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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Plano, TX
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In Plano, Texas, TRIdigital Marketing is a branding firm. They offer Branding and Content Marketing and were established in 2014.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Minneapolis, MN
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Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Shinebox is an Advertising company. Established in 2010, the team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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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 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+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Orange, CA
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360Biz is a Content Marketing company. Founded in 2004, the team focuses on Content Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Sparta, NJ
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Evans Alliance Advertising is a Corporate Photography company. They were established in 1998, and their services include Corporate Photography and Search Engine Optimization.
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$1,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Irvine, CA
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Founded in 2020, Salescast is a Content Marketing company. The agency focuses on Content Marketing and Social Media Marketing.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Richland, WA
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Spotted Fox Digital Marketing is a small Richland, Washington-based SEO agency. The team provides Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Wilmington, NC
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Provis Media is a Content Marketing company. They are headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina and have small team. They focus on Content Marketing and Other Digital 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 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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Pomona, NY
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Founded in 2014, TypoDuctions is a small social media marketing company in Pomona, New York. Their team specializes in Social Media Marketing and Web Design.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Kalamazoo, MI
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Kzoom is a Digital Strategy company established in 2003. The team specializes in Digital Strategy and Search Engine Optimization.
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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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$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Houston, TX
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Marketing Strategy company Audience Engagement Group was launched in 2017. Located in Houston, Texas, the team focuses on Marketing Strategy and Video Production.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49St. Louis, MO
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UPBrand is an Advertising company. Founded in 2010, their team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
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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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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Hammond, LA
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Brandcast Creative + Marketing is a graphic design agency based in Hammond, Louisiana. They offer Graphic Design and Public Relations and were established in 2013.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Seattle, WA
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See all 1 projectscMedia Productions is a creative agency specializing in brand identity and website design. The feedback indicates mixed experiences, with around 40% of reviewers expressing dissatisfaction due to issues like overcharging and using template logos. However, 60% highlight their professionalism and support in marketing and PR. The company is praised for its responsiveness and intuitive design approach.
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$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Boerne, TX
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Social media marketing company 5 Stones Digital focuses on Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization. They are headquartered in Boerne, Texas.
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$1,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Lihue, HI
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Jaxon Communications is a Lihue, Hawaii-based e-commerce development company. The team provides E-Commerce Development and Social Media Marketing.
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$10,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Portland, OR
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Event Management company Pro Connect Group was launched in 2010. The agency specializes in Event Management and Audio Production, and is small.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49San Francisco, CA
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Established in 2000, Singer Associates Public Relations is a small PR company in San Francisco, California and Emeryville, California. Their team focuses on Public Relations and Digital Strategy.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr50 - 249Brooklyn, NY
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See all 1 projectsParamount Web Studios is recognized for providing comprehensive web design and ecommerce development services, including website design, responsive development, and SEO optimization. Client reviews highlight their exceptional ability to meet tight deadlines, enhance user engagement, and boost conversion rates, although there is a suggestion for more frequent communication updates throughout the project.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Diego, CA
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KCD Public Relations is a public relations firm. Established in 2009, the firm is in San Diego, California. Their services include Public Relations and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Brunswick, ME
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Established in 2011, PatraCompany Inbound Marketing Solutions is a branding agency. Their team focuses on Branding and Graphic Design.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Sheridan, WY
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Launched in 2021, Tarkle Studio is a graphic design company. The team provides Graphic Design and Logo.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Antonio, TX
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JEH Productions is a San Antonio, Texas-based video production company. The team provides Video Production and Advertising.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
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New Dawn Films, a small video production company, is in New York, New York. Their services include Video Production and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Vendetta Entertainment, a video production agency, was launched in 2010. The team provides Video Production and Corporate Photography and is in Los Angeles, California.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Irvington, NY
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Video production company TimeLine Video was established in 1994. Located in Irvington, New York, the team focuses on Video Production and Graphic Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Little Rock, AR
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360 Filmworks is a small video production company headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. The team focuses on Video Production and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Seattle, WA
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Punch Drunk Productions is a small video production agency founded in 1998. Their team provides Video Production and AR/VR development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bellingham, WA
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Veritas Media Productions, a video production company, is headquartered in Bellingham, Washington. Founded in 2011, the team focuses on Video Production and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Atlanta, GA
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Brownieland Pictures is an Atlanta, Georgia-based video production agency. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Atlanta, GA
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CREWS INC is an Atlanta, Georgia-based video production agency. Founded in 1994, the team specializes in Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Firestone, CO
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Oak + Feather Films is a small video production company located in Firestone, Colorado. The team specializes in Video Production and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Established in 2012, Big Foot Media is a small Chicago, Illinois-based video production agency. Their services include Video Production and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Wilmington, DE
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Founded in 2013, Bruce Productions is a small Wilmington, Delaware-based video production company. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
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Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Roshambo Films is a video production agency. Founded in 2006, the team provides Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
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Milehighhouse productions is a video production agency. The Denver, Colorado-based team provides Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dubuque, IA
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Video Creations is a video production company. They were established in 1989, and their services include Video Production and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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BigTime Production is a video production agency. Their small team is based in Los Angeles, California. Their team provides Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Boise, ID
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Small video production company TMS Interactive, is in Boise, Idaho. Their services include Video Production and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Video production agency Two Fresh Creative is in Los Angeles, California. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Leland Grove, IL
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The Storyteller Studios is a small video production agency. Established in 2013, the team provides Video Production and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Tulsa, OK
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Cloud Nine Productions is a video production company. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, their team specializes in Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Quincy, MA
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VNeck Media Inc. Is a video production company. Established in 2013, their team provides Video Production and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Phoenix, AZ
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Total Sound Productions is a small Phoenix, Arizona-based video production agency. Their services include Video Production and Lighting Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bloomington, IL
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Founded in 1998, Creative Sites Media, Inc is a video production company. The small team offers Video Production and Mobile App Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Anchorage, AK
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Located in Anchorage, Alaska, Ice Cave is a small video production company. The team offers Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Saint Paul, MN
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Story Stick Marketing is a video production company founded in 2009. The team provides Video Production and Advertising and is based in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Northfield, MN
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Launch5 Media is a video production agency founded in 2013. The team provides Video Production and Web Design and is located in Northfield, Minnesota.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Minneapolis, MN
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Jenson Studios is a video production company. The Minneapolis, Minnesota-based agency was founded in 2009. Their team focuses on Video Production and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Minneapolis, MN
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REM Video & Event Company, a video production agency, specializes in Video Production and Corporate Photography. The firm is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Foley, MN
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Founded in 1997, Kalton Communications is a video production company. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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List of the Top 15 United States Video Production Companies
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Costa Mesa, CA
Ability to deliver
39.7/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Brooklyn, NY
Ability to deliver
38.3/40.018.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
Ability to deliver
37.4/40.017.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Video Production25% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Miami, FL
Ability to deliver
37/40.017.4/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Oakland, CA
Ability to deliver
36.5/40.018/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
95% Video Production5% Other -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Walnut Creek, CA
Ability to deliver
36.5/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Video Production20% Other -
$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
36.4/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Video Production20% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Encinitas, CA
Ability to deliver
36.4/40.017.2/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Huntington Beach, CA
Ability to deliver
36.3/40.017.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 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.