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 19 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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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Livonia, MI
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Launched in 2004, P2R ASSOCIATES is a branding firm. The agency focuses on Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Richardson, TX
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Launched in 2008, MODassic Marketing is a small Richardson, Texas-based branding agency. Their team specializes in Branding and Digital Strategy.
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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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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Blue Bell, PA
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Kale Design is a small Blue Bell, Pennsylvania-based graphic design company. Their services include Graphic Design and Web Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Antonio, TX
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Image Freedom, a small social media marketing agency, is in San Antonio, Texas. The team offers Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
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MediaMovers Inc. Is a Transcription company. The New York, New York-based company was founded in 1990. Their services include Transcription and Translation.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Charleston, WV
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Advertising company Bullseye Total Media offers Advertising and Digital Strategy. They were established in 2015.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sioux Falls, SD
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Digital Strategy company Craft & Associates Advertising and Marketing was founded in 1989. The small team focuses on Digital Strategy and Marketing Strategy.
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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 - 9Newark, NJ
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Based in Newark, New Jersey, Medina=Citi is a graphic design company. The team offers Graphic Design and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sunny Isles Beach, FL
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EyeSea Solutions is an Event Marketing company. Their small team of employees is in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Their team provides Event Marketing and 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 - 9Little Rock, AR
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Advertising company Cranford Co. Was established in 2014. The small team focuses on Advertising and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Robo Aerial, an AR/VR development company, is based in Chicago, Illinois. They specialize in AR/VR development and 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 - 9Chicago, IL
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Miller Creative Media is an AR/VR development company. They are based in Chicago, Illinois and have small team. Their services include AR/VR development and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Kennewick, WA
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Focal Point Marketing & Multimedia, a small branding agency, is based in Kennewick, Washington. The team specializes in Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fishkill, NY
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Momentum Advertising & Design is a print design company. The team is headquartered in Fishkill, New York, and their services include Print Design and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Wasilla, AK
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Advertising company Crystal Clear Creative, Inc. Is located in Wasilla, Alaska. Their services include Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Seattle, WA
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We Are Unicorns, a Content Marketing company, was launched in 2011. The team focuses on Content Marketing and Marketing Strategy and is based in Seattle, Washington.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Redmond, WA
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Public relations agency The Keller Group, Ltd offers Public Relations and Media Planning & Buying. They were founded in 2002.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Advertising company adCREASIANs is in Los Angeles, California. The team offers Advertising and Market Research.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Atlanta, GA
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Advertising company Alliance Activation is in Atlanta, Georgia. They provide Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Anchorage, AK
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Hybrid Color is a branding company. In Anchorage, Alaska, the firm was established in 2008. Their services include Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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American Mass Media, an Advertising company, was launched in 2004. The team provides Advertising and Media Planning & Buying and is located in Chicago, Illinois.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Launched in 2014, OTHER-STUDIO is a graphic design agency. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the team focuses on Graphic Design and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Portland, OR
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SkyHawk Studios is a Logo company. The team provides Logo and Packaging Design and is located in Portland, Oregon.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Casper, WY
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The BARK Firm is an Advertising company. The agency is headquartered in Casper, Wyoming. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Essex, VT
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Established in 2012, Skillet Creative is a small Advertising company headquartered in Essex, Vermont. Their team provides Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Grapevine, TX
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BeR Media+Design is a graphic design agency headquartered in Grapevine, Texas. They provide Graphic Design and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Waianae, HI
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Makaha Studios is an Advertising company. Based in Waianae, Hawaii, the agency was launched in 2006. Their services include Advertising and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Mishawaka, IN
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Big Idea Company, LLC is a PR agency. The team specializes in Public Relations and Video Production, and the agency is located in Mishawaka, Indiana.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bear, DE
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Founded in 1994, e-daptive Media is an Advertising company. The small team offers Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
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Matter Studio is a graphic design agency. The agency is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Their services include Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Portland, OR
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L8RB4 Design is a graphic design agency. They offer Graphic Design and Print Design and were launched in 2000.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Established in 1982, McKnight Kurland is a branding firm. The company focuses on Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Crosby Associates Inc., a branding firm, was established in 1979. They focuses on Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bend, OR
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Goldstreet Design Agency, a graphic design agency, is headquartered in Bend, Oregon. Their services include Graphic Design and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Klamath Falls, OR
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Impressions Design + Marketing is an Advertising company. Their team is based in Klamath Falls, Oregon and provides Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Birmingham, AL
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Means Advertising, an Advertising company, specializes in Advertising and Branding. The company is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Tillamook, OR
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Tillamook Design is a social media marketing firm located in Tillamook, Oregon. The team specializes in Social Media Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Gresham, OR
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Founded in 2001, Lewis Creative Graphic Design is a branding agency. The team offers Branding and Logo.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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In Los Angeles, California, Creative Bearings, Inc. Is an Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Sugerman Communications Group is a public relations firm located in Los Angeles, California. They provide Public Relations and Social Media Marketing and were launched in 2002.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Evansville, IN
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Lionfish Advertising is a graphic design agency. Established in 2013, the team offers Graphic Design and Video Production. The agency is in Evansville, Indiana.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Florence, OR
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WestCoast Media Group is a graphic design company founded in 2015. In Florence, Oregon, the team provides Graphic Design and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Overland Park, KS
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Graphic design agency Kuhn & Associates was founded in 1982. The team focuses on Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fort Worth, TX
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Advertising company Evangalist Agency was launched in 2016. The firm offers Advertising and Branding, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Jefferson, OR
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Oregon Marketing Group, an Advertising company, is headquartered in Jefferson, Oregon. They specialize in Advertising and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Eugene, OR
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Adlib Advertising Agency, an Advertising company, was founded in 1974. The agency specializes in Advertising and Digital Strategy, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Portland, OR
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Empire Green Creative is a branding agency. Launched in 2012, the team specializes in Branding and Digital Strategy. The company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Eugene, OR
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Blink NW, a branding firm, is based in Eugene, Oregon. Founded in 2014, the team focuses on Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Houston, TX
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REKORD Houston is a Houston, Texas-based branding agency. Established in 2016, the team offers Branding and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Waco, TX
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DeuxSouth Creative is a graphic design agency launched in 2015. The company specializes in Graphic Design and Logo, and is small.
