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 - 9Manchester, CT
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Launched in 2003, E Circle Marketing is an Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Danbury, CT
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Programmatic B2B is an Advertising company. They were founded in 2019 and offer Advertising and Social Media Marketing.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 12 projectsThink Branded Media is a video production company that excels in creating high-quality multimedia content, including corporate video production, cinematography, and video editing. Overall, 100% of reviewers praised their creativity, professionalism, and efficient project management. Notably, 70% mentioned their ability to deliver impressive results under tight deadlines, and 60% highlighted their collaborative approach and adaptability to client needs.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 4 projectsTakt/Studios is a multimedia production firm specializing in video production, videography, and video editing services. With a 100% positive feedback rate from reviewers, the company is praised for its attention to detail, creative excellence, and strong project management. Clients commend Takt/Studios for delivering high-quality, impactful video content that aligns with their brand identity and communication goals.
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 61 projectsCasual is a multimedia production company specializing in video production services, including motion graphics, videography, and post-production. They are recognized for their creativity, professionalism, and ability to produce high-quality deliverables across various industries, with 100% of reviews highlighting their exceptional project management and flexibility. Clients consistently praise their culture fit, responsiveness, and the impressive quality of the final products.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dover, DE
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High Ground Creative, an Advertising company, was established in 2016. The team specializes in Advertising and Branding and is in Dover, Delaware.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Rehoboth Beach, DE
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Syndicate Marketing is a SEO agency. Their team is based in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The agency provides Search Engine Optimization and Web Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Salt Lake City, UT
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Advertising company Indie SEM is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. They focus on Advertising and Social Media Marketing and were founded in 2016.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Portsmouth, NH
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DARCI Creative is an Advertising company. Established in 2006, the team specializes in Advertising and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bridgeport, CT
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Founded in 2018, Pingtotheworld is a small graphic design agency based in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Their team specializes in Graphic Design and Web Development.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9St. Louis, MO
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Language Solutions Inc. Is a Translation company. The small St. Louis, Missouri-based team specializes in Translation and Graphic Design. The company was founded in 1998.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Tigard, OR
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Established in 2019, UNIVOX MEDIA LLC is an Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Media Planning & Buying.
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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 - 9Middletown Township, NJ
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Smart Marketing is an Advertising company. The team focuses on Advertising and Social Media Marketing, and the agency is located in Middletown Township, New Jersey.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Davie, FL
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Elettro is a Digital Strategy company in Davie, Florida. Their services include Digital Strategy and Conversion Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lewisburg, PA
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PR firm Norm Jones Media was launched in 2015. The team offers Public Relations and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Montclair, NJ
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Divigner Group is a small software development company. Founded in 2011, the team provides Custom Software Development and Blockchain Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Miami, FL
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Lion ADV is a social media marketing agency. Their team is located in Miami, Florida. The agency provides Social Media Marketing and Blockchain Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Berkeley, CA
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Established in 2013, StoryTK, LLC is a branding firm. The small team offers Branding and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bloomfield Hills, MI
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WAXX is a branding firm established in 2019. The team provides Branding and Public Relations and is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bedford, NH
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Downtown Marketing is a branding agency. They offer Branding and Event Marketing and were founded in 2019. The agency is in Bedford, New Hampshire.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Ormond Beach, FL
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Edgeset Marketing is an Ormond Beach, Florida-based Marketing Strategy company. Their services include Marketing Strategy and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Antonio, TX
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See all 1 projectsCapture That Media provides comprehensive branding, web development, and SEO services as evidenced in their project with Ericstad Masonry. The reviews highlight their dedication and expertise, noting their effective project management and holistic approach. Overall, clients praise them for transforming businesses' digital presence, though there is a suggestion for improved communication workflow.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Goose Creek, SC
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Spotlight Media Pros is a public relations firm in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Established in 2014, the team focuses on Public Relations and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Talking Rock, GA
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Tonality, a SEO services firm, is in Talking Rock, Georgia. Established in 2018, the team provides Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Antonio, TX
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Incite Digital Marketing is a small San Antonio, Texas-based branding firm. Their services include Branding and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Salt Lake City, UT
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Elle Marketing And Events, a branding firm, is in Salt Lake City, Utah. Established in 2009, the team offers Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Springfield, TN
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Small Town Startup, a small Marketing Strategy company, is located in Springfield, Tennessee. Their services include Marketing Strategy and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dublin, OH
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In Dublin, Ohio, Borja Virtual Conferences and Events is an Event Management company. The team offers Event Management and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Columbus, OH
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Founded in 2016, Captivate Productions is an Event Management company. The team focuses on Event Management and Event Marketing and is located in Columbus, Ohio.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Oklahoma City, OK
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JAM Events and Productions is an Event Management company established in 2012. The company focuses on Event Management and Event Marketing, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Oklahoma City, OK
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Established in 1986, Genesis Master Of Events is an Event Management company. Their team specializes in Event Management and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lake Oswego, OR
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Soiree Special Event Planning is a small Event Management company located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The team focuses on Event Management and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Philadelphia, PA
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Evantine Design, Inc. Is an Event Management company. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the firm provides Event Management and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Philadelphia, PA
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Empower Event Group is an Event Management company. They were founded in 2012 and specialize in Event Management and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Kissimmee, FL
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King Sports and Entertainment is a small Kissimmee, Florida-based Sports Marketing company. Their services include Sports Marketing and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lubbock, TX
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Texas Sports Marketing is a small Advertising company based in Lubbock, Texas. The team provides Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Portland, OR
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Ideba, a social media marketing agency, was launched in 2010. The small team specializes in Social Media Marketing and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Scottsdale, AZ
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SEO company Scottsdale SEO Company is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. They specialize in Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing and were established in 2005.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Phoenix, AZ
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Raving Fan, a small Advertising company, is located in Phoenix, Arizona. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lihue, HI
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Weekend Digital Marketing is a branding agency. They are located in Lihue, Hawaii and have small team. Their services include Branding and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Phoenix, AZ
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Agency 8 is a SEO company founded in 2018. The team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and AI Consulting.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lincoln, CA
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Launched in 2011, Adrian Agency is a small branding agency. Their services include Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sandy, UT
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Forte Agency is a media planning & buying agency. Their team is headquartered in Sandy, Utah. The agency offers Media Planning & Buying and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Francisco, CA
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Located in San Francisco, California, SyCo Media Inc. Is a small social media marketing company. Their services include Social Media Marketing and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fremont, CA
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Global Search Council is a small branding firm founded in 2017. Their services include Branding and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Huntington Beach, CA
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Exclusive Business Marketing is a Huntington Beach, California-based Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lake Saint Louis, MO
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SEO agency Rivet | MRO was established in 2016. The team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9West Valley City, UT
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SEO PANDA is a small West Valley City, Utah-based SEO services firm. The team specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
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BD Grow is a social media marketing firm. Launched in 2022, the team specializes in Social Media Marketing and Email Marketing. The firm is in New York, New York.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Greeley, CO
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Located in Greeley, Colorado, DaGama Digital Marketing Agency is a small social media marketing company. Their services include Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Wethersfield, CT
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Social media marketing firm Clovercrest Media Group was launched in 2018. Based in Wethersfield, Connecticut, the team offers Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Front Royal, VA
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Matrimont is a social media marketing company. The team specializes in Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization, and the firm is headquartered in Front Royal, Virginia.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Wilmington, NC
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Branding firm dboy Creative is based in Wilmington, North Carolina. Their services include Branding and Search Engine Optimization.
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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
See all 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.