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 - 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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Las Vegas, NV
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Del Mar Advertising is a branding agency. The Las Vegas, Nevada-based agency provides Branding and Graphic Design.
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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, including videography, video editing, and corporate video production. Clients highly praise Casual for their professionalism, creativity, and ability to deliver high-quality videos on time. Approximately 90% of reviews highlight their exceptional project management and culturally aligned team. Casual's expertise in motion graphics and film production ensures impressive outcomes across various industries.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Norman, OK
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Old Hat Creative is a branding firm established in 2004. In Norman, Oklahoma, the team specializes in Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Knoxville, TN
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Shelton Group, Inc. Is a Marketing Strategy company established in 1991. The agency focuses on Marketing Strategy and Market Research.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Nashville, TN
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Magnetic Dreams Animation Studio is a Broadcast Video company. The Nashville, Tennessee-based firm focuses on Broadcast Video and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Champaign, IL
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SURFACE 51, a graphic design company, is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. Established in 2004, the team offers Graphic Design and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Evans, GA
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Headquartered in Evans, Georgia, TranterGrey Media is a graphic design agency. They focus on Graphic Design and Media Planning & Buying.
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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 - 49Augusta, GA
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M3 Agency, an Advertising company, was founded in 1998. The agency offers Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Davie, FL
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One Firefly is a small branding firm. They specialize in Branding and Graphic Design and were founded 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 specializing in video production services such as videography, video editing, and post-production. With a focus on corporate video production and film editing, Brandefy consistently receives high praise for its collaborative approach and professionalism, as evidenced by 100% positive feedback across reviews. Clients commend their creative direction and ability to produce high-quality, visually compelling content that aligns with brand aesthetics and delivers strong ROI.
$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 - 49Birmingham, MI
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Headquartered in Birmingham, Michigan, seeds marketing + design is a branding company. The team provides Branding and Packaging Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Grand Rapids, MI
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Reagan Marketing + Design, a branding firm, was launched in 1991. The company specializes in Branding and Digital Strategy, 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 - 49Las Vegas, NV
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Advertising company Emergency Room Creative, Inc. Is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. They provide Advertising and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Grand Rapids, MI
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Keen Studio is a branding agency founded in 2015. The team offers Branding and UX/UI Design and is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Omaha, NE
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Sonburst Communication is an Event Marketing company. The Omaha, Nebraska-based agency offers Event Marketing and Broadcast Video.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lincoln, NE
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Advertising company Jacht was established in 2010. Headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, the team provides Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Omaha, NE
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The New BLK is an Advertising company. The Omaha, Nebraska-based firm was founded in 2010. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Omaha, NE
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Emspace + Lovgren is an Omaha, Nebraska-based branding agency. They provide Branding and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Baton Rouge, LA
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Founded in 1991, 2121 Design is a small Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Boston, MA
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Lone Beacon is a branding firm. They provide Branding and Media Planning & Buying and were founded in 2012. The firm is located in Boston, Massachusetts and Englewood, Colorado.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Plymouth, MA
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Viamark Advertising is a Plymouth, Massachusetts-based Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Minneapolis, MN
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Founded in 1997, Intercross is a graphic design agency. The agency focuses on Graphic Design and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lincoln, NE
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Established in 1985, News Link is an Advertising company. The firm offers Advertising and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Acushnet, MA
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The Franchise Group is an Advertising company. They are in Acushnet, Massachusetts and Newton, Massachusetts. Their team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49La Vista, NE
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Launched in 2015, Mineral Interactive is a small La Vista, Nebraska-based Content Marketing company. Their services include Content Marketing and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49McAllen, TX
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Shaddai Solutions, LLC is a mobile application development firm. They were established in 2004 and provide Mobile App Development and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Dallas, TX
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DYAD Ventures, a branding agency, specializes in Branding and Print Design. The agency is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Idaho Falls, ID
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Founded in 2013, Strive Marketing, a small pay per click company, is headquartered in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Their services include Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49North Andover, MA
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TR Design is an Advertising company launched in 1986. The company specializes in Advertising and Branding, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Sherman, TX
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CBC Creative is an Advertising company launched in 2005. Their services include Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Minneapolis, MN
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Street Factory Media is an Event Marketing company. They provide Event Marketing and Graphic Design and were founded in 2001.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Dallas, TX
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P6 Media Inc. Is a small Dallas, Texas-based Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49St. Cloud, MN
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1 Better Advertising is an Advertising company. The team offers Advertising and Graphic Design and is headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Charlotte, NC
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Established in 1997, Summit Athletic Media is a branding agency. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the team offers Branding and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Plymouth, WI
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Founded in 1923, Sun Graphics Media is a branding firm. Their services include Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Palatine, IL
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PMMG Inc is a small Event Marketing company. They focus on Event Marketing and Video Production and were launched in 1999.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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ADC Media Productions is an Advertising company. The small Atlanta, Georgia-based team offers Advertising and Branding. The agency was founded in 2009.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Madison, WI
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Backflip is a graphic design agency. Founded in 2007, the company is in Madison, Wisconsin. Their team focuses on Graphic Design and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Culver City, CA
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Charlie Company, an Advertising company, was launched in 2004. The team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Saint Francis, WI
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GoGeddit Marketing and Media, an Advertising company, is in Saint Francis, Wisconsin. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Newark, NJ
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S&A Technologies, LLC, a custom software development firm, was launched in 2003. The firm provides Custom Software Development and UX/UI Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Fond du Lac, WI
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In Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, BrownBoots Interactive, Inc. Is a small Logo company. The team specializes in Logo and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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TE+A Marketing is a branding firm established in 1985. The agency focuses on Branding and Market Research, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Myrtle Beach, SC
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NewMedia Digital is an Email Marketing company. They provide Email Marketing and Social Media Marketing and were founded in 1994.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Wilmington, NC
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Tayloe/Gray is a small Wilmington, North Carolina-based branding company. Their services include Branding and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Spokane, WA
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Seven2 is a Spokane, Washington-based social media marketing firm. Established in 2004, the team offers Social Media Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Detroit, MI
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Echo Media is a small Detroit, Michigan-based Advertising company. The team offers Advertising and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Brookfield, WI
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AdSerts is a branding firm established in 1980. Their team focuses on Branding and Broadcast Video.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Wayland, MA
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Custom software development company MembersFirst was founded in 2000. The firm provides Custom Software Development and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Spokane, WA
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FoundLocals is a Spokane, Washington-based social media marketing company. Established in 2008, the team specializes in Social Media Marketing and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Founded in 2007, Cyberset is a small graphic design agency headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Their team focuses on Graphic Design and Mobile & App Marketing.
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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.