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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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Royal Oak, MI
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Group eX is an Advertising company. The Royal Oak, Michigan-based firm offers Advertising and Branding.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerHamilton, MT
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Touch Point Designs, LLC is a Hamilton, Montana-based web design company. Their services include Web Design 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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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerMinneapolis, MN
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Wolderman is a web design company. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the firm was launched in 2016. Their services include Web Design and Video Production.
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Undisclosed$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Wilmington, NC
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See all 1 projectsSocialry Marketing LLC offers services in social media strategy, content development, branding, and website creation. Reviewers consistently highlight their ability to raise brand awareness, increase social media following, and drive leads. The company is praised for its timely and efficient project management, as well as its innovative video production capabilities.
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$5,000+$25 - $49 / hr10 - 49Jersey City, NJ
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Brandywiz is a social media marketing firm. Their small team is in Jersey City, New Jersey. Their services include Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Queens, NY
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Established in 2019, Alt-Black is a small Advertising company. Their team offers Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249New York, NY
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Coyne PR, an Advertising company, was established in 1991. The team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
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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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Undisclosed$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Princeton, TX
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Social media marketing firm Designix INC is headquartered in Princeton, Texas. They provide Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization and were launched in 2018.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Hudson, MA
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Gauntlet Creative is an Audio Production company. Their team is located in Hudson, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in Audio Production 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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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49North Miami Beach, FL
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Simplio Web Studio is a North Miami Beach, Florida-based e-commerce development firm. Established in 2012, the team specializes in E-Commerce Development and Web Design.
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Undisclosed$25 - $49 / hr10 - 49Bingham Farms, MI
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Salesera Private Limited is a branding company. They are in Rewa, India and Nottingham, England and have small team of experts. Their services include Branding and Market Research.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Sacramento, CA
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OnPoint Internet Marketing is a pay per click agency. Founded in 2009, the company provides Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Orlando, FL
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GoConvergence is a video production company located in Orlando, Florida. The team specializes in Video Production and Web Development.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Dunnellon, FL
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See all 1 projectsMuch More Clients offers lead generation services through Facebook and Instagram ads, with a focus on prequalifying leads for final expense insurance. The overall feedback is overwhelmingly negative, citing poor lead generation results, inadequate customer service, and significant delays in communication and issue resolution.
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$1,000+UndisclosedFreelancerOceanside, CA
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Leashless Media is a Content Marketing company. The agency is in Oceanside, California. Their team offers Content Marketing and Corporate Photography.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerNew York, NY
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Ask8 Digital Marketing is a branding company. The firm is in New York, New York. Their team specializes in Branding and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerNew Bern, NC
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Oasis Grafx is a Digital Strategy company. Their team is based in New Bern, North Carolina. The company focuses on Digital Strategy and Graphic Design.
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$1,000+$300+ / hrFreelancerNewport, RI
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Broad Arrow Creative is a branding firm. They are headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island and have small team. They offer Branding and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Philadelphia, PA
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In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, AgileCat is a small Advertising company. The team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Philadelphia, PA
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Founded in 2007, En Route Marketing, a small public relations agency, is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their team provides Public Relations and Media Planning & Buying.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Syracuse, NY
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Zoey Advertising is an Advertising company. The Syracuse, New York-based team offers Advertising and Social Media Marketing.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Oakbrook Terrace, IL
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Crest Communications Inc., a print design company, is headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Established in 1978, the team focuses on Print Design and Advertising.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Francisco, CA
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Unleashed Productions, a video production company, is based in San Francisco, California. The team specializes in Video Production and Advertising.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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The Traveling Picture Show Company LLC is a small Advertising and video production company in Los Angeles, California. The team specializes in Advertising and Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Founded in 2003, White Swan Films is a small Los Angeles, California-based Broadcast Video and video production agency. Their team provides Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Bipolar ID is an AR/VR development and video production company. They focus on AR/VR development and Video Production and were established in 2015. The company is based in Los Angeles, California.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Columbus, OH
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MyPixo Studios, a Broadcast Video and video production agency, is located in Columbus, Ohio. They specialize in Broadcast Video and Video Production and were founded in 2010.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Wayne, PA
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Peter kuhn CREATIVE VISUALS is a video production company. They specialize in Video Production and UX/UI Design and were launched in 2007. The company is based in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Grand Prairie, TX
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Clear Scope Media is a small Grand Prairie, Texas-based video production company. Their services include Video Production and Media Planning & Buying.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Brooklyn, NY
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AGBK Productions LLC is a video production agency based in Brooklyn, New York. Founded in 2008, the team specializes in Video Production and UX/UI Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Tonawanda, NY
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Buffalo Video Production, a small graphic design agency and video production agency, is in Tonawanda, New York. The team offers Graphic Design and Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Tucson, AZ
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Commotion Studios is a small Tucson, Arizona-based graphic design company and video production agency. Their services include Graphic Design and Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Rochester, NY
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Founded in 1986, Electronic Field Productions, Inc. Is a video production company. The team focuses on Video Production and Broadcast Video and is in Rochester, New York.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Brooklyn, NY
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Graphic design company and video production agency Stortz Lighting was established in 2003. The team provides Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Atlanta, GA
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Kestum Bilt, an Advertising and video production agency, is in Atlanta, Georgia. They specialize in Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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STORY is a video production company. They are headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and have small team of experts. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Great Bend, KS
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Branding agency Marketing Maven Consulting is in Great Bend, Kansas. They provide Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Newton, KS
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Visivo is a branding company. Based in Newton, Kansas, the agency provides Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Baton Rouge, LA
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Digital FX is an Advertising and video production company. The company is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Their services include Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Idaho Falls, ID
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Video Master is an Event Marketing and video production company. The team focuses on Event Marketing and Video Production and is located in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Boise, ID
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Crash Eleven Productions, a small Event Marketing and video production agency, is based in Boise, Idaho. Their services include Event Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Washington, DC
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Launched in 2010, WAM STRATEGIES is a small Event Marketing company. Their team provides Event Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New Orleans, LA
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FATHAPPY MEDIA LLC is an Advertising and video production agency. The small New Orleans, Louisiana-based team provides Advertising and Video Production. The firm was launched in 2009.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Rockland, MA
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WIN Interactive is a video production company. The company is based in Rockland, Massachusetts. Their services include Video Production and Business Consulting.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dover, DE
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S A Ryan LLC is a Marketing Strategy and video production company headquartered in Dover, Delaware. Established in 2011, the team offers Marketing Strategy and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Ankeny, IA
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RPS Creative Group is a branding company. The team specializes in Branding and Web Design and is in Ankeny, Iowa.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Washington, DC
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E-18 Studio is a Broadcast Video and video production company. They are located in Washington, District of Columbia and have small team. Their services include Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Rockford, IL
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Ignition Studio, a Content Marketing company, is in Rockford, Illinois. They provide Content Marketing and Packaging Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Rockford, IL
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GinestraWatson is a small Advertising company. Launched in 2000, the team offers Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Seattle, WA
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Clayton Commercial Arts is a video production agency. Located in Seattle, Washington, their team provides Video Production and Print Design.
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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.