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 171 projectsSparkhouse is a corporate video production company praised for its professionalism, timely delivery, and high-quality cinematic outputs. With a focus on video editing, videography, and motion graphics, they consistently receive positive feedback, with approximately 90% of reviewers highlighting their effective project management and responsiveness. Clients appreciate Sparkhouse's ability to align with company values and deliver impactful multimedia production services.
$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 - 9Reno, NV
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Studio Benna is an Advertising company located in Reno, Nevada. They provide Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Clancy, MT
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Moving Pictures Production is an Advertising company. Established in 2005, the team provides Advertising and Video Production.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 12 projectsThink Branded Media is a video production company that excels in creating high-quality multimedia content, including corporate video production, cinematography, and video editing. Overall, 100% of reviewers praised their creativity, professionalism, and efficient project management. Notably, 70% mentioned their ability to deliver impressive results under tight deadlines, and 60% highlighted their collaborative approach and adaptability to client needs.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 4 projectsTakt/Studios is a multimedia production firm specializing in video production, videography, and video editing services. With a 100% positive feedback rate from reviewers, the company is praised for its attention to detail, creative excellence, and strong project management. Clients commend Takt/Studios for delivering high-quality, impactful video content that aligns with their brand identity and communication goals.
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Saint Paul, MN
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Holbrook & Associates is an Event Marketing company in Saint Paul, Minnesota. They focus on Event Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Burlington, VT
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Tamarack Media, a small video production company, is based in Burlington, Vermont. The team specializes in Video Production and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Arlington, VA
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Corporate Photography company SonderWorks was founded in 2013. The agency provides Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Port St. Lucie, FL
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Corporate Photography company JungleTV is in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Their services include Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Olympia, WA
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See all 2 projectsFlowstate Creatives is a marketing and web development company praised for its ability to tailor services to small businesses, such as search engine marketing and website redesign. Reviews indicate a 100% satisfaction rate, with clients highlighting the team's creativity, responsiveness, and ability to understand and meet specific needs. Notably, 50% of reviewers commend their listening skills and ability to translate client visions into reality.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Peoria, AZ
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J&C Data Design Technologies LLC is a video production agency. Established in 1994, the team offers Video Production and Content Writing Services. The agency is headquartered in Peoria, Arizona.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lodi, CA
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L B Production Center, a small video production agency, is headquartered in Lodi, California. Their services include Video Production and Lighting Design.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 43 projectsBrandefy is a distinguished video production company specializing in multimedia production, video editing, and corporate video production. Nearly 90% of clients highlight their creativity and comprehensive project management, noting that Brandefy excels in delivering high-quality, visually compelling content on time. Their collaborative and adaptable approach consistently meets client needs across various industries.
$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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Richmond, VA
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Corporate Photography company Spang TV is based in Richmond, Virginia. They offer Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Alpharetta, GA
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Earthling Films is an Advertising company. They were founded in 1998 and specialize in Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sarasota, FL
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Email Marketing company Consonant Custom Media is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida. The team offers Email Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Palmdale, CA
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Pnk Moon Productions Corp is a small Event Marketing company headquartered in Palmdale, California. The team provides Event Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Buffalo Grove, IL
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Incomar Creative Services, a Product Design company, is headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Their services include Product Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Camovement is a video production agency. They offer Video Production and Audio Production and were founded in 2009.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Atlanta, GA
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Oxenfree Film & Motion, a video production company, is based in Atlanta, Georgia and Orlando, Florida. They specialize in Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Grand Rapids, MI
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Graphic design agency Alvarium Studios is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their services include Graphic Design and Video Production.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Harrisburg, PA
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PR company Triad Strategies was launched in 2001. The small team specializes in Public Relations and Social Media Marketing.
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$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Orlando, FL
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See all 8 projectsauthenticWEB is a multimedia production company specializing in video production and strategy services, including videography and video editing. With a 100% positive feedback rate, clients commend their strategic approach and professionalism in creating impactful video content for marketing and branding. Many reviewers emphasize their expertise in video strategy and seamless project management, leading to improved client acquisition and engagement.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49San Francisco, CA
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San Francisco Media Group is a Broadcast Video company. The team focuses on Broadcast Video and Video Production, and the firm is located in San Francisco, California.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Boston, MA
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Ecast Productions is a video production agency. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the agency was launched in 2005. Their services include Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Small video production company Rocket Productions, is located in Chicago, Illinois. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Blue Ash, OH
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Emi Network, a Content Marketing company, was established in 1983. Headquartered in Blue Ash, Ohio and , the team specializes in Content Marketing and Video Production.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Miami, FL
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Puntilla Films is an AR/VR development company located in Miami, Florida. The team provides AR/VR development and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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GTE Agency is a Los Angeles, California-based HR Consulting company. Their services include HR Consulting and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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O'Keefe Reinhard & Paul, an Advertising company, was launched in 2013. The company provides Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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321 Fast Draw Inc is a video production company. Launched in 2010, their team offers Video Production and AR/VR development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Advertising company TRANSIT was founded in 2010. The company provides Advertising and Broadcast Video, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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Mountain View Group is an Advertising company. In Atlanta, Georgia, their small team specializes in Advertising and Video Production. The company was established in 1981.
