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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Tucson, AZ
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Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, Good News Communications is a branding company. Launched in 1985, the team provides Branding and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Cross Plains, TN
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Sublime Media Group, a small Content Marketing company, is located in Cross Plains, Tennessee. 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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Bernardino, CA
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Headquartered in San Bernardino, California, Insight Media is an Advertising company. They specialize in Advertising and AR/VR development and were established in 2013.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Appleton, WI
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Wisconsin Design is a Content Marketing company established in 2001. The small team provides Content Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Westchester, NY
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Wedgeworth Business Communications Inc. Is an Event Marketing company headquartered in Westchester, New York. The team offers Event Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Plano, TX
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Founded in 2009, Revelation is a small Event Marketing company. Their team focuses on Event Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Houston, TX
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BUILDINGBLOCKS Marketing Solutions, LLC is a branding company. They are located in Houston, Texas. Their team provides Branding and Content Marketing.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 10 projects5 Pound Media is a multimedia production company specializing in video production, 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 - 9Brooklyn, NY
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Richard, Patrick, and Shaw LLC is an Advertising company founded in 2011. The small team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Brooklyn, NY
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Boyd Design Studio LLC, an e-commerce development company, is in Brooklyn, New York. The team offers E-Commerce Development and Custom Software Development.
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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 - 9New York, NY
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Translation company CKP Media was launched in 2004. Headquartered in New York, New York, the team specializes in Translation and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Brooklyn, NY
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In Brooklyn, New York, Dumpling House Media is an e-commerce development firm. They specialize in E-Commerce Development and Marketing Strategy.
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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 - 9New York, NY
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Sharpleft Studios LLC., a branding company, is headquartered in New York, New York. The team offers Branding and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Boston, MA
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Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Wilder Strategies, LLC is a PR agency. The team specializes in Public Relations and Back Office Outsourcing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Washington, DC
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Eagle Eye Photos is a Corporate Photography company. Launched in 2019, their team offers Corporate Photography and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Global Digital Online is a small Los Angeles, California-based SEO agency. The team specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
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6 Mile Runs, LLC, a web design company, is headquartered in New York, New York. They focus on Web Design and Graphic Design and were established in 2015.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Antonio, TX
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Avista Products is an Event Marketing company. They are located in San Antonio, Texas and have small team. Their services include Event Marketing and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Jose, CA
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Voler Strategic Advisors is a video production company. Their small team is in San Jose, California. Their team focuses on Video Production and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Muskogee, OK
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EV Marketing Solutions is a branding agency. Their small team is in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Their services include Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Jacksonville, FL
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Castaño Group is a web design company established in 2016. The agency offers Web Design and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bernalillo, NM
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Established in 2002, Poston & Associates is a PR agency. The team focuses on Public Relations and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Shreveport, LA
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Envision Media & Marketing, a Marketing Strategy company, is located in Shreveport, Louisiana. They focus on Marketing Strategy and Event Marketing and were established in 2018.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9El Paso, TX
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Im-On-Ru is a Digital Strategy company. Founded in 2010, their team provides Digital Strategy and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lenexa, KS
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Brandon & Brandon, Inc. Is a Marketing Strategy company. The Lenexa, Kansas-based team offers Marketing Strategy and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Rogers, AR
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Clever is a branding agency. The Rogers, Arkansas-based team specializes in Branding and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fort Smith, AR
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Branchout is a small branding agency. Founded in 2010, the team provides Branding and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Jupiter, FL
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Blue Gorilla Digital is an Advertising company launched in 2001. Located in Jupiter, Florida, the team provides Advertising and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fort Worth, TX
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In Fort Worth, Texas, McCully Media Group is an Advertising company. They focus on Advertising and Content Marketing and were launched in 2018.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
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Blu Bambu, a video production company, was launched in 2014. The team provides Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Burnsville, MN
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Launched in 2019, Theory Z Media is an Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Reynoldsburg, OH
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Elite Media Team is a media planning & buying company founded in 2009. Their team focuses on Media Planning & Buying and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Mooresville, NC
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Launched in 2007, nvisionative is a small Advertising company. Their team offers Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Blue Ash, OH
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Noble-Sheets is an Advertising company. Headquartered in Blue Ash, Ohio, the firm was established in 2017. Their team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
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Established in 2015, The Pinecone Project is a branding firm. Their team offers Branding and Content Writing Services.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
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MGA Media Group is a small social media marketing agency established in 2014. Their team provides Social Media Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Atlanta, GA
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Branding agency Schroder Public Relations offers Branding and Public Relations. They were launched in 2002.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Annville, PA
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RDR PR LLC is a public relations company. They are headquartered in Annville, Pennsylvania and have small team. They offer Public Relations and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Arlington Heights, IL
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Video production company Vicarious Multimedia is in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Their services include Video Production and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sausalito, CA
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étage, inc. Is a branding firm launched in 2015. The firm provides Branding and Advertising, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Arvada, CO
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Go World Communications, a social media marketing company, was established in 2003. The team provides Social Media Marketing and Content Marketing and is located in Arvada, Colorado.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Mobile, AL
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Corporate Photography company Deep South Focus Photography provides Corporate Photography and Video Production. They are located in Mobile, Alabama.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Auburn, AL
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Market Ready is a small Corporate Photography company launched in 2017. Their team offers Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Vestavia Hills, AL
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Bhamtours is a Corporate Photography company. Their small team is located in Vestavia Hills, Alabama and specializes in Corporate Photography and Video Production. The firm was established in 2000.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Decatur, AL
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Rocket City Photo is a small Decatur, Alabama-based Corporate Photography company. Their services include Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Spanish Fort, AL
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Corporate Photography company Southern Drone Works L.L.C. Was launched in 2017. Based in Spanish Fort, Alabama, the team specializes in Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Honolulu, HI
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Soare Productions is a Corporate Photography company. The team provides Corporate Photography and Video Production and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and Honolulu, Hawaii.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Anchorage, AK
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Alaska Virtual Digital Photo, LLC is an Anchorage, Alaska-based Corporate Photography company. The team provides Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Tacoma, WA
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Taku, a Corporate Photography company, is headquartered in Tacoma, Washington. The team specializes in Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fort Smith, AR
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Premier Photography, LLC is a Corporate Photography company. The small Fort Smith, Arkansas-based team provides Corporate Photography and Video Production. The agency was founded in 2021.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bakersfield, CA
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Studio 5253 Canada is an Architectural Design company. Established in 2012, their team focuses on Architectural Design and Product Design.
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List of the Top 15 United States Video Production Companies
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Costa Mesa, CA
Ability to deliver
39.7/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Brooklyn, NY
Ability to deliver
38.3/40.018.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
Ability to deliver
37.4/40.017.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Video Production25% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Miami, FL
Ability to deliver
37/40.017.4/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$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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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.