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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Established in 1995, RR Productions is a small Corporate Photography company. Their services include Corporate Photography and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49High Point, NC
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Corporate Photography company Albion Associates Inc. Was founded in 1990. The company offers Corporate Photography and Graphic Design.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 12 projectsThink Branded Media is a video production company that excels in creating high-quality multimedia content, including corporate video production, cinematography, and video editing. Overall, 100% of reviewers praised their creativity, professionalism, and efficient project management. Notably, 70% mentioned their ability to deliver impressive results under tight deadlines, and 60% highlighted their collaborative approach and adaptability to client needs.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 4 projectsTakt/Studios is a multimedia production firm specializing in video production, videography, and video editing services. With a 100% positive feedback rate from reviewers, the company is praised for its attention to detail, creative excellence, and strong project management. Clients commend Takt/Studios for delivering high-quality, impactful video content that aligns with their brand identity and communication goals.
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Richardson, TX
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The Halsey Group, LLC is an AR/VR development company headquartered in Richardson, Texas. The team offers AR/VR development and Corporate Training & Coaching.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49McLean, VA
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ITalkBB Media is an Advertising company. They focus on Advertising and Marketing Strategy and were established in 2013. The company is located in McLean, Virginia.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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FirstLine Creative & Media, LLC is an Atlanta, Georgia-based branding firm. They specialize in Branding and Event Marketing and were founded in 1989.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Sisu, Inc. Is an Advertising company. Their team is in Los Angeles, California. The agency offers Advertising and UX/UI Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New York, NY
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Based in New York, New York, Marketing Thru Graphics is a branding agency. The team provides Branding and Event 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 - 49Salinas, CA
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Advertising company TMD (The Marketing Department, Inc.) was launched in 1999. The team offers Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Santa Ana, CA
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AR/VR development company Video Resources Inc is located in Santa Ana, California. They specialize in AR/VR development and Event Marketing and were established in 1979.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Corona, CA
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EKKO Media, Inc. Is a small user experience design company based in Corona, California. Their services include UX/UI Design and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49San Antonio, TX
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Cybersecurity company Cyfor Technologies LLC offers Cybersecurity and Mobile App Development. They are based in San Antonio, Texas.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Honolulu, HI
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NMG Network is an Advertising company. They are located in Honolulu, Hawaii and have small team. They provide Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Tequesta, FL
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Exceleron Designs, a graphic design company, is in Tequesta, Florida. Their services include Graphic Design and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Candid Leap is an Advertising company. Located in Los Angeles, California, their team offers Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Monona, WI
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Founded in 2016, DRIVEN Marketing Solutions, a small social media marketing agency, is located in Monona, Wisconsin. Their team focuses on Social Media Marketing and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Malvern, PA
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Tipping Point Media is a branding agency. In Malvern, Pennsylvania, their small team offers Branding and Digital Strategy. The agency was founded in 2003.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Morristown, NJ
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The Angeletti Group, LLC is a video production agency. They were launched in 2006 and offer Video Production and Business Consulting.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Las Vegas, NV
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Lumen and Forge is a small Event Marketing company launched in 2018. Their services include Event Marketing and Product Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Las Vegas, NV
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Ultraviolet MEETINGS, a small Event Management company, is in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their services include Event Management and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Miami, FL
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Security Token Market is a Miami, Florida-based Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Ames, IA
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Iso-form LLC. Is a small AR/VR development company launched in 2009. Their services include AR/VR development and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Wichita, KS
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Social media marketing company Malibu Creative is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. The team offers Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Wilmington, DE
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Light Action Productions is an Event Marketing company. Their small team of employees is based in Wilmington, Delaware. Their team focuses on Event Marketing and Product Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Indianapolis, IN
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Round Table Recording Company is an Indianapolis, Indiana-based Audio Production company. They specialize in Audio Production and Video Production and were launched in 2020.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Houston, TX
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512 New Media is a small web design agency headquartered in Houston, Texas. The team specializes in Web Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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SkyCastle Productions, a small branding agency, is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Their services include Branding and Web Design.
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$1,000+UndisclosedFreelancerWestminster, CO
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Optimal Focus Productions is a small video production agency launched in 2017. Their services include Video Production and Social Media Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Nashville, TN
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Avenir Creative House, a branding agency, is based in Bondi Junction, Australia and Nashville, Tennessee. They provide Branding and Video Production and were launched in 2020.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerSt. Louis, MO
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Based in St. Louis, Missouri, St Louis Video Production is a video production company. They provide Video Production and Corporate Photography and were established in 1982.
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$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Costa Mesa, CA
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Karges Media is a video production company headquartered in Costa Mesa, California. The team focuses on Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Tempe, AZ
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War Horse Agency is a video production company. Their small team is in Tempe, Arizona. Their team specializes in Video Production and Social Media Marketing.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerEl Cajon, CA
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Founded in 2010, Walkrich Signature Events, a small video production agency, is based in El Cajon, California. Their services include Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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$5,000+$200 - $300 / hrFreelancerJacksonville, FL
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Carlitorosen Films is a small video production company based in Jacksonville, Florida. Their services include Video Production and Video Marketing.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chapel Hill, NC
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The URL dr, a Corporate Training & Coaching company, is based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. They offer Corporate Training & Coaching and Video Production and were founded in 2008.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Small Advertising company Show My Property, is in Los Angeles, California. Their services include Advertising and Direct Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerNew Castle, DE
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Creative Media Group Delaware is a video production agency. They were founded in 1989, and their services include Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249San Francisco, CA
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Heat, an Advertising company, was launched in 2004. The team specializes in Advertising and Media Planning & Buying.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249San Francisco, CA
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Chapter SF is an Advertising company. They focus on Advertising and Branding and were launched in 2015.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Schaumburg, IL
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Aronson Advertising, a print design company, focus on Print Design and Video Production. They were launched in 2000.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Seattle, WA
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Founded in 2003, Wexley School for Girls is an Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Digital Strategy.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Los Angeles, CA
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180LA is an Advertising company founded in 2007. The agency offers Advertising and Digital Strategy.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Established in 2002, Kivvit is an Advertising company. The agency focuses on Advertising and Branding, and is midsize.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr1,000 - 9,999Denver, CO
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Digital Strategy company The Integer Group is headquartered in Denver, Colorado and Dallas, Texas. The team provides Digital Strategy and Advertising.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Denver, CO
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Cactus, an Advertising company, focuses on Advertising and Branding. The agency is located in Denver, Colorado.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Austin, TX
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Advertising company Harris Media is in Austin, Texas. They specialize in Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Washington, DC
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Subject Matter is a branding company. They are in Washington, District of Columbia and have midsize team. They focus on Branding and Media Planning & Buying.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Alexandria, VA
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PCI Communications is a branding agency. The Alexandria, Virginia-based firm specializes in Branding and Digital Strategy.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Eicoff is an Advertising company. Launched in 1956, their team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249New York, NY
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In London, England and New York, New York, Ralph is a midsize Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Emeryville, CA
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Greenberg Strategy is a branding company. The Emeryville, California-based firm offers Branding and Market Research.
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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.