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 - 9Carrollton, TX
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Accento, THE LANGUAGE COMPANY is a small web design company based in Carrollton, Texas. The team specializes in Web Design and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Allendale, NJ
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The White Agency, Inc. Is an Allendale, New Jersey-based branding company. They specialize in Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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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 - 9Norman, OK
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InterAction Advertising is an Advertising company. They are in Norman, Oklahoma and have small team. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Houston, TX
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3Drender-vision is a Product Design company. In Houston, Texas and Bannu, Pakistan, the company was launched in 2019. Their services include Product Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fairbanks, AK
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Video production agency 262 Creative LLC was established in 2019. The firm specializes in Video Production and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Birmingham, AL
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Stephen DeVries Photo is a Corporate Photography company. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, their team offers Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Denver, CO
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Fortem Media is a small St Leonards, Australia-based social media marketing company. The team provides Social Media Marketing and Video Production.
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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+Undisclosed2 - 9Eagle, ID
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Scale Video Agency is a video production company launched in 2021. The team focuses on Video Production and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Watertown, MA
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LaunchPad Media, a video production company, is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts. Launched in 2001, the team provides Video Production and Search Engine Optimization.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 43 projectsBrandefy is a 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 - 9Albuquerque, NM
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Small video production company and Corporate Photography company Core-Visual, is headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team focuses on Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sugar Land, TX
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Broadcast Video and video production agency TC Thompkins LLC was founded in 1991. The team specializes in Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Baltimore, MD
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Push the Button is a video production company. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, their team focuses on Video Production and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerAtlanta, GA
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Xena Design + Marketing Firm is a Product Design company launched in 2017. The team offers Product Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lebanon, IN
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DevLab Creative, LLC is a video production company. The Lebanon, Indiana-based agency specializes in Video Production and Search Engine Optimization.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerHendersonville, NC
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Video production agency Street Studios is headquartered in Hendersonville, North Carolina. They offer Video Production and Digital Strategy.
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$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Allen, TX
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FlashFIlm Media is an Allen, Texas-based Corporate Photography company. Founded in 2010, the team provides Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Henderson, KY
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CINESTYLE MEDIA is a video production company launched in 2022. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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$5,000+$300+ / hr2 - 9Corpus Christi, TX
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Located in Corpus Christi, Texas, Andie Media is a video production agency. Founded in 2021, the team focuses on Video Production and Social Media Marketing.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerSan Diego, CA
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Michael Auchard, a video production agency, was launched in 2015. They specializes in Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerPalmetto Bay, FL
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Plan D Productions is a video production company. The Palmetto Bay, Florida-based company was founded in 2019. Their services include Video Production and Lighting Design.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerRichmond Hill, NY
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ASC Corporation is a video production company. They provide Video Production and Branding and are headquartered in Richmond Hill, New York.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerGroton, CT
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Video production agency and Video Marketing company Shuta Productions was established in 2014. Based in Groton, Connecticut, the team offers Video Production and Video Marketing.
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$1,000+< $25 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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Crazy Mediaworks Studios is a video production agency and Corporate Training & Coaching company founded in 2019. The agency focuses on Video Production and Corporate Training & Coaching.
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$5,000+$25 - $49 / hr50 - 249San Francisco, CA
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See all 165 projectsWow-How Studio is a multimedia production company specializing in high-quality motion graphics, video editing, and 3D animation. Reviews consistently highlight their strong project management and excellent communication, with 100% of clients noting their responsiveness and ability to deliver on time. Their work is praised for clarity, visual quality, and enhancing stakeholder engagement, with clients appreciating the value for cost and cultural fit they provide.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hrFreelancerSaint Paul, MN
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Kirk Duffy LLC is a video production agency. Founded in 2016, the team focuses on Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Corporate Photography company Fashion Photographer Los Angeles & Orange County Video Production was established in 1996. The agency offers Corporate Photography and Branding, and is small.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Minneapolis, MN
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Social media marketing firm Leadpages was established in 2013. The firm focuses on Social Media Marketing and Email Marketing, and is midsize.
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Undisclosed$150 - $199 / hrFreelancerSan Diego, CA
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Galt Visual is a video production company and Corporate Photography company. In San Diego, California, their team offers Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerHialeah, FL
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Edman.tv is a video production company. They focus on Video Production and Graphic Design and are in Hialeah, Florida.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Milwaukie, OR
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Portland Event Films is a Milwaukie, Oregon-based video production company. Founded in 2018, the team focuses on Video Production and Direct Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerLombard, IL
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Video production agency Koi Media Productions was founded in 2019. The small team offers Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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$1,000+$300+ / hr2 - 9Bedford, TX
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Monika Normand Creative LLC is a Corporate Photography company. Established in 2017, the team specializes in Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Houston, TX
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New Story Media is a branding company in Houston, Texas. Launched in 2012, the team offers Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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$1,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Gainesville, FL
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Video production agency and Corporate Photography company Xtal Media offers Video Production and Corporate Photography. They were founded in 2019.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Birmingham, AL
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Creative Brew Films is a video production agency in Birmingham, Alabama. They provide Video Production and Branding and were launched in 2012.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Durham, NC
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In Durham, North Carolina, MKGXR Productions is a small video production company. Their services include Video Production and AR/VR development.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Roy, UT
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Slevin Studio is a video production company and Corporate Photography company. The small Roy, Utah-based team offers Video Production and Corporate Photography. The agency was established in 2021.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Bellevue, WA
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Founded in 2025, Vourly is a small Bellevue, Washington-based video production company. Their team focuses on Video Production and Video Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Hamtramck, MI
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Located in Hamtramck, Michigan, Aidgent Media is a video production agency and Other Marketing company. The team offers Video Production and Other Marketing.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Emeryville, CA
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Baker Street Advertising is an Advertising company. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, the company was launched in 1982. Their team provides Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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SOCIALDEVIANT is an Advertising company in Chicago, Illinois. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49North Hampton, NH
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Founded in 1990, Rumbletree is a small branding company. Their services include Branding and Media Planning & Buying.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Nashville, TN
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Advertising company Brand Journalists is in Nashville, Tennessee. Their services include Advertising and Public Relations.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Nashville, TN
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Founded in 1988, Harmon Group is an Advertising company. Their team provides Advertising and Mobile App Development.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Nashville, TN
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Kaleidoscope Media is an Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Branding and is in Nashville, Tennessee.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Nashville, TN
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The AristoMedia Group is a small Nashville, Tennessee-based PR firm. Their services include Public Relations and Advertising.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Nashville, TN
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Hammock is an Advertising company. The Nashville, Tennessee-based team offers Advertising and Content Marketing.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Portland, OR
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Launched in 1997, Sockeye is a small Portland, Oregon-based Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Mountlake Terrace, WA
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Destination Marketing is an Advertising company. They are headquartered in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, and their services include Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Portland, OR
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Big-Giant is an Advertising company. Located in Portland, Oregon, the agency was established in 1999. Their team provides Advertising and Branding.
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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.