and Video Production, and the firm is located in Bemidji, Minnesota.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Los Angeles, CA
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Inhance Digital is an AR/VR development company. Located in Los Angeles, California, the team provides AR/VR development and Mobile App Development.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Mahwah, NJ
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In Mahwah, New Jersey, All Things Media LLC is a midsize AR/VR development company. Their services include AR/VR development and Mobile App Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Nashville, TN
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Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Snapshot Interactive is a Digital Strategy company. They provide Digital Strategy and Search Engine Optimization.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Nashville, TN
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StudioNow, a branding company, was launched in 2006. The midsize team provides Branding and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Oklahoma City, OK
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Advertising company Perry Publishing & Broadcasting is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They provide Advertising and Event Marketing and were founded in 1979.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Jacksonville, FL
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PRI Productions is an Event Marketing company launched in 1994. The midsize team specializes in Event Marketing and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Las Vegas, NV
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Go Big L.A. Is a Logo company launched in 2013. The team focuses on Logo and Search Engine Optimization and is located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Omaha, NE
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Vyral Marketing is an Advertising company. The Omaha, Nebraska-based company was established in 2009. Their services include Advertising and Broadcast Video.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249New Orleans, LA
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NOLA Media Group is an Advertising company. They are based in New Orleans, Louisiana and have midsize team. Their services include Advertising and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249New York, NY
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Levelwing is a pay per click agency. The agency is located in New York, New York and San Francisco, California. Their services include Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Spokane, WA
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Tour Factory is a Corporate Photography company. The firm is in Spokane, Washington. Their services include Corporate Photography and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Weymouth, MA
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InfoTrends, a Back Office Outsourcing company, was established in 1991. In Weymouth, Massachusetts, the team specializes in Back Office Outsourcing and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249High Point, NC
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Based in High Point, North Carolina, Alderman Company is a midsize branding agency. Their services include Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249New York, NY
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Event Marketing company McVeigh Global Meetings and Events was founded in 1990. The firm focuses on Event Marketing and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Salt Lake City, UT
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Broadway Media is a Broadcast Video company. The Salt Lake City, Utah-based company was launched in 1977. Their services include Broadcast Video and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Fort Worth, TX
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In Fort Worth, Texas, GlassView is an Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Fort Myers, FL
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Priority Marketing is an Advertising company. Launched in 1992, the firm focuses on Advertising and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Cockeysville, MD
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Renegade Communications is a Cockeysville, Maryland-based Advertising company. The team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249New York, NY
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Serino Coyne is an Advertising company. The team offers Advertising and Branding and is in New York, New York.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Rutherford, NJ
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Founded in 2010, Stonefield Engineering & Design is a Commercial Development company. Their services include Commercial Development and Engineering.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Tampa, FL
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Hamilton Engineering & Surveying, LLC., a midsize Architectural Design company, is based in Tampa, Florida and Orlando, Florida. Their services include Architectural Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Las Vegas, NV
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Commercial Development company Taney Engineering Civil Engineering & Land Surveying is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. They focus on Commercial Development and Engineering.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Tampa, FL
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Established in 1995, iPD Agency is a branding agency. The team provides Branding and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Tempe, AZ
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Automätik is an Event Marketing company. The company is based in Tempe, Arizona. Their team provides Event Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Fairfield, CT
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Haddad & Partners is a web design agency. Established in 2007, the team specializes in Web Design and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Boston, MA
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Launched in 1995, CreamByte is a midsize web design company based in Boston, Massachusetts. Their team provides Web Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Bellevue, WA
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Skill-Up Technologies is a midsize cloud consulting & SI company. Established in 2016, the team provides cloud consulting & SI and UX/UI Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Anaheim, CA
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Channel Bakers is a social media marketing company. Their team is headquartered in Anaheim, California. The agency provides Social Media Marketing and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249West Palm Beach, FL
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Hubbard South Florida is a midsize West Palm Beach, Florida-based Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249East Moline, IL
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Content Writing Services company Almon Inc. Offers Content Writing Services and Video Production. They are based in East Moline, Illinois.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Farmington Hills, MI
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Advancing Organizational Excellence (AOE) is a public relations firm established in 2018. The team provides Public Relations and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed1,000 - 9,999Los Angeles, CA
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Founded in 2001, Creative Circle is a large Content Marketing company. Their services include Content Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Bon Air, VA
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Touchstorm is a SEO services firm. They were founded in 2007 and focus on Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249San Francisco, CA
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Concept Labs, a Blockchain company, was established in 2007. The company focuses on Blockchain and Video Production, and is midsize.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Nashville, TN
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1220 Exhibits is an Event Marketing company. Their team is located in Nashville, Tennessee. The company offers Event Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249New York, NY
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Cogent World is a New York, New York-based branding company. They provide Branding and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249New York, NY
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Based in New York, New York, Forefront Communications Group Inc. Is a branding agency. They provide Branding and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249White Plains, NY
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Advertising company Little Big Brands specializes in Advertising and Branding. They are headquartered in White Plains, New York.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerHudson, NH
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Digital Media Design Inc, a web design company, was launched in 1998. They focuses on Web Design and Video Production.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerMurray, UT
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Wahlman Productions is a small video production agency headquartered in Murray, Utah. Their services include Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
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Hot Since 22, a small video production agency, is based in Carouge, Switzerland and Zürich, Switzerland. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerAtlanta, GA
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7th Wave Pictures, Inc. Is an Advertising and video production company located in Atlanta, Georgia. The team specializes in Advertising and Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Francisco, CA
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Video production agency STEPHEN PORTER PRODUCTIONS was founded in 2012. The team focuses on Video Production and Content Marketing.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9West Palm Beach, FL
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Awesome Light is a video production agency. They were established in 2022 and offer Video Production and Advertising.
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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.