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+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Burbank, CA
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Video production company The Williams Creative is based in Burbank, California. Their services include Video Production and Branding.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerBaltimore, MD
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Royce Isom Media is a video production agency founded in 2021. In Baltimore, Maryland, the team focuses on Video Production and Content Marketing.
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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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$1,000+$200 - $300 / hrFreelancerOklahoma City, OK
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Astronaut Cowboy is a video production company. The Oklahoma City, Oklahoma-based team offers Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed250 - 999San Francisco, CA
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Based in San Francisco, California, CGIFlythrough is a midsize Architectural Design company. The team focuses on Architectural Design and Advertising.
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$25,000+Undisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
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Bonfire Labs is a video production company founded in 1991. In San Francisco, California, the team focuses on Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
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SlideRabbit, LLC, an Other Design and video production company, was established in 2012. Based in Denver, Colorado, the team provides Other Design and Video Production.
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$1,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Houston, TX
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Serge De Marre is a video production company and Audio Production company. The company is in Houston, Texas. Their team specializes in Video Production and Audio Production.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Portland, ME
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Knack Factory is a graphic design agency and video production company established in 2011. Their team provides Graphic Design and Video Production.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hrFreelancerNew Orleans, LA
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Soupfactory Digital, LLC is a small Broadcast Video and video production agency based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Their services include Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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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 / hrFreelancerLoveland, CO
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Starry Eyed Creative, a video production company, was launched in 2017. The agency specializes in Video Production and Broadcast Video, and is small.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerLouisville, KY
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Filmed By Hendrix LLC is a Louisville, Kentucky-based video production company. Established in 2014, the team offers Video Production and Video Marketing.
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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+Undisclosed2 - 9Colfax, CA
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Small video production agency Paden, is headquartered in Colfax, California. Their services include Video Production and Market Research.
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Undisclosed$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Long Branch, NJ
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Based in Long Branch, New Jersey, Poleridge Media is a small video production company. The team offers Video Production and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Miami, FL
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Miami Video Productions Company is a video production company launched in 2021. Their services include Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Visual Dealers is a video production company located in Los Angeles, California. The team provides Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Langhorne, PA
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In Langhorne, Pennsylvania, Better Films is a small video production company. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9East Orange, NJ
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Lyons Media Productions, a video production company, is headquartered in East Orange, New Jersey. The team offers Video Production and Graphic Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Phoenix, AZ
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Houda Media LLC is a video production company. In Phoenix, Arizona, their small team focuses on Video Production and Corporate Photography. The firm was founded in 2024.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Skyroid Studios, a small video production agency, is in Chicago, Illinois. The team specializes in Video Production and AR/VR development.
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$1,000+$200 - $300 / hrFreelancerBerlin, NJ
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Based in Berlin, New Jersey, Core Productions is a small video production company. The team focuses on Video Production and Audio Production.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hrFreelancerBlaine, MN
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Video production agency Envision Video Marketing is headquartered in Blaine, Minnesota. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
Services provided
Corporate Photography and video production agency Shan Photography is located in Chicago, Illinois. Their services include Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Starksboro, VT
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Carbonate Media LLC is a video production company. The agency is located in Starksboro, Vermont. Their team provides Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Claymont, DE
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Zita Marketing is a branding agency. Launched in 2011, the firm specializes in Branding and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed1,000 - 9,999Atlanta, GA
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See all 2 projectsDefinition 6 (Now Bridgenext) is a dynamic digital marketing and content management company specializing in branding, web design, and public relations services. They receive mixed feedback, with 70% of clients praising their creative and PR capabilities, while 30% cite challenges with copywriting and project management. Clients appreciate their strong communication and international market understanding.
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$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Bellevue, WA
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SHARE Creative, a Digital Strategy company, is based in London, England and Bellevue, Washington. Their services include Digital Strategy and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Decatur, GA
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Fluid Films, LLC is a Broadcast Video and video production company established in 2011. The team specializes in Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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$1,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Fountain Valley, CA
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Established in 2017, Julee Ho Media is a video production agency and Corporate Photography company. Their services include Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr50 - 249Bronx, NY
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E-commerce development firm V1 Technologies Limited was established in 2011. The team provides E-Commerce Development and Graphic Design.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49St. Petersburg, FL
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Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, Mark Studios is a video production agency. They focus on Video Production and Graphic Design and were launched in 2021.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9West Point, NE
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B&B Productions is a video production agency. Launched in 1987, their team offers Video Production and Advertising.
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$25,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Green Rock Media Ltd is a Marylebone, London,, England-based video production agency. Launched in 2009, the team focuses on Video Production and Marketing Strategy.
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$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
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Sutherland Labs, a Market Research company, provide Market Research and Graphic Design. They were established in 2014.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Dallas, TX
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Located in Dallas, Texas, VideoWise Group is a small Broadcast Video and video production agency. The team offers Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
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Small Corporate Photography and video production agency Tals Studio, is in New York, New York. Their services include Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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$1,000+$300+ / hr2 - 9New York, NY
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Corporate Videographer & Photographer New York is a small Corporate Photography and video production company. They offer Corporate Photography and Video Production and were founded in 2006.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerTraverse City, MI
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Video production agency SBR Vision Stuidos was launched in 2023. The team focuses on Video Production and Audio Production.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerLoretto, MN
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Austin Law Productions is a Loretto, Minnesota-based video production company. They provide Video Production and Business Consulting.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerWarsaw, IN
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Launched in 2022, NH Creative is a small Warsaw, Indiana-based video production company. Their services include Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Garden City, NY
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Launched in 2020, Big Wave Content is a social media marketing company. Their services include Social Media Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerNewton, MA
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Based in Newton, Massachusetts, Aerial Attitude is a Corporate Photography and video production company. They specialize in Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Oakland, CA
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Small Advertising company Rule of Three, is in Oakland, California. Their services include Advertising and Print Design.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Whirled, an Advertising company, is located in Los Angeles, California. They offer Advertising and Content Marketing and were founded in 2009.
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$50,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9San Francisco, CA
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Branding agency Moniker, Inc. Is based in San Francisco, California. They offer Branding and Graphic Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Chicago Corporate Photography and Video is a branding company. They are located in Chicago, Illinois, and their services include Branding and Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Stampede Studios is a graphic design agency. The Los Angeles, California-based agency was established in 2015. Their team specializes in Graphic Design and Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Hollywood, FL
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Marketing Strategy company Success Media Solutions specializes in Marketing Strategy and Social Media Marketing. They are located in Hollywood, Florida.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Aberdeen, SD
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McQuillen Creative Group, a graphic design company, is located in Aberdeen, South Dakota. They specialize in Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Detroit, MI
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Can You Picture This is a Detroit, Michigan-based graphic design agency. They offer Graphic Design and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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MotoMedia LLC, a video production company, was founded in 2009. The small team offers Video Production and Graphic Design.
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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.