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 multimedia production company specializing in video production services such as cinematography, videography, and video editing. The company receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 100% of reviewers noting their professionalism, creativity, and timely project delivery. Clients frequently commend their ability to handle projects from inception through post-production, highlighting their exceptional project management and adaptability to client needs.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Salisbury, NC
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Miller Davis Agency is a graphic design agency located in Salisbury, North Carolina. Their services include Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49San Jose, CA
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PRxDigital Silicon Valley, a small Content Marketing company, is headquartered in San Jose, California. Their services include Content Marketing 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 - 49Indianapolis, IN
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LEAP Amp is a branding company. The team is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky, and their services include Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Winston-Salem, NC
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Advertising company M Creative specializes in Advertising and Print Design. They were founded in 1996.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Elida, OH
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NOW Marketing Group is a graphic design agency. They specialize in Graphic Design and Social Media Marketing and are headquartered in Elida, Ohio.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lake Park, FL
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StarGroup International is a Broadcast Video company launched in 1993. The team offers Broadcast Video and Video Production and is headquartered in Lake Park, Florida.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Maumee, OH
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Digital-55 is an Email Marketing company. The Maumee, Ohio-based agency provides Email Marketing and Graphic Design.
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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 video production company specializing in Film Production, Video Editing, and Corporate Video Production. They consistently receive positive feedback, with over 90% of clients praising their creativity, attention to detail, and project management skills. Reviewers frequently highlight their ability to enhance brand visibility and audience engagement through compelling visual narratives. Despite minor suggestions for improvement, their work is highly regarded for its quality and alignment with client objectives.
$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 - 49Orlando, FL
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Located in Orlando, Florida, Consensus Communications is a PR firm. They offer Public Relations and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Wilmington, NC
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Bon's Eye Marketing is a Corporate Photography company. They offer Corporate Photography and Logo and are located in Wilmington, North Carolina.
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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 multimedia production services, including videography, video editing, and corporate video production. With 100% positive feedback, clients consistently praise their exceptional professionalism, creativity, and proactive project management. Notably, 85% of reviews highlight their ability to align with brand visions and deliver high-quality, engaging content, underlining their expertise in motion graphics and video post-production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Alexandria, VA
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Launched in 2009, Professional PUNCH is a branding agency. The team provides Branding and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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14th & Boom is a Digital Strategy company founded in 2012. The company offers Digital Strategy and Media Planning & Buying.
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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 - 49Alexandria, VA
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BTW images is a Corporate Photography company. Located in Alexandria, Virginia, their team offers Corporate Photography and AR/VR development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Orlando, FL
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Hooah LLC. Is a Corporate Photography company. Their small team is based in Orlando, Florida. Their services include Corporate Photography and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Stockton, CA
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Gator Marketing, a Corporate Photography company, was established in 2013. The team focuses on Corporate Photography and Business Consulting.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Little Rock, AR
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Allegiance Consulting Group is a Corporate Photography company. Their small team of employees is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. Their team offers Corporate Photography and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Wake Forest, NC
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Mark Thomas Media, an Advertising company, was launched in 2017. The team offers Advertising and Video Production and is in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Minneapolis, MN
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Branding company Ascension Development Group was established in 2012. The firm provides Branding and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Irvine, CA
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Brandcasters, Inc. - Podetize, an Advertising company, was launched in 2017. The small team offers Advertising and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Redondo Beach, CA
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Celtis Ventures Inc., a branding firm, is headquartered in Redondo Beach, California. The team provides Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Pekin, IL
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Founded in 1966, McDaniels Marketing is an Advertising company. The small team specializes in Advertising and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Richardson, TX
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Branding firm Comet Marketing is in Richardson, Texas. The team focuses on Branding and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Amarillo, TX
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Located in Amarillo, Texas, G&P Associates is an Advertising company. They specialize in Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Roanoke, VA
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B2C Enterprises is an Advertising company. Based in Roanoke, Virginia, the team offers Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Norfolk, VA
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Virginia Media, an Advertising company, is in Norfolk, Virginia. They offer Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chapel Hill, NC
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THE rAVe Agency is a branding agency. The Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based agency was established in 1998. Their services include Branding and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Loves Park, IL
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Multimedia Marketing Group is a branding company established in 2010. The small team provides Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Santa Barbara, CA
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Launched in 2001, Oniracom is a small Santa Barbara, California-based graphic design agency. Their team specializes in Graphic Design and Mobile & App Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Tampa, FL
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InPlace Marketing, a branding company, was established in 1971. The small team provides Branding and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Miami, FL
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Small branding agency Weplash Agency Inc, is located in Miami, Florida. Their services include Branding and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Newberry, FL
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In Newberry, Florida, Frankel Media Group is a small Advertising company. The team specializes in Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Southampton Township, NJ
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Stokes Creative Group, Inc., an Advertising company, was founded in 1985. The team specializes in Advertising and Branding and is located in Southampton Township, New Jersey and New York, New York.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Trenton, NJ
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Princeton Strategic Communications is a small Advertising company in Trenton, New Jersey. The team provides Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chandler, AZ
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Sandoval Design & Marketing, an user experience agency, was founded in 2011. Based in Chandler, Arizona, the team focuses on UX/UI Design and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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Imperial Marketing Concepts, Inc. Is a small Advertising company. They provide Advertising and Branding and were established in 2005.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Hawthorne, NY
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Corporate Photography company ApricotLaw (Hawthorne, New York) is based in Hawthorne, New York. Their services include Corporate Photography and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Brooklyn, NY
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Advertising company Bottom Line Marketing Group was established in 1992. The company specializes in Advertising and Branding, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Alamitos, CA
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Infused Digital, a graphic design company, is in Los Alamitos, California. The team provides Graphic Design and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Austin, TX
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Gallant Branding, a branding company, was established in 2016. They specializes in Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New York, NY
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JoshMeah.com | Marketing Agency NYC is a graphic design agency. Based in New York, New York, the agency specializes in Graphic Design and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Santa Ana, CA
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Smarty Social Media is a social media marketing company. The team offers Social Media Marketing and Content Marketing and is located in Santa Ana, California.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Hacienda Heights, CA
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Champion Network, an user experience design company, is located in Hacienda Heights, California. They offer UX/UI Design and Search Engine Optimization and were launched in 2000.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New York, NY
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L.E.R. Public Relations is a branding agency. They specialize in Branding and Digital Strategy and are in New York, New York and Los Angeles, California.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Oklahoma City, OK
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Spark Creative (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) is a branding firm established in 2017. The agency offers Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Scottsdale, AZ
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Social Ally Media is a branding firm. They are headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. Their team specializes in Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Pittsburgh, PA
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Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Akoya Online is a small Content Marketing company. The team specializes in Content Marketing and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Brooklyn, NY
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Founded in 2003, Moey Inc. Is a software development company. The firm specializes in Custom Software Development and AR/VR development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Brooklyn, NY
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Branding firm And/Or Studio is located in Brooklyn, New York. They specialize in Branding and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New London, CT
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Green Ink Marketing Communications LLC. Is an Event Marketing company. Established in 1992, the firm specializes in Event Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New York, NY
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Founded in 1988, Russo Partners, LLC is a public relations firm. Based in New York, New York, the team specializes in Public Relations and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Milwaukee, WI
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Media planning & buying agency adBidtise was launched in 2014. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the team provides Media Planning & Buying and Social Media 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.