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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Schaumburg, IL
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Launched in 1979, Directions AV is a video production company. Their team focuses on Video Production and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerArlington Heights, IL
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In Arlington Heights, Illinois, TM Production Services is a small video production company. Their services include Video Production.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 12 projectsThink Branded Media is a video production company that excels in creating high-quality multimedia content, including corporate video production, cinematography, and video editing. Overall, 100% of reviewers praised their creativity, professionalism, and efficient project management. Notably, 70% mentioned their ability to deliver impressive results under tight deadlines, and 60% highlighted their collaborative approach and adaptability to client needs.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 4 projectsTakt/Studios is a multimedia production firm specializing in video production, videography, and video editing services. With a 100% positive feedback rate from reviewers, the company is praised for its attention to detail, creative excellence, and strong project management. Clients commend Takt/Studios for delivering high-quality, impactful video content that aligns with their brand identity and communication goals.
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 62 projectsCasual is a multimedia production company specializing in video production, 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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Aurora, IL
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Gathering Storm Media is a small video production company located in Aurora, Illinois. Their services include Video Production and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerAlexandria, VA
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See all 1 projectsApolloBravo Inc. is a digital and experiential marketing agency known for its expertise in social media management and innovative customer engagement strategies. With 100% positive feedback, clients commend their data-driven recommendations, exceptional project management, and ability to achieve impressive results on limited budgets. The agency is praised for its reliability and proactive communication, making it a valued partner in marketing endeavors.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Philadelphia, PA
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Midsize video production agency NAPCO Media, is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The team provides Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Washington, DC
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Sutherland Media Productions is a video production agency. Based in Washington, District of Columbia, the company specializes in Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Flint, MI
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Small video production company Changing Productions, is located in Flint, Michigan. The team specializes in Video Production.
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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, videography, and post-production services. The company consistently receives positive feedback, with approximately 90% of reviewers praising their creativity, professionalism, and effective communication. Clients commend their ability to deliver high-quality video content on time, aligning with brand objectives and enhancing engagement. Reviewers highlight their proficiency in cinematography, video editing, and producing corporate videos, emphasizing the team's adaptability and collaborative nature.
$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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Washington, DC
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CREATE MEDIA, Inc. Is a video production agency. Their small team is located in Washington, District of Columbia. Their services include Video Production and Business Consulting.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Washington, DC
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Small video production company Cat Eye Productions, is based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their services include Video Production.
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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 distinguished video production company specializing in services such as cinematography, video editing, and corporate video production. With a 100% satisfaction rate across reviews, clients praise their high-quality production, exceptional project management, and collaborative spirit. Approximately 80% of reviewers highlight their adaptability and professionalism, making them a trusted partner in multimedia production endeavors.
$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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Silver Spring, MD
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Political Productions is a small Silver Spring, Maryland-based video production company. Their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Washington, DC
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GtP Media is a small Washington, District of Columbia-based video production company. Their services include Video Production.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 15 projectsMinifridge Media is a multimedia production company specializing in video production, videography, and video editing services. Clients consistently praise their professionalism, creativity, and project management skills, resulting in a 100% positive feedback rate across reviews. Many reviews highlight their ability to manage complex shoots efficiently and the strong client satisfaction with the final video outputs.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Washington, DC
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VOGT PRODUCTIONS, Inc., a video production company, is based in Washington, District of Columbia. They specialize in Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Washington, DC
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PHAEDO CREATIVE LLC, a video production company, was launched in 2017. The company provides Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Cincinnati, OH
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Live Reps Call Center is a phone answering service launched in 2001. The midsize team specializes in Call Center Services and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ
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Explainervideo4u is a small video production agency in Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The team provides Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Washington, DC
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New Media Mill LLC is a video production company. The agency is located in Washington, District of Columbia. Their services include Video Production and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Washington, DC
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Founded in 1982, The Carlin Company is a video production agency. The small team focuses on Video Production and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Washington, DC
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Headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia, Planet Vox is a video production company. Launched in 1995, the team provides Video Production and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Supastar Video Production is a small Los Angeles, California-based video production company. Their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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The Vision Field is a small video production agency in Los Angeles, California. Their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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LEGEND FILMS, a small video production company, is located in Los Angeles, California. The team offers Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerNaperville, IL
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Sunshine Video is a video production agency. They offer Video Production and were founded in 2012.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Murrieta, CA
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Explain It Videos is a video production company. They are based in Murrieta, California and have small team. Their team offers Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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FANCIFUL FOX is a video production agency. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, their small team specializes in Video Production. The firm was launched in 2008.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Dream Angels Production is a video production company. They are located in Los Angeles, California and have small team. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Editree Inc. Is a video production company. They specialize in Video Production and were launched in 2010. The agency is based in Los Angeles, California.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Marina del Rey, CA
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Content Media Group is a video production agency located in Marina del Rey, California. They specialize in Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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XOLOGY PRODUCTIONS is a video production agency. They are located in Los Angeles, California and have small team of experts. Their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Minneapolis, MN
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SureCAN productions, a video production company, was launched in 2014. The firm focuses on Video Production, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Minneapolis, MN
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Transom Pictures is a video production company. Their small team of employees is in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their team provides Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Minneapolis, MN
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Video production agency MindTwist Studio was founded in 2010. The team specializes in Video Production and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Rochester, MN
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Small video production company Hey! Original Storytelling, is in Rochester, Minnesota. The team provides Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Santa Monica, CA
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Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, 24motiondesign is a small video production company. The team specializes in Video Production and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fridley, MN
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Best Light Image is a small Fridley, Minnesota-based video production agency. The team focuses on Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9North Logan, UT
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Rescue 1 Studios is a video production company. They are located in North Logan, Utah and have small team. They provide Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Orem, UT
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Quick Draw Services is a video production agency. The team is based in Orem, Utah, and their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sioux Falls, SD
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Dakota Video is a small video production company. Launched in 1995, the team offers Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sioux Falls, SD
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Launched in 2017, Media By JP is a video production company. Their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Peoria, IL
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Located in Peoria, Illinois, Pro Video Productions is a video production company. They specialize in Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Belmont, MA
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Powderhouse is a small video production company in Belmont, Massachusetts. The team offers Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Boston, MA
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FableVision is a midsize video production agency founded in 1996. Their services include Video Production and UX/UI Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Acton, MA
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DigiNovations is a video production agency. They are located in Acton, Massachusetts, and their services include Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Boston, MA
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Newfangled Studios, a video production agency, was launched in 2009. The firm offers Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sioux Falls, SD
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M1 Video is a video production company. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the agency was established in 1974. Their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Belmont, MA
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Visual Stream Productions is a video production agency. Based in Belmont, Massachusetts, the team specializes in Video Production and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Woburn, MA
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MadDash is a video production company. They were launched in 2000 and focus on Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Woburn, MA
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Motivity Video is a video production agency. They are located in Woburn, Massachusetts and have small team. They offer Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Somerville, MA
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The Creative Path, a small video production agency, is in Somerville, Massachusetts. Their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Portsmouth, NH
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Founded in 2011, Anchor Line is a small video production agency. Their team offers Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Somerville, MA
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Clyde Media Productions, a video production agency, focuses on Video Production. The firm is headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts.
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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.