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+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerPacific, MO
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ChrismanWorks is a Corporate Training & Coaching company. Located in Pacific, Missouri, the agency provides Corporate Training & Coaching and Graphic Design.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hrFreelancerSt. Louis, MO
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Gonzalo Peral Designs L.L.C. Is a Logo company. Launched in 2020, the team specializes in Logo and Print Design.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 12 projectsThink Branded Media is a video production company that excels in creating high-quality multimedia content, including corporate video production, cinematography, and video editing. Overall, 100% of reviewers praised their creativity, professionalism, and efficient project management. Notably, 70% mentioned their ability to deliver impressive results under tight deadlines, and 60% highlighted their collaborative approach and adaptability to client needs.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 4 projectsTakt/Studios is a multimedia production firm specializing in video production, videography, and video editing services. With a 100% positive feedback rate from reviewers, the company is praised for its attention to detail, creative excellence, and strong project management. Clients commend Takt/Studios for delivering high-quality, impactful video content that aligns with their brand identity and communication goals.
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 61 projectsCasual is a multimedia production company specializing in video production services, including motion graphics, videography, and post-production. They are recognized for their creativity, professionalism, and ability to produce high-quality deliverables across various industries, with 100% of reviews highlighting their exceptional project management and flexibility. Clients consistently praise their culture fit, responsiveness, and the impressive quality of the final products.
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$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
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LuxuryJourney, a Digital Strategy company, was launched in 2017. They provides Digital Strategy and Public Relations.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Cambridge, MA
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BLOOM Digital Marketing is a social media marketing company. They are based in Cambridge, Massachusetts and have small team. They provide Social Media Marketing and Content Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chalfont, PA
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Mad Icarus Media, Inc., an user experience agency, was founded in 2014. The team focuses on UX/UI Design and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Prospect, KY
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Write Now Marketing, LLC is a small graphic design company. Founded in 1997, the team focuses on Graphic Design and Logo.
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Undisclosed$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Medford, NJ
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All Around Creative is a Content Marketing company. They are based in Medford, New Jersey. Their team focuses on Content Marketing and Digital Strategy.
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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+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerGoodyear, AZ
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Small Digital Strategy company Go Jeannie, is based in Goodyear, Arizona. The team provides Digital Strategy and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerEly, MN
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Launched in 2015, Wolvenwood Studio, LLC is a small Ely, Minnesota-based branding firm. Their services include Branding and Graphic 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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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerSouthington, CT
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Southington Digital Solutions, a Content Marketing company, is in Southington, Connecticut. They specialize in Content Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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$1,000+< $25 / hrFreelancerLong Beach, CA
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Small SEO company ITECH AGENCY, is headquartered in Long Beach, California. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerSherwood, OR
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Madronify is an Affiliate Marketing company. They were launched in 2025 and offer Affiliate Marketing and Web Design.
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Undisclosed$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerSan Diego, CA
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Juggle Media is a social media marketing company. The San Diego, California-based firm was established in 2022. Their services include Social Media Marketing and Content Marketing.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hrFreelancerBloomfield, CT
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Mac on the Mic is a video production agency. They were established in 2020, and their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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Undisclosed$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerBloomfield, NJ
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PixelCreation is a video production agency. They were established in 2018 and provide Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerArvada, CO
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Windauer Studio, LLC is a web design agency. The team is headquartered in Arvada, Colorado, and their services include Web Design and Graphic Design.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Beverly Hills, CA
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Public relations company Sundae Creative Agency was founded in 2017. Headquartered in Montréal, Canada and Toronto, Canada, the team focuses on Public Relations and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Washington, DC
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Liton Agency, a Corporate Photography company, focuses on Corporate Photography and Video Production. The company is headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Seattle, WA
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Established in 2009, Jozi Firecracker Factory is a small Seattle, Washington-based Advertising company. Their team specializes in Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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$25,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
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The Endless Co., an AR/VR development company, was established in 2014. The team offers AR/VR development and Custom Software Development and is based in New York, New York.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Jacksonville, FL
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Harrington Design Company, a media planning & buying company, provide Media Planning & Buying and Web Development. They were established in 2001.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Webster Groves, MO
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Sandbox Creative is a branding agency. Their team is in Webster Groves, Missouri. The agency focuses on Branding and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Matthews, NC
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Burris Creative Inc. Is a small branding company located in Matthews, North Carolina. Their services include Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Madison, WI
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Launched in 2010, Isthmus Media Group is a Corporate Photography company. The agency provides Corporate Photography and Graphic Design, and is small.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Omaha, NE
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Launched in 2018, Inzana Media, a small web design company, is in Omaha, Nebraska. Their services include Web Design and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Jonesboro, AR
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Simple Spark, an Advertising company, was launched in 2016. The team specializes in Advertising and Branding and is in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Newport, MI
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Lakestone Digital is a Newport, Michigan-based social media marketing agency. The team focuses on Social Media Marketing and Web Design.
