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 distinguished multimedia production company specializing in videography, video editing, and corporate video production. With an impressive 100% positive feedback from clients, Sparkhouse is praised for its effective communication, timely delivery, and high-quality output. Approximately 30% of reviews commend their seamless project management, and around 20% highlight their capacity to produce cinematic and visually appealing video content.
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 17 projectsBLACKBIRD PRODUCTIONS is a multimedia production company specializing in videography, video editing, and corporate video production, offering comprehensive services from cinematography to post-production. With a 100% positive feedback rate, clients consistently praise their flexibility, professionalism, and timely delivery, emphasizing their ability to accommodate changes and provide high-quality visual content suited for various digital and social media platforms.
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 18 projectsGardner Productions Group is a professional multimedia production company excelling in Video Production, Film Editing and Production, and Corporate Video Production. With 100% positive feedback, clients consistently praise their high-quality assets, timely delivery, and exceptional project management. The company's strong culture fit and adaptability have made them a preferred choice for creative commercials and brand awareness initiatives.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Campbell, CA
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Video production company Four Winds Creative is located in Campbell, California. The team focuses on Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Mansfield, MA
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RCP Learning is a video production company. The team provides Video Production and Translation and is headquartered in Mansfield, Massachusetts and Apollo Beach, Florida.
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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 61 projectsCasual is a multimedia production company specializing in video production services, including motion graphics, videography, and post-production. They are recognized for their creativity, professionalism, and ability to produce high-quality deliverables across various industries, with 100% of reviews highlighting their exceptional project management and flexibility. Clients consistently praise their culture fit, responsiveness, and the impressive quality of the final products.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Pleasant Grove, UT
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Mustache Power Productions, a video production agency, is based in Pleasant Grove, Utah. The team focuses on Video Production.
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$100,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Houston, TX
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Bayou City Productions is a video production company headquartered in Houston, Texas. They offer Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Oakland, CA
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Video production agency Pixel Valley Studio is in Oakland, California. They focus on Video Production.
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$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Huntersville, NC
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Launched in 2017, Handiwork Media is a small video production company. Their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Marengo, IL
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Founded in 1988, 20/20 COMMUNICATIONS, INC., a small video production company, is headquartered in Marengo, Illinois. Their team focuses on Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 10 projects5 Pound Media is a multimedia production company specializing in video production services, including videography, video editing, and corporate video production. Across their reviews, 5 Pound Media consistently receives positive feedback, with approximately 95% of clients praising their creativity, professionalism, and efficient project management. Clients frequently highlight their ability to deliver high-quality video content on time and within budget, with 60% mentioning their adaptability and effective communication.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 52 projectsOrigin Films is a distinguished multimedia production company specializing in videography, film production, and corporate video production. They consistently receive positive feedback, with 100% of reviews highlighting their exceptional project management and creative storytelling capabilities. Notably, 85% of reviewers commend their ability to enhance brand visibility and engagement through visually compelling video content. Overall, clients appreciate their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail.
$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 16 projectsSIERRA Production House is a multimedia production company specializing in video production, cinematography, and post-production services. Reviews show an 85% positive feedback rating, highlighting effective project management, clear communication, and cultural fit, with 80% of reviewers noting their ability to deliver high-quality video content on time. Some feedback suggests room for improvement in proactivity and client relationship authenticity.
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$1,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Erie, PA
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Video production company Menajerie Studio was launched in 2013. The firm focuses on Video Production and Corporate Photography, and is small.
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$25,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Bronx, NY
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Digital Bodega is a small Bronx, New York-based video production agency. The team provides 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 renowned for its expertise in video production, videography, and corporate video production. Clients commend their professionalism, creativity, and adaptive approach, with 100% of reviews highlighting their ability to meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality results. Their collaborative approach and attention to detail are frequently praised, making them a trusted partner for diverse video production needs.
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 14 projectsZero One Digital Media is a video production company specializing in multimedia production, video editing, and corporate video production. The company is consistently praised for its professionalism and high-quality work, with 100% of reviewers highlighting its collaborative and responsive approach. Their expertise in video production, from cinematography to post-production services, is frequently commended, making them a trusted partner for various complex projects.
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 35 projectsFeel Right Inc. is a distinguished video production company specializing in Corporate Video Production, Film Editing and Production, and Video Post Production services. With a 100% positive feedback rate, clients commend their high-quality outputs and proactive project management. Remarkable strengths include creative script development and professional cinematography, with 90% of reviewers highlighting their outstanding communication and collaboration abilities.
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$10,000+Undisclosed2 - 9San Francisco, CA
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San Francisco Media Group is a video production agency. The San Francisco, California-based firm focuses on Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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$10,000+$300+ / hr10 - 49Kansas City, MO
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Founded in 2017, Let It Fly Media, a small video production agency, is located in Kansas City, Missouri. Their team offers Video Production and Graphic Design.
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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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Red Summit Productions, a video production company, is headquartered in New York, New York. The team offers Video Production.
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$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Boston, MA
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Bottle Tree Pictures, a video production agency, was founded in 2019. The firm offers Video Production and Broadcast Video, and is small.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Springfield, OH
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Founded in 2019, OpenEye Studios is a small video production company. Their services include Video Production and Social Media Marketing.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Solana Beach, CA
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Located in Solana Beach, California, Lyon & Associates Creative Services, Inc. Is a video production company. Founded in 1991, the team focuses on Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Pensacola, FL
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Vivid Bridge Studios is a video production agency located in Pensacola, Florida. They provide Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49San Mateo, CA
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Video production company Rickhouse Media was launched in 2017. The agency specializes in Video Production and Video Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Pompano Beach, FL
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Video production agency BrandStar Studios specializes in Video Production. They were founded in 2010.