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$25,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Media planning & buying company TVA Media Group is based in Los Angeles, California and Brentwood, Tennessee. Launched in 1987, the team provides Media Planning & Buying and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Louisville, KY
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Katie Bush Design is a video production agency. The Louisville, Kentucky-based company was launched in 2000. Their team focuses on Video Production and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Miami, FL
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Beefree Media is a graphic design agency. They were founded in 2015, and their services include Graphic Design and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Santa Monica, CA
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Blind, a graphic design agency, was founded in 1995. The small team offers Graphic Design and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49West Des Moines, IA
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Grey Dog Media is a print design agency located in West Des Moines, Iowa. The team provides Print Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Irvine, CA
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Invision Studio, Inc. Is a small Corporate Photography company based in Irvine, California. The team provides Corporate Photography and AR/VR development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lansing, MI
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Harvest Creative Services is a small Lansing, Michigan-based Marketing Strategy company. Their services include Marketing Strategy and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Arlington Heights, IL
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Imagineering Studios, Inc. Is a graphic design company. Launched in 2000, the company is in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Their services include Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49East Greenwich, RI
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PMC Media Group is a PR agency. Founded in 2012, the team specializes in Public Relations and Video Production. The agency is headquartered in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Johnson City, TN
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Net360, a branding company, is headquartered in Johnson City, Tennessee and Kingsport, Tennessee. Founded in 1997, the team offers Branding and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lafayette, LA
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GoDEPO is a Transcription company. Their team is headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana. The company specializes in Transcription and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
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Friday’s Films is a small San Francisco, California-based Corporate Photography company. Their services include Corporate Photography and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Waukesha, WI
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INET Marketing is a SEO agency. Launched in 1992, the team specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Video Production. The agency is based in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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Small Event Marketing company Atlanta Pro AV, is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Their services include Event Marketing and Lighting Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49El Paso, TX
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H.B. Stage Productions is an El Paso, Texas-based Event Marketing company. They focus on Event Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Spokane, WA
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Graphic design company ILF Media Productions was established in 2000. The team specializes in Graphic Design and Video Production and is based in Spokane, Washington.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Deerfield Beach, FL
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CF Search Marketing is a SEO company. They are headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida and North Hampton, New Hampshire, and their services include Search Engine Optimization and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Richmond, VA
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Altamira Film Co, a small Event Marketing company, is in Richmond, Virginia. The team offers Event Marketing and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Glen Ellyn, IL
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Small video production company No Limits Multimedia, is in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The team provides Video Production and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Durham, NC
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Launched in 2014, CYLNDR is an Advertising company. Their team focuses on Advertising and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Germantown, MD
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Lewis Limited Productions LLC is a video production company founded in 2005. The agency specializes in Video Production and Graphic Design, and is small.
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List of the Top 15 United States Video Production Companies
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Costa Mesa, CA
Ability to deliver
39.7/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Brooklyn, NY
Ability to deliver
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 -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Santa Monica, CA
Ability to deliver
36.7/40.018/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.7/10 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+Undisclosed10 - 49Somerville, MA
Ability to deliver
36.3/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 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 -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Miami, FL
Ability to deliver
36.2/40.016.6/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr50 - 249San Francisco, CA
Ability to deliver
36/40.017.6/20 Reviews8.4/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Video Production25% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Denver, CO
Ability to deliver
36/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$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 -
$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+Undisclosed10 - 49Orlando, FL
Ability to deliver
37.4/40.018.4/20 Reviews9.3/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Video Production50% 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 -
$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
Ability to deliver
35.7/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
95% Video Production5% Other -
$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 -
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Inglewood, CA
Ability to deliver
35.5/40.015.8/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Video Production20% Other -
$25,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
35.5/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Dallas, TX
Ability to deliver
35.4/40.017.8/20 Reviews9/10 Clients & Experience8.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$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+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Covina, CA
Ability to deliver
35.4/40.016/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Video Production25% Other
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.