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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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NuZoo Media, a video production company, was established in 1999. The company offers Video Production and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Grand Rapids, MI
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Northbound Studio, a branding agency, was launched in 2015. The firm offers Branding and 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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Holland, MI
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Murdoch Marketing, an Advertising company, was launched in 1983. Located in Holland, Michigan, the team focuses on Advertising and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Miami, FL
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Small branding agency Mixed Media Collective, is headquartered in Miami, Florida. The team focuses on Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Boulder, CO
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Mighty Fudge Studios is a branding agency. They were established in 1999 and specialize in Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bettendorf, IA
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Seeforth Design is a small graphic design agency in Bettendorf, Iowa. The team provides Graphic Design and Logo.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Launched in 1997, Mack Communications Inc is a PR company. Their services include Public Relations and Social Media Marketing.
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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 - 9Des Moines, IA
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Web design company dhg Communications was launched in 1987. The small team offers Web Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Portage, MI
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Absolute Video & Multimedia is an Email Marketing company. The team is based in Portage, Michigan, and their services include Email Marketing and Mobile App Development.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Des Moines, IA
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Innovize Group is a small Marketing Strategy company located in Des Moines, Iowa. The team provides Marketing Strategy and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9South Hutchinson, KS
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QueenBee Marketing is an Advertising company. They were launched in 2015, and their services include Advertising and Branding.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Peoria, IL
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Magnum Digital Cinema is a small Advertising company headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. The team offers Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Springfield, IL
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OOT Box Media, LLC, a small video production agency, is located in Springfield, Illinois. The team provides Video Production and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Akron, OH
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427 Design is a graphic design company launched in 2007. The small team specializes in Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bay City, MI
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Cadmium Design Studios is a Bay City, Michigan-based branding company. Launched in 2007, the team focuses on Branding and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Spokane, WA
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Treatment is a branding firm. The Spokane, Washington-based team specializes in Branding and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sioux Falls, SD
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Mobile & App Marketing company KeyMedia Solutions was launched in 2011. Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the team specializes in Mobile & App Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Washington, DC
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Corporate Visions is a small graphic design company headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia. The team provides Graphic Design and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New Providence, NJ
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Founded in 1988, Graphic Imagery, Inc. Is a branding firm. The team focuses on Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Atlanta, GA
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Corporate Photography company Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography LLC is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 2008, the team specializes in Corporate Photography and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Washington, DC
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In Washington, District of Columbia, STOVE BOAT LLC is a small graphic design agency. The team focuses on Graphic Design and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Savannah, GA
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Paragon Design Group is a small Savannah, Georgia-based branding firm. The team offers Branding and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Miami Springs, FL
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Campaign Precision is a branding firm. The Miami Springs, Florida-based company was established in 2014. Their team provides Branding and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Evans, GA
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Bridgewell Marketing is an Evans, Georgia-based Content Marketing company. They focus on Content Marketing and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9McPherson, KS
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Atelier Design & Print, a graphic design agency, was founded in 2009. The agency specializes in Graphic Design and Logo.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Portland, OR
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Application development firm Hot Pepper Studios was established in 1991. The small team specializes in Mobile App Development and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sauk Rapids, MN
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See all 1 projectsJive Media provides SEO, Google Ads management, content marketing, and strategic marketing services. Clients have praised the company for their creativity, experience, and effective communication, resulting in optimized marketing efforts and increased clientele. Jive Media's ability to handle rapid business expansion and deliver quality content has been a recurring theme in their positive reviews.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lincoln, NE
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Inspirmedia Productions is a Broadcast Video company located in Lincoln, Nebraska. They focus on Broadcast Video and Event Marketing and were founded in 2001.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Boise, ID
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Melvin Communications Company is an Advertising company. Launched in 2003, the agency is based in Boise, Idaho. Their services include Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Indianapolis, IN
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Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, NVS Design is a small Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Logo.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Columbia City, IN
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Graphic design company Blue River Digital was launched in 2012. Based in Columbia City, Indiana, the team provides Graphic Design and Logo.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Raleigh, NC
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ThreePost is an Advertising company. Launched in 2011, the company is in Raleigh, North Carolina. Their services include Advertising and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Hoople, ND
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Founded in 2009, Kringstad Graphics is a small graphic design company. Their team specializes in Graphic Design and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Oakland, CA
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Tasha.Media, a small Content Marketing company, is based in Oakland, California. Their services include Content Marketing and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Carlos, CA
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Aerial Canvas is a Content Marketing company. The team specializes in Content Marketing and Graphic Design, and the company is headquartered in San Carlos, California.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Santa Cruz, CA
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Brick House Media Co is an Email Marketing company. Launched in 2015, the team specializes in Email Marketing and Marketing Strategy. The agency is located in Santa Cruz, California.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Atlanta, GA
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Creative Word and Image Inc. Is an Advertising company. The company is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Their team offers Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Richmond, VA
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Launched in 2013, POOLHOUSE is an Advertising company. The firm offers Advertising and Branding, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Provo, UT
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Studio Element is an Advertising company. Their team is based in Provo, Utah and specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Austin, TX
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Off The Road Productions, LLC is a graphic design company based in Austin, Texas and UNM, New Mexico. Launched in 2010, the team focuses on Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Greensboro, NC
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Founded in 1987, Line Design Graphics is a Corporate Photography company. Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, the team offers Corporate Photography and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dane, WI
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Moonstruck Media Production is a graphic design company. Their small team of employees is based in Dane, Wisconsin. Their team specializes in Graphic Design and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9La Crosse, WI
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Elevate Media Group Inc is a Corporate Photography company. The La Crosse, Wisconsin-based agency was established in 2014. Their services include Corporate Photography and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Wheaton, IL
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Launched in 1993, SVM Digital Agency is a Corporate Photography company. The small team provides Corporate Photography and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Saginaw, MI
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Digital Mitten is an Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Marketing Strategy and is based in Saginaw, Michigan.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Neenah, WI
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Big Bark Media, LLC is a Content Marketing company. Established in 2012, the team specializes in Content Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Melbourne, FL
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Simple Media Productions is an Advertising company. They are located in Melbourne, Florida and have small team. Their team focuses on Advertising and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Highland, UT
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Studio Hall is a small Highland, Utah-based SEO agency. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chula Vista, CA
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Marketing Strategy company EC Marketing Agency was founded in 1989. The team offers Marketing Strategy and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Minneapolis, MN
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Established in 2009, Allume Studios is a Back Office Outsourcing company. Their team offers Back Office Outsourcing and Corporate Photography.
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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.