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 - 49Little Rock, AR
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Kombine Media, a Broadcast Video and video production company, was founded in 2006. Headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, the team specializes in Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Frederick, MD
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Located in Frederick, Maryland, 3 Roads Communications is a Broadcast Video and video production agency. Their services include Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 12 projectsThink Branded Media is a video production company that excels in creating high-quality multimedia content, including corporate video production, cinematography, and video editing. Overall, 100% of reviewers praised their creativity, professionalism, and efficient project management. Notably, 70% mentioned their ability to deliver impressive results under tight deadlines, and 60% highlighted their collaborative approach and adaptability to client needs.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 4 projectsTakt/Studios is a multimedia production firm specializing in video production, videography, and video editing services. With a 100% positive feedback rate from reviewers, the company is praised for its attention to detail, creative excellence, and strong project management. Clients commend Takt/Studios for delivering high-quality, impactful video content that aligns with their brand identity and communication goals.
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 61 projectsCasual is a multimedia production company specializing in video production services, including motion graphics, videography, and post-production. They are recognized for their creativity, professionalism, and ability to produce high-quality deliverables across various industries, with 100% of reviews highlighting their exceptional project management and flexibility. Clients consistently praise their culture fit, responsiveness, and the impressive quality of the final products.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Reisterstown, MD
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Established in 1992, VPC, Inc. Is a small Reisterstown, Maryland-based Broadcast Video and video production agency. Their services include Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Moline, IL
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Nehlsen Communications is a branding company. The Moline, Illinois-based agency specializes in Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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Fine Line Productions is a Broadcast Video and video production company. Founded in 2005, their team offers Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Rexburg, ID
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Based in Rexburg, Idaho, Soapbox Agency is a small graphic design company. Their services include Graphic Design and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Toledo, OH
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Concentrek is a branding agency. The firm is located in Toledo, Ohio. Their services include Branding and Content 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 - 49Salt Lake City, UT
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Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, REDMAN MOVIES & STORIES is a small Broadcast Video and video production company. The team provides Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Greensboro, NC
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Established in 2007, Stir Creative Group is a branding firm. Their team provides Branding and Web Design.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 43 projectsBrandefy is a distinguished video production company specializing in multimedia production, video editing, and corporate video production. Nearly 90% of clients highlight their creativity and comprehensive project management, noting that Brandefy excels in delivering high-quality, visually compelling content on time. Their collaborative and adaptable approach consistently meets client needs across various industries.
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 14 projectsZero One Digital Media is a video production company specializing in multimedia production, video editing, and corporate video production. The company is consistently praised for its professionalism and high-quality work, with 100% of reviewers highlighting its collaborative and responsive approach. Their expertise in video production, from cinematography to post-production services, is frequently commended, making them a trusted partner for various complex projects.
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 35 projectsFeel Right Inc. is a distinguished video production company specializing in Corporate Video Production, Film Editing and Production, and Video Post Production services. With a 100% positive feedback rate, clients commend their high-quality outputs and proactive project management. Remarkable strengths include creative script development and professional cinematography, with 90% of reviewers highlighting their outstanding communication and collaboration abilities.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49South Jordan, UT
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Magnolia Grove is a Corporate Photography and video production agency. They are located in South Jordan, Utah and have small team. Their services include Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Reading, PA
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VA Productions is a Broadcast Video and video production company. They are located in Reading, Pennsylvania and have small team. Their services include Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Bethlehem, PA
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Broadcast Video and video production agency Clark Media is based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Their services include Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Vista, CA
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CMG Creative, a web development company, was launched in 1996. The company specializes in Web Development and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Des Plaines, IL
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Sound/Video Impressions is a graphic design agency and video production company. Their small team is in Des Plaines, Illinois. Their team specializes in Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Walnut Creek, CA
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WPF Creatives is a SEO agency. They provide Search Engine Optimization and Content Marketing and are based in Walnut Creek, California.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Victorville, CA
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ActiveLAMP is a web development firm launched in 2005. The team specializes in Web Development and UX/UI Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Tallahassee, FL
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Established in 1980, Kidd Group is a small branding company. Their services include Branding and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Las Vegas, NV
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Blare Films, a Broadcast Video and video production company, was launched in 2005. They focuses on Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lubbock, TX
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Digital Base Productions is a SEO services firm. Founded in 2009, the company provides Search Engine Optimization and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Branding firm and video production agency DADA Agency is located in Los Angeles, California. They focus on Branding and Video Production and were founded in 2013.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Syracuse, NY
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Bentley-Hall, Inc. Is a graphic design agency. Their small team is headquartered in Syracuse, New York. Their team offers Graphic Design and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Spokane, WA