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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 -
$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 -
$10,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Oakland, CA
Ability to deliver
36.3/40.017.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
95% Video Production5% Other -
$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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What Makes Viewers Watch: Data on Short-Form Content
Don't let scroll-happy viewers blow past your short-form video. Learn how to engage them with humor, arresting visuals, strong hooks, and more.
U.S. Video Production FAQs
A full video production engagement typically covers some or all of:
- Pre-production — concept development, scriptwriting, storyboarding, location scouting, casting, scheduling
- Production — the shoot itself; directors, DPs, camera and lighting crews, sound, talent direction
- Post-production — editing, color grading, sound design, motion graphics, VFX
- Animation and motion design — 2D/3D animation, explainer videos, motion graphics for non-live-action content
- Distribution-ready cuts — producing the multiple aspect ratios and durations modern channels demand
Some firms cover end-to-end; others specialize in a phase (production-only houses that shoot for agencies, post-only houses that finish what others shoot, animation-only studios). Make sure to match firm scope to whether you need a one-stop partner or a specialist plugging into your existing workflow.
Based on data gathered by our team through client reviews and case studies, the typical timeline for video production goes for:
- Social-first content (creator-style or simple shoots): 2–4 weeks
- Explainer or animated video (60–120 seconds): 4–8 weeks
- Brand film or commercial (high production value, single deliverable): 6–12 weeks
- Campaign with multiple deliverables (hero film + cutdowns + social): 10–16 weeks
- Documentary or content series: 3–9 months
The slowest part is usually pre-production (concept approvals, talent booking, location coordination). Build in stakeholder review windows realistically — last-minute creative pivots after the shoot are extremely expensive.
Based on Clutch pricing data, video production has unusually wide pricing variance because budgets reflect production value as much as deliverable count:
- Social-first or creator-style content: $2,500 – $15,000 per finished piece
- Explainer videos (animated, 60–120 seconds): $10,000 – $50,000
- Brand films and commercials (live-action, mid-tier production): $25,000 – $150,000
- High-production commercials (national-scale, premium talent and locations): $150,000 – $1M+
- Ongoing content retainers: typically $10,000 – $75,000 pet month for steady production cadence
Some pricing fundamentals to keep in mind are location and talent; they drive costs more than equipment. Additionally, post-production scales with creative complexity, not just minute count, and revisions outside the agreed scope are where budgets balloon.
Filter your options on these three factors — portfolio match for the specific kind of video you need, production scale appropriate to your budget, and creative chemistry with the director.
- Portfolio match matters because video production firms are stylistic; a documentary-style firm shoots differently than a commercial firm or an animation studio.
- Production scale appropriate to budget means pairing a $40,000 explainer with a $40,000-tier production house, not a national-commercial shop slumming.
- Creative chemistry with the director is the single biggest predictor of whether the final cut feels right; the director is the creative author, and you'll be in working sessions with them for weeks.
Also ask: how the firm handles revisions and scope changes, what's included versus billed separately (music licensing, talent buyouts, location fees), and what the rights structure looks like for finished work.
- One-size-fits-all reels. A firm whose work all looks identical either has a strong stylistic preference (which may not fit you) or doesn't actually customize to client needs.
- Vague pricing without scope clarity. "It depends" is fine as a starting answer; "we'll figure it out as we go" is a recipe for budget surprises. Reputable firms can quote against a tight scope.
- Reluctance to discuss music licensing and talent buyouts. These are common cost surprises. Firms that gloss over them in pitch are setting up later invoices.
- No discussion of cutdowns and aspect ratios. Modern video work yields multiple deliverables from one shoot. A firm that pitches a single 90-second hero with no cutdown plan is missing the era.
- Director or DP swap mid-project. Reputable firms confirm specific creative leads before shooting; bait-and-switch on the named director is a bad sign.
Don’t jump the gun after simply viewing their portfolios. Make sure to carefully assess their capabilities and track record to avoid any of these warning signs.