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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$1,000+< $25 / hr10 - 49Capitola, CA
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Wideo is a video production company. Based in Capitola, California, the company was founded in 2013. Their services include Video Production.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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See all 5 projectsSHUFFLL is a multimedia production company specializing in video editing and producing, leveraging AI-driven tools to streamline the process. The company is praised for its efficient project management and timely delivery, with 100% of reviews noting their responsiveness and professionalism. Clients appreciate the personalized, high-quality video content and user-friendly platform, though some suggest reducing iterations and incorporating more animation.
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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 - 9Lilburn, GA
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Founded in 2019, Wavy Entertainment LLC is a video production company. The team specializes in Video Production.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hrFreelancerTempe, AZ
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Firesong Creative, a video production agency, is located in Tempe, Arizona. Their services include Video Production.
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$75,000+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerFort Lauderdale, FL
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Genius Videos is a video production agency. They are located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and have small team. They focus on Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Kensington, MD
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Lyons Public Relations is a PR agency. Established in 2014, the company offers Public Relations and Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Antonio, TX
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GA Media Productions, a small Corporate Photography company, is located in San Antonio, Texas. The team focuses on Corporate Photography and Web Design.
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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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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Murrells Inlet, SC
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Creationous is a video production agency. They are located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina and have small team of experts. Their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Founded in 1987, Moving Picture is a small video production agency. Their services include 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 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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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Oceanside, CA
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Prisha Production is a video production company. The team is headquartered in Oceanside, California and Ahmedabad, India, and their services include Video Production and Social Media Marketing.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Franklin, NC
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Video production agency EleviaMedia LLC offers Video Production and Digital Strategy. They were founded in 2017.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Allen, TX
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See all 1 projectsBitBranding is a marketing company that provides services primarily through pre-recorded modules and generalized strategy content. Feedback from the reviews has been overwhelmingly negative, highlighting issues such as a lack of price transparency and difficulty in canceling services, with 100% of the reviewer’s comments reflecting dissatisfaction and cautioning potential clients regarding their policies and sales tactics.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Toledo, OH
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Founded in 2016, Cool Media Productions is a video production agency. Their team provides Video Production.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Boise, ID
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Video production company Bowermaster Productions was launched in 2017. The firm focuses on Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed250 - 999Billerica, MA
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See all 1 projectsMRCC is all about a team of highly skilled and energetic professionals committed to providing innovative technology solutions that help our clients differentiate their services. MRCC is
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Rockaway, NJ
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Grey Sky Films is a video production company. Launched in 2000, the company focuses on Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Columbus, OH
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Vital Companies, a video production company, was established in 2007. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the team offers Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lansing, MI
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UnoDeuce Multimedia is a video production company. The team is in Lansing, Michigan, and their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Carrollton, TX
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Dallas Audio Post, a video production company, was established in 1994. The firm provides Video Production.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Atlanta, GA
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Launched in 2021, Creative Goats Studios is a small video production agency. Their team provides Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Avondale, AZ
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C West Entertainment is a video production company in Avondale, Arizona. Their services include Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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Nick Davis Productions is a video production agency. Founded in 2001, the team offers Video Production and Content Marketing.
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$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9San Francisco, CA
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Kaboom productions, a video production company, is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1997, the team provides Video Production.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Portland, OR
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Maser Films is a video production company. They provide Video Production and are headquartered in Portland, Oregon.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Woodbridge, VA
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Video production agency MJRvisuals was established in 2009. The small team provides Video Production and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
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Small video production agency Wedding Videos Colorado, is located in Denver, Colorado. Their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
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Launched in 2006, NYC Video Pros is a small video production agency in New York, New York. Their team provides Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49West Palm Beach, FL
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KO-MAR Productions, Inc. Is a video production company. The West Palm Beach, Florida-based agency was launched in 1980. Their team focuses on Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Boca Raton, FL
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Founded in 2009, Plum Productions Video is a video production agency. The firm focuses on Video Production.
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Undisclosed$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Orlando, FL
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Lasting Blueprint Productions is a video production agency. They were founded in 2014 and offer Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Columbus, OH
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Video production agency Horizons Companies was established in 1983. The small team provides Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Columbus, OH
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Video production agency Spacejunk is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Launched in 2002, the team focuses on Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Santa Barbara, CA
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Venture Visuals - Video & VR Production, a video production agency, offers Video Production. The agency is located in Santa Barbara, California.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerSan Diego, CA
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Video production company San Diego Video Production Company was launched in 2010. The small team provides Video Production.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hrFreelancerBeaverton, OR
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Wildwood Digital Media, a video production agency, is located in Beaverton, Oregon. Their services include Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Sugar Land, TX
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Video production company Freddyville Media Production LLC is headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas. They specialize in Video Production and were established in 2020.
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$1,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9New Orleans, LA
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J Sery Films LLC is a small video production agency headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana. Their services include Video Production and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
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Across the Pond is an Advertising company. They specialize in Advertising and Branding and were founded in 2008. The agency is based in London, England and San Francisco, California.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerBryan, TX
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EmiBea is a video production company. Their small team is headquartered in Bryan, Texas. Their services include Video Production.
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Undisclosed$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Located in Los Angeles, California, Workprint is a video production agency. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerWestbrook, ME
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Henry Riley Productions is a video production company. The team focuses on Video Production, and the agency is located in Westbrook, Maine.
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$1,000+UndisclosedFreelancerFort Worth, TX
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Everest Productions, a video production company, was founded in 2017. The team focuses on Video Production and is located in Fort Worth, Texas.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Boston, MA
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Launched in 2012, Beatt Productions is a video production company. The team offers Video Production and Content Marketing and is based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Wilton Manors, FL
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Lightship Media, a small video production agency, is in Wilton Manors, Florida. Their services include Video Production and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49North Haven, CT
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Absolute Video is a video production agency. In North Haven, Connecticut, the team provides Video Production and Advertising.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Antonio, TX
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The Customer Story is a video production company. Established in 2017, the team offers Video Production and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Stamford, CT
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Mediacom Inc., a small video production company, is based in Stamford, Connecticut. Their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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See all 1 projectsDeja Vu Productions specializes in Video Production, including Motion Graphics, Cinematography, and Videography. Reviews highlight their professionalism, creative input, and effective project management. Clients appreciate their ability to deliver high-quality marketing videos and office tours, often exceeding expectations and contributing to client success through enhanced visibility and engagement.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Overland Park, KS
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Real Media LLC is a video production agency. They were established in 1997, and their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Greensboro, NC
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Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, Barking Shark Creative is a video production agency. They offer Video Production.
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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.