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 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Established in 2017, One Shot Productions is a Corporate Photography company. Their team provides Corporate Photography and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Redondo Beach, CA
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The Home Bird is an AR/VR development company. The team offers AR/VR development and Corporate Photography and is based in Redondo Beach, California.
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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 - 9Provo, UT
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Ben Accinelli is a Provo, Utah-based Content Marketing company. The team specializes in Content Marketing and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Plano, TX
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Antic Productions is an Advertising company. Their small team is in Plano, Texas. Their services include Advertising and Translation.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Redwood City, CA
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Indivio, an Advertising company, was established in 2016. In Redwood City, California, the team provides Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Melbourne, FL
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Ignite180 is a SEO services firm. They are headquartered in Melbourne, Florida and have small team. Their team offers Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Raleigh, NC
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Integrated Media Strategies is a Content Marketing company in Raleigh, North Carolina. The team focuses on Content Marketing and Business Consulting.
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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 - 9Fort Worth, TX
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Becker Design Studio, a graphic design company, is in Fort Worth, Texas. Established in 2000, the team provides Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Asheville, NC
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Amplified Media is a branding agency founded in 2005. The firm specializes in Branding and Content Marketing, and is small.
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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 - 9Roanoke, VA
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C Media Company, LLC is a graphic design agency. Launched in 1999, the agency is located in Roanoke, Virginia. Their services include Graphic Design and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Melbourne, FL
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Global Concepts Media is a small Melbourne, Florida-based Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Digital Strategy.
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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 - 9Saratoga Springs, UT
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Endgrain Studios is a small branding company based in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Their services include Branding and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Richmond, VA
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Branding company Rocket Pop Media was founded in 2001. The firm offers Branding and Graphic Design, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Richmond, VA
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Small Advertising company Filmspire, is based in Richmond, Virginia. Their services include Advertising and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Richmond, VA
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Marketing Strategy company SUCCESSWERKS Consulting & Creative was launched in 2001. The company focuses on Marketing Strategy and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Syracuse, NY
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Branding company Congruent - Syracuse specializes in Branding and Digital Strategy. They are located in Syracuse, New York.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Durham, NC
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See all 1 projectsFreeman Multimedia offers services in lead generation, specifically focused on booking appointments. The overall feedback from reviews suggests dissatisfaction, highlighting issues with project delivery and communication, with clients noting that key deliverables were not met and improvements in refund processing were needed.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9St. Louis, MO
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Caprola Squad, a small Advertising company, is located in St. Louis, Missouri. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Roswell, GA
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Block & Tackle Marketing is a Content Marketing company. They provide Content Marketing and Digital Strategy and were launched in 2007. The firm is based in Roswell, Georgia.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Atlanta, GA
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Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Swift16 is a small Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Roswell, GA
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Soteria Productions is an Advertising company. The firm is in Roswell, Georgia. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Roswell, GA
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TG Visuals, Inc. Is a small Advertising company. Established in 2006, the team provides Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Brentwood, CA
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Weblative is a small Content Marketing company in Brentwood, California. Their services include Content Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Austin, TX
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Mighty Coconut is an AR/VR development company. Their team is located in Austin, Texas. The firm offers AR/VR development and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Round Rock, TX
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Established in 2018, Down Right Epic is an Advertising company. The team offers Advertising and Back Office Outsourcing and is based in Round Rock, Texas.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Winston-Salem, NC
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III Eye Digital, Llc. Is a Corporate Photography company based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Their services include Corporate Photography and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Pacific Event Services, Inc is a branding company. Launched in 2007, their team offers Branding and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Diego, CA
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Pacific Video Productions is an Advertising company. The team focuses on Advertising and Corporate Photography and is based in San Diego, California.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Diego, CA
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John Cocozza Photography is a Corporate Photography company. The team offers Corporate Photography and Event Marketing, and the company is based in San Diego, California.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Germantown, MD
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In Germantown, Maryland, Dragonbridge Inc. Is a Corporate Photography company. The team focuses on Corporate Photography and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
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Branding firm Gulliver Films/Visionarists was launched in 2016. The small team focuses on Branding and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Diego, CA
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Elixir Connect is a SEO services firm. They are based in San Diego, California and have small team. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Norcross, GA
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New Georgi Media is a media planning and buying agency. Located in Norcross, Georgia, the firm focuses on Media Planning & Buying and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Leander, TX
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Launched in 2012, Fokus Firm is a branding company. Their services include Branding and Product Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bethesda, MD
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Zayas Hendrick Mediaworks is an Event Marketing company in Bethesda, Maryland and Washington, District of Columbia. The team focuses on Event Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Powder Springs, GA
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Vanguard Consulting Group, LLC is a video production company. Their small team is headquartered in Powder Springs, Georgia. Their team provides Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Little Rock, AR
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Headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, WORKlove is a branding company. The team specializes in Branding and UX/UI Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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View My Space is a web design agency. They are based in Chicago, Illinois and have small team of experts. Their services include Web Design and Architectural Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Jackson, WY
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Hughes Production is an Event Marketing company. They are located in Jackson, Wyoming and have small team. Their services include Event Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Oak Hill, WV
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JJN Multimedia, a video production agency, was founded in 2016. The team focuses on Video Production and Web Development and is in Oak Hill, West Virginia.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Joplin, MO
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Launched in 2019, Craven Media is an Advertising company. The company focuses on Advertising and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Carrollton, TX
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Accento, THE LANGUAGE COMPANY is a small web design company based in Carrollton, Texas. The team specializes in Web Design and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Allendale, NJ
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The White Agency, Inc. Is an Allendale, New Jersey-based branding company. They specialize in Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Norman, OK
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InterAction Advertising is an Advertising company. They are in Norman, Oklahoma and have small team. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Houston, TX
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3Drender-vision is a Product Design company. In Houston, Texas and Bannu, Pakistan, the company was launched in 2019. Their services include Product Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fairbanks, AK
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Video production agency 262 Creative LLC was established in 2019. The firm specializes in Video Production and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Birmingham, AL
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Stephen DeVries Photo is a Corporate Photography company. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, their team offers Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Denver, CO
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Fortem Media is a small St Leonards, Australia-based social media marketing company. The team provides Social Media Marketing and Video Production.
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$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Eagle, ID
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Scale Video Agency is a video production company launched in 2021. The team focuses on Video Production and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Watertown, MA
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LaunchPad Media, a video production company, is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts. Launched in 2001, the team provides Video Production and Search Engine Optimization.
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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.