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$10,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Wapello, IA
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Founded in 2015, The Grimm Company is a Fractional CMO Services company. The team provides Fractional CMO Services and Marketing Strategy and is located in Wapello, Iowa.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerHouston, TX
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Small Advertising company SEOs Houston, is headquartered in Houston, Texas. The team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerSt. Petersburg, FL
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Communicasting, Inc. Is an Advertising company. Their small team is based in St. Petersburg, Florida and offers Advertising and Out of Home Design. The company was launched in 2004.
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Undisclosed$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerBoston, MA
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Arranger for Hire is a Boston, Massachusetts-based Audio Production company. Launched in 2012, the team specializes in Audio Production and Video Production.
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$1,000+$300+ / hrFreelancerVista, CA
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Rob Andrew Photography Inc is a small Corporate Photography company headquartered in Vista, California. The team focuses on Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New York, NY
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Video production company Colour offers Video Production and Social Media Marketing. They are located in Halifax, Canada and Toronto, Canada.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Woodbury, MN
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Clarion Public Relations is a Woodbury, Minnesota-based PR agency. Their services include Public Relations and Social Media Marketing.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Miami, FL
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Ecommerce Marketing company Growth Consulting Global was established in 2019. The small team offers Ecommerce Marketing and Marketing Strategy.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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Graphic design company Studio t provides Graphic Design and Branding. They are based in New York, New York.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerApple Valley, MN
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Digital Red Panther is a web design company. The Apple Valley, Minnesota-based team offers Web Design and Search Engine Optimization.
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Undisclosed$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Mount Kisco, NY
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Pixel Rush Media is a web design company. Located in Mount Kisco, New York, their small team specializes in Web Design and Corporate Photography. The company was launched in 2017.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerEdmonds, WA
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Solutions Digital Marketing, a SEO company, is located in Edmonds, Washington. The team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$10,000+$200 - $300 / hrFreelancerWichita, KS
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K&G Digital 360 is an Advertising company. Based in Wichita, Kansas, the company was established in 2014. Their team offers Advertising and Social Media Marketing.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerManor, TX
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SEO agency Aswan SEO Service is headquartered in Manor, Texas. The team offers Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerNorth Olmsted, OH
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Launched in 2026, Rapp Creative Studio is a small web design company based in North Olmsted, Ohio. Their team focuses on Web Design and Content Writing Services.
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Undisclosed$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Broussard, LA
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Acadiana Marketing Solutions is a SEO company established in 2021. The team offers Search Engine Optimization and Graphic Design and is located in Broussard, Louisiana.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Sheridan, WY
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See all 1 projectsDFX Studios is a full-service content marketing and creation agency built for businesses that want consistent growth through strategic content. We handle everything from content strategy and social
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249New York, NY
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Public relations company Gutenberg focuses on Public Relations and Digital Strategy. They were founded in 2004.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Henderson, NV
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Idea Tavern, a branding agency, is based in Henderson, Nevada. They specialize in Branding and Social Media Marketing and were founded in 2020.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9West Chester, PA
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Cheshire Digital Marketing is a branding agency. They were established in 2021 and specialize in Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Clearwater, FL
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Small Video Marketing company Juiced Media Marketing, is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. The team offers Video Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerEverett, WA
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Based in Everett, Washington, Wild Moon Productions is a small video production company. Their services include Video Production and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerIowa City, IA
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Based in Iowa City, Iowa, VIDEO CENTER Media is a video production agency. They offer Video Production and Advertising and were launched in 1994.
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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.