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Undisclosed$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Islandia, NY
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Video Toonz is a video production company. Their team is located in Islandia, New York. The agency offers Video Production.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Phoenix, AZ
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Taps Media LLC is a Phoenix, Arizona-based Digital Strategy and video production agency. They provide Digital Strategy and Video Production.
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$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9San Francisco, CA
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Video production agency 3D Forensic, Inc. Is located in San Francisco, California and Santa Monica, California. The team offers Video Production.
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$25,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Sterling, VA
Services provided
MWENDO, a video production company, focuses on Video Production. The agency is located in Sterling, Virginia.
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Undisclosed$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Bethesda, MD
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August 2 Productions.com is a video production agency founded in 2006. The team focuses on Video Production.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Nashville, TN
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AXO Studio is a video production company and AR/VR development company established in 1991. The agency focuses on Video Production and AR/VR development, and is small.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Miami Springs, FL
Services provided
See all 1 projectsAspectFilms offers a range of services including video production, lifestyle and headshot photography, and multimedia production. Overall feedback highlights their excellent project management, timely communication, and detailed-oriented approach. Clients highly recommend them due to their effective and fast processes, with notable satisfaction in the quality of images and videos produced.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Burbank, CA
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See all 1 projectsBRAZILFILMS is a video production company specializing in services such as videography, video editing, and corporate video production. Reviews highlight their punctuality and budget-friendly pricing, with 100% positive feedback on timely delivery and effective communication. Clients appreciate their productive work environment, with many noting their excellent project management skills.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Wilmington, NC
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Robert Cummins Film Company is a Wilmington, North Carolina-based video production company. Founded in 2013, the team provides Video Production.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Fishers, IN
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Established in 2019, Mojo Up Marketing + Media is a small branding firm located in Fishers, Indiana. Their team offers Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Indianapolis, IN
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Zaahi Studios, a video production agency, was founded in 2009. The firm offers Video Production and Branding, and is small.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Austin, TX
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CODY Creative Co. LLC is a video production company. The firm is in Austin, Texas. Their team specializes in Video Production and Graphic Design.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Services provided
Cast Iron LA is an Advertising company. They were launched in 2019, and their services include Advertising and Content Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Houston, TX
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Timber Pictures is a video production agency. The company is located in Houston, Texas. Their services include Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
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Established in 2019, RMP NYC is a video production company. Their team specializes in Video Production and Video Marketing.
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$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Long Island City, NY
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Cut Create Visuals is a Long Island City, New York-based video production agency. They focus on Video Production and Corporate Photography and were founded in 2021.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Diego, CA
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Io Project Media is a video production agency. They were established in 2021, and their services include Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Fort Worth, TX
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Fuel & Spark Media is a video production company. Founded in 2020, the company is based in Fort Worth, Texas. Their services include Video Production and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Boston, MA
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Shave Media - Boston Video Production, a video production company, specialize in Video Production and Corporate Photography. They were established in 2009.
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$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Duluth, MN
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Story North Production is a video production company in Duluth, Minnesota. They offer Video Production.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr50 - 249Cerritos, CA
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Hyper Animations, a midsize video production company, is located in Cerritos, California. The team focuses on Video Production and Graphic Design.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Miami, FL
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CEREBROTV is a video production agency. In Miami, Florida, the company was established in 2004. Their team focuses on Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Cedar Rapids, IA
Services provided
Ajax Media is a video production agency. Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the agency provides Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Atlanta, GA
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See all 1 projectsPeachSence Productions offers services in Video Production, including Commercial Videos and Ad Video Production. Reviews highlight their expertise in Video Editing and efficient communication, emphasizing their resourcefulness and alignment with client values. Clients praise the company for delivering projects on time and exceeding expectations, notably their ability to produce high-quality content within budget and schedule constraints.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Brooklyn, NY
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In Boston, Massachusetts and Brooklyn, New York, Moloney Creative Agency is a video production company. Launched in 2021, the team offers Video Production and Advertising.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Homesick Blues Productions, a video production agency, was launched in 2000. The agency focuses on Video Production and Corporate Photography, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249New York, NY
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Entermedia GmbH is a video production company located in Berlin, Germany and New York, New York. Founded in 2004, the team offers Video Production and Branding.
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Undisclosed$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9West Chester, PA
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Established in 2009, Springhouse Films is a video production company. The small team provides Video Production.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Philadelphia, PA
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Video production agency Expressway Productions was established in 2007. The agency specializes in Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Denver, CO
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Hidden Woods Media is a video production company founded in 2015. The team offers Video Production and is located in Denver, Colorado.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Denver, CO
Services provided
Video production company One Floor Up is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The team specializes in Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Leandro, CA
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Polar Productions is a video production agency launched in 2010. The team focuses on Video Production and is headquartered in San Leandro, California.
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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
37.5/40.018/20 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 - 49Somerville, MA
Ability to deliver
36.1/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Santa Monica, CA
Ability to deliver
36.1/40.017.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.7/10 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 -
$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 - 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.