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 - 9Brooklyn, NY
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Bughouse, a branding company, was founded in 2025. The company focuses on Branding and Advertising, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Montclair, NJ
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Come Alive Communications, Inc. Is a graphic design agency. The company is based in Montclair, New Jersey. Their services include Graphic Design 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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Long Beach, CA
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Hype Media Group is an Advertising company. The Long Beach, California-based firm specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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Launched in 2018, Immedia Content is a Content Marketing company. The agency provides Content Marketing and Market Research, and is small.
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Undisclosed$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Marshall, MI
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BluFish Consulting is a SEO company. The team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Web Design, and the company is located in Marshall, Michigan.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Houston, TX
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Raxa Design is a branding firm based in Houston, Texas. They specialize in Branding and Social Media Marketing and were established in 2008.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New Orleans, LA
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RAPJAB is an Advertising company. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, the team provides 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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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
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In New York, New York, Opuscule, LLC is an user experience company. Launched in 2006, the team focuses on UX/UI Design and Web Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Royal Oak, MI
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Visual Impact Systems is an Advertising company. They are located in Royal Oak, Michigan and have small team. They offer Advertising and Branding.
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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 - 9Syracuse, NY
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GILDED SOCIAL is a social media marketing firm established in 2011. Their team specializes in Social Media Marketing and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Matthews, NC
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Established in 1998, aro Marketing, a small graphic design agency, is located in Matthews, North Carolina. Their services include Graphic Design and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Kimberling City, MO
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Newsom Creative is an e-commerce development company. Launched in 1996, the team provides E-Commerce Development and Logo.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Albuquerque, NM
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Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, OneCreative is a graphic design company. They focus on Graphic Design and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Rockville, MD
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On The Marc Media is a public relations firm. The Rockville, Maryland-based agency was launched in 2005. Their team focuses on Public Relations and Marketing Strategy.
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Undisclosed$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerRacine, WI
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Web designer Mark Czerniec is a small Racine, Wisconsin-based web design company. Their services include Web Design and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sparta, NJ
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Based in Sparta, New Jersey, CF Creative Designs is a graphic design company. Their services include Graphic Design and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Mesa, AZ
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Located in Mesa, Arizona, Designswp is a branding firm. Their services include Branding and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Overland Park, KS
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Jennings Social Media Marketing is a Marketing Strategy company. They were founded in 2003, and their services include Marketing Strategy and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Madison, WI
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Revelation PR, Advertising & Social Media is an Other Marketing company. The Madison, Wisconsin-based company offers Other Marketing and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Madison, WI
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The Creative Company, Inc. Is a public relations company. They are headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin and have small team of experts. Their services include Public Relations and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Pewaukee, WI
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Marketing Metrics Corp is a web design company. They are located in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Their team focuses on Web Design and Content Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Rochester, NY
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NEXT! Ad Agency is an Advertising company. Founded in 2010, the team provides Advertising and Social Media Marketing. The firm is in Rochester, New York and Chicago, Illinois.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Haysville, KS
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Armstrong Chamberlin Strategic Marketing is an Advertising company. Launched in 1981, the agency provides Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Minneapolis, MN
Services provided
Founded in 1991, McCoy & Associates, Inc. Is a video production agency. The team provides Video Production and Advertising and is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Williston, VT
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Subatomic Digital is a print design company. Founded in 2006, their team provides Print Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Saint Ansgar, IA
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Video production agency Nelson Media Company is in Saint Ansgar, Iowa. They provide Video Production and Social Media Marketing.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Culver City, CA
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Kovel/Fuller is a media planning and buying agency. The Culver City, California-based company was founded in 1999. Their team focuses on Media Planning & Buying and Social Media Marketing.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249San Francisco, CA
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Factory 360, a midsize Advertising company, is based in San Francisco, California and Los Angeles, California. Their services include Advertising and Direct Marketing.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Boston, MA
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PGR Media is a social media marketing firm. In Boston, Massachusetts and , their team focuses on Social Media Marketing and Out of Home Design.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249New York, NY
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Sky Advertising is an Advertising company located in New York, New York and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Duluth, GA
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Shepherd is a midsize Duluth, Georgia-based Advertising company. The team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Austin, TX
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PREACHER is a branding company. Their midsize team is located in Austin, Texas and and provides Branding and Marketing Strategy. The firm was founded in 2014.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Salt Lake City, UT
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WELD is an UX agency based in Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon. Launched in 2008, the team specializes in UX/UI Design and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Santa Ana, CA
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Truth., an Advertising company, is based in Santa Ana, California and England. They focus on Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Sausalito, CA
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Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners is a branding firm. Based in Sausalito, California and Los Angeles, California, their team specializes in Branding and Media Planning & Buying.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Indianapolis, IN
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Bradley and Montgomery is an Advertising company launched in 1999. Their team offers Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Minneapolis, MN
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StoneArch is an Advertising company. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the firm was launched in 1984. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Los Angeles, CA
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MOcean is a branding agency. The Los Angeles, California-based company was founded in 2000. Their team specializes in Branding and Market Research.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Tampa, FL
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PP+K, a branding agency, was established in 2004. They offers Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Austin, TX
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SandersWingo, a midsize Advertising company, is in Austin, Texas and El Paso, Texas. The team provides Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Seattle, WA
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PRR is a web design company. Established in 1981, the team provides Web Design and Advertising. The company is based in Seattle, Washington and Washington, District of Columbia.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Midan Marketing is a Market Research company. Founded in 2004, the team provides Market Research and Advertising. The agency is based in Chicago, Illinois and.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249San Francisco, CA
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Bite Communications is a branding firm. They are in San Francisco, California and London, England and have midsize team. Their team specializes in Branding and Public Relations.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerBoston, MA
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Michael Indresano Photography is a graphic design company. The Boston, Massachusetts-based agency was established in 1992. Their team offers Graphic Design and Corporate Photography.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249San Diego, CA
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Einstein Industries is a midsize San Diego, California-based social media marketing firm. Their services include Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Dearborn, MI
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Based in Dearborn, Michigan, Campbell Marketing is a Marketing Strategy company. They offer Marketing Strategy and Event Management and were launched in 1982.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Los Angeles, CA
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Advertise.com, an Advertising company, was established in 2001. The team provides Advertising and Search Engine Optimization and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California and India.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Cleveland, OH
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Brokaw is an Advertising company launched in 1992. The midsize team specializes in Advertising and Content Marketing.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Kansas City, KS
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Branding firm Sullivan Higdon & Sink is headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas and Wichita, Kansas. They specialize in Branding and Public Relations.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Oakland, CA
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Circlepoint is an Advertising company. Headquartered in Oakland, California and San Jose, California, the company was launched in 1987. 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 -
$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.