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 multimedia production company specializing in high-quality video production and post-production services, including corporate video production and film editing. Their reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with clients consistently praising their effective communication, timely deliveries, and ability to capture the desired vision. Approximately 90% of reviewers commend their project management skills, and many highlight their creativity and professionalism in producing compelling visuals and cinematic effects.
$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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Seattle, WA
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Cognition Studio Inc, a small branding firm, is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Their services include Branding and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Seattle, WA
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Wick & Mortar is an Advertising company. The Seattle, Washington-based team offers Advertising and Branding.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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Indigo Studios, an Advertising company, was founded in 1996. The team offers Advertising and AR/VR development and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Indianapolis, IN
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Content Marketing company Dittoe Public Relations is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. They provide Content Marketing and Event Marketing and were established in 1999.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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Agency 850 is an Advertising company. In Atlanta, Georgia and Miramar Beach, Panama, their small team provides Advertising and Graphic Design. The firm was established in 2014.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Zionsville, IN
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NBE Event Group, an Event Marketing company, was launched in 2010. The team specializes in Event Marketing and Graphic Design and is based in Zionsville, Indiana.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Fort Collins, CO
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V3 Media Marketing is a Broadcast Video company. Established in 2010, the company is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado. Their team offers Broadcast Video 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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49West Hollywood, CA
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BrandingIron Worldwide is a public relations company. They are located in West Hollywood, California, and their services include Public Relations and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lewisville, TX
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Mixed Media Creations is a branding agency. They focus on Branding and Graphic Design and were launched in 2007.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Des Moines, IA
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Happy Medium, a media planning and buying agency, was launched in 2011. The team specializes in Media Planning & Buying and Search Engine Optimization and is located in Des Moines, Iowa.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Bridgeport, CT
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American View Productions is a branding firm founded in 1984. The company specializes in Branding and Public Relations, and is small.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Austin, TX
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The Automotive Advertising Agency, an Advertising company, is in Austin, Texas. Launched in 2013, the team offers Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Richardson, TX
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Corporate Magic is an Event Marketing company. They specialize in Event Marketing and Marketing Strategy and were established in 1986.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Plano, TX
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Established in 2016, 324 Creative Agency is a small Plano, Texas-based graphic design company. Their team provides Graphic Design and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Spring Branch, TX
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The Ousset Agency is a Marketing Strategy company launched in 1982. In Spring Branch, Texas, the team provides Marketing Strategy and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Manhattan, KS
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In Manhattan, Kansas, 502 - A Strategic Marketing Agency is a Marketing Strategy company. They provide Marketing Strategy and UX/UI Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Topeka, KS
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Bajillion Agency is a small branding agency. They focus on Branding and Marketing Strategy and were launched in 2015.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
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Advertising company Recreation was established in 2013. The firm offers Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
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Airlift is a branding firm. They specialize in Branding and Graphic Design and were founded in 2014.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Portland, OR
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Launched in 1978, MDC Research is a Market Research company. Their services include Market Research and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Greensboro, NC
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Bouvier Kelly is a Greensboro, North Carolina-based branding agency. The team offers Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Digital Ad Agency is a small Advertising company. They provide Advertising and Digital Strategy and were founded in 2008.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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TONIK+, an UX company, was launched in 2018. The small team offers UX/UI Design and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lake Forest, CA
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Launched in 1989, MOB Media, Inc., a small branding company, is in Lake Forest, California. Their team provides Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Novato, CA
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SGD Advertising is an Advertising company. Established in 2014, the firm is in Novato, California. Their team specializes in Advertising and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Coral Gables, FL
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Headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, PIL Creative Group is a Marketing Strategy company. They focus on Marketing Strategy and Mobile App Development and were founded in 2001.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Cayce, SC
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Established in 1993, Genesis Studios is a media planning & buying company. The small team focuses on Media Planning & Buying and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Greenville, SC
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Established in 2005, FerebeeLane is an Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Olivette, MO
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Turec Advertising Associates is an Advertising company. They focus on Advertising and Marketing Strategy and were established in 1976.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Albuquerque, NM
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Vox Optima LLC is an Albuquerque, New Mexico-based PR company. Established in 2005, the team offers Public Relations and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Spokane, WA
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Small Advertising company Stuart Advertising, is headquartered in Spokane, Washington. The team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Spokane, WA
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MARKET VISION is a branding company. In Spokane, Washington, the team offers Branding and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Delhi, NY
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Reno Techs is a small branding agency. They provide Branding and Video Production and were established in 2008.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Santa Fe Springs, CA
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Stage-Tech is a Santa Fe Springs, California-based Lighting Design company. Founded in 1987, the team focuses on Lighting Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Spokane, WA
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QUINN Agency is a Content Marketing company. Their team is headquartered in Spokane, Washington and focuses on Content Marketing and Market Research.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Sioux Falls, SD
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Fresh Produce LLC is an Advertising company. In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the company specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Spokane, WA
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Chapter & Verse is a branding agency. The Spokane, Washington-based team specializes in Branding and Market Research.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Newcastle, WA
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Lionfish LLC is a small branding agency launched in 2004. Their team offers Branding and Market Research.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lenox, MI
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Midcoast Studio is an AR/VR development company. Their team is located in Lenox, Michigan and specializes in AR/VR development and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Houston, TX
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NUU Group is a branding company. The team specializes in Branding and Graphic Design, and the firm is based in Houston, Texas.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Salt Lake City, UT
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Welikesmall, a graphic design agency, was launched in 2008. The team specializes in Graphic Design and Mobile App Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chattanooga, TN
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Fancy Rhino is an AR/VR development company. The agency is in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Their team offers AR/VR development and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Johnson City, TN
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The High Road Agency is an Advertising company headquartered in Johnson City, Tennessee. They offer Advertising and Social Media Marketing and were launched in 2013.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Kingsport, TN
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Cumberland Marketing is an Advertising company. They are in Kingsport, Tennessee and have small team. They offer Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Johnson City, TN
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The Net360 is a branding firm. They were established in 1997 and focus on Branding and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Decatur, GA
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Launched in 2009, Relish Marketing, a small branding firm, is in Decatur, Georgia. Their team provides Branding and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Nashville, TN
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Launched in 2013, Made In Network is an Advertising company. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Franklin, TN
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Launched in 1984, Premier Companies, Inc. Is a small Franklin, Tennessee-based branding company. Their team focuses on Branding and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Albany, NY
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ADG Creation, a branding company, was founded in 1996. The team provides Branding and Logo and is headquartered in Albany, New York.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New York, NY
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SPECTRA Audio Design Group is an Event Marketing company established in 1973. The small team focuses on Event Marketing and Lighting 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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Don't let scroll-happy viewers blow past your short-form video. Learn how to engage them with humor, arresting visuals, strong hooks, and more.
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.