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Corporate Photography and video production company Memories By Design was established in 2002. Located in Spokane, Washington, the team offers Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New Port Richey, FL
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Todd Pillars Photography is a small New Port Richey, Florida-based Corporate Photography and video production agency. The team provides Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Saint Joseph, MO
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Marks Media, a branding agency, was founded in 1986. The agency specializes in Branding and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Springfield, MO
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Opfer Communications, Inc is a Corporate Photography and video production company established in 1988. The team focuses on Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Carbondale, IL
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Idea Creative Marketing is a Marketing Strategy company founded in 2014. The team specializes in Marketing Strategy and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Virginia Beach, VA
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Earworks Media is a small graphic design company and video production company based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Their services include Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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Creative Sound Concepts, a small Broadcast Video and video production company, is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Their services include Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Grand Rapids, MI
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Designvox is an application development firm. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company specializes in Mobile App Development and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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TOP Worldwide, a branding company, was launched in 2018. They offers Branding and Direct Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Tallahassee, FL
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223_Agency is a video production agency. They provide Video Production and Corporate Photography and were established in 2011. The firm is in Tallahassee, Florida.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Fayetteville, TN
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Exchange Media Group is an Advertising company. In Fayetteville, Tennessee, the firm was established in 1979. Their team focuses on Advertising and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Myrtle Beach, SC
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Banton Media is a video production company. They were founded in 2010 and offer Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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CoxNext is a small Advertising company established in 2019. Their team offers Advertising and Market Research.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49San Antonio, TX
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DigiROI Marketing and Advertising is an Advertising company. Established in 2018, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. Their team offers Advertising and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Miami, FL
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See all 4 projectsDeepSleep Studio is a multimedia production company specializing in comprehensive event coverage and video production services, including motion graphics, videography, and video editing. With 100% positive feedback highlighting their attention to detail and responsiveness, the studio is praised for enhancing audience engagement and delivering high-quality content that captures the essence of events. Their professionalism and proactive communication are consistently commended by clients.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Macedonia, OH
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Event Marketing company NOVASPHERE, Inc. Was established in 2000. The team offers Event Marketing and Graphic Design and is in Macedonia, Ohio.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Seattle, WA
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Based in Seattle, Washington and Dallas, Texas, Johnnie Studio is a web development company. Their services include Web Development and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Grand Rapids, MI
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Younify Group is a social media marketing firm located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They specialize in Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New York, NY
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Small branding firm 50Pros™️, is in New York, New York. The team specializes in Branding and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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The Gauge Collective is a small branding agency founded in 2016. Their team focuses on Branding and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Indianapolis, IN
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Three sixty group is a video production company established in 1960. The firm focuses on Video Production and Web Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Portland, OR
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Oregon Advertising is a branding company. They are based in Portland, Oregon and have small team. They offer Branding and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Las Vegas, NV
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MINDVIBZ® Growth Marketing is a SEO company founded in 2020. Their team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Portland, OR
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Unifylink is a social media marketing agency. Located in Portland, Oregon, the team specializes in Social Media Marketing and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Clarksville, MD
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PW Media Inc. Is a Clarksville, Maryland-based branding firm. They offer Branding and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Madison Heights, MI
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Hesel Media is a social media marketing company. Established in 2019, the firm focuses on Social Media Marketing and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Glen Ellyn, IL
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Headquartered in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Forward Lawyer Marketing is a small social media marketing firm. The team offers Social Media Marketing and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lancaster, PA
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Kinectiv is a social media marketing firm founded in 2011. The team provides Social Media Marketing and Content Marketing and is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New Galilee, PA
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Quinnconcepts Inc. Is a social media marketing agency. They are located in New Galilee, Pennsylvania and have small team of experts. Their services include Social Media Marketing and Email
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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 -
$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 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
35.8/40.017.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Video Production35% Other -
$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 -
$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 -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Sausalito, CA
Ability to deliver
35.3/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production
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.