Top Video Production Companies in the United States
Video has become the default format for almost every marketing surface — paid social, YouTube, sales enablement, brand films, product launches, and increasingly, AI-driven personalization. The right U.S. video production company brings the strategic instinct to know what kind of video the work actually needs (a high-production brand film versus a fast, native-feeling social cut versus a polished explainer) along with the production capacity to ship it on time.
The best firms also bring distribution thinking — building shoots that yield 30 cuts and crops instead of one finished video, because that's what modern channel mixes demand. Clutch helps you compare top U.S. video production companies through verified client reviews, portfolios, and pricing data. Filter by budget, industry, and video type, and explore related directories:
• Top Video Production Companies
• Video Production Companies in Los Angeles
• Video Production Companies in Chicago
• Video Production Companies in New York
• U.S. Video Production Companies for Advertising & Marketing
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 171 projectsSparkhouse is a corporate video production company praised for its professionalism, timely delivery, and high-quality cinematic outputs. With a focus on video editing, videography, and motion graphics, they consistently receive positive feedback, with approximately 90% of reviewers highlighting their effective project management and responsiveness. Clients appreciate Sparkhouse's ability to align with company values and deliver impactful multimedia production services.
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 17 projectsBLACKBIRD PRODUCTIONS is a multimedia production company specializing in videography, video editing, and corporate video production, offering comprehensive services from cinematography to post-production. With a 100% positive feedback rate, clients consistently praise their flexibility, professionalism, and timely delivery, emphasizing their ability to accommodate changes and provide high-quality visual content suited for various digital and social media platforms.
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 18 projectsGardner Productions Group is a professional multimedia production company excelling in Video Production, Film Editing and Production, and Corporate Video Production. With 100% positive feedback, clients consistently praise their high-quality assets, timely delivery, and exceptional project management. The company's strong culture fit and adaptability have made them a preferred choice for creative commercials and brand awareness initiatives.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49St. George, UT
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Established in 2006, Innovation Simple, a small branding firm, is based in St. George, Utah. Their team specializes in Branding and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Philadelphia, PA
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Magnum Group, Inc. Is a Translation company. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the firm was established in 1992. Their services include Translation and Advertising.
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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 - 49Albuquerque, NM
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In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sunny 505 is a branding firm. Launched in 1990, the team offers Branding and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Myrtle Beach, SC
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Zeus Digital Marketing, a small SEO agency, is headquartered in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Warwick, RI
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See all 1 projectsNortheast Advertising Solutions specializes in website redesign, social media management, keyword strategy, and Google Ads. Reviewers consistently praise the company for delivering quality work on time, maintaining clear communication, and successfully generating leads. Overall, clients find their services to be valuable and effective in achieving marketing goals.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Duluth, GA
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Davis Media is a small Duluth, Georgia-based media planning and buying company. The team specializes in Media Planning & Buying and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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LAXIR is an Advertising company. Their team is based in Los Angeles, California. The company focuses on Advertising and Branding.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 10 projects5 Pound Media is a multimedia production company specializing in video production services, including videography, video editing, and corporate video production. Across their reviews, 5 Pound Media consistently receives positive feedback, with approximately 95% of clients praising their creativity, professionalism, and efficient project management. Clients frequently highlight their ability to deliver high-quality video content on time and within budget, with 60% mentioning their adaptability and effective communication.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 52 projectsOrigin Films is a distinguished multimedia production company specializing in videography, film production, and corporate video production. They consistently receive positive feedback, with 100% of reviews highlighting their exceptional project management and creative storytelling capabilities. Notably, 85% of reviewers commend their ability to enhance brand visibility and engagement through visually compelling video content. Overall, clients appreciate their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail.
$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 16 projectsSIERRA Production House is a multimedia production company specializing in video production, cinematography, and post-production services. Reviews show an 85% positive feedback rating, highlighting effective project management, clear communication, and cultural fit, with 80% of reviewers noting their ability to deliver high-quality video content on time. Some feedback suggests room for improvement in proactivity and client relationship authenticity.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Smyrna, GA
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Located in Smyrna, Georgia, Champion Dreams Productions is a branding agency. Their services include Branding and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Davie, FL
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The Angstrom Group is an AR/VR development company. The agency is headquartered in Davie, Florida. Their team specializes in AR/VR development and Mobile App Development.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 43 projectsBrandefy is a distinguished video production company specializing in multimedia production, video editing, and corporate video production. Nearly 90% of clients highlight their creativity and comprehensive project management, noting that Brandefy excels in delivering high-quality, visually compelling content on time. Their collaborative and adaptable approach consistently meets client needs across various industries.
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 14 projectsZero One Digital Media is a video production company specializing in multimedia production, video editing, and corporate video production. The company is consistently praised for its professionalism and high-quality work, with 100% of reviewers highlighting its collaborative and responsive approach. Their expertise in video production, from cinematography to post-production services, is frequently commended, making them a trusted partner for various complex projects.
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 35 projectsFeel Right Inc. is a distinguished video production company specializing in Corporate Video Production, Film Editing and Production, and Video Post Production services. With a 100% positive feedback rate, clients commend their high-quality outputs and proactive project management. Remarkable strengths include creative script development and professional cinematography, with 90% of reviewers highlighting their outstanding communication and collaboration abilities.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Wizard Digital Marketing is an Email Marketing company established in 2019. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the team specializes in Email Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Naples, FL
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Corporate Photography company Digital Marketing Agency VuStudios, Inc. Is in Naples, Florida. They offer Corporate Photography and Search Engine Optimization and were founded in 2011.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Yakima, WA
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Visual Marketing NW is a small Yakima, Washington-based Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Broadcast Video.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Makawao, HI
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Hawaii Web Group is a Makawao, Hawaii-based Corporate Photography company. They provide Corporate Photography and Graphic Design and were established in 2005.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Alpharetta, GA
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The Defining Point, a small Event Marketing company, is located in Alpharetta, Georgia. The team offers Event Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Buford, GA
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Headquartered in Buford, Georgia, OutdoorFlics is an Advertising company. The team offers Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Cary, NC
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Launched in 1999, Signal Hill is a branding firm. The team specializes in Branding and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Costa Mesa, CA
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Open Interactive Inc. Is a SEO company. The firm is in Costa Mesa, California. Their team provides Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Rancho Cucamonga, CA
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Advertising company Pritzer Media is based in Rancho Cucamonga, California. They specialize in Advertising and Graphic Design and were launched in 2007.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49San Antonio, TX
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Texas MediaLink is a small Advertising company launched in 2011. Their team offers Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Kansas City, MO
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Geant Technology, a graphic design company, is based in Kansas City, Missouri. They specialize in Graphic Design and Logo.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Boston, MA
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Fair Folk is a small branding agency launched in 2015. Their team provides Branding and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Seattle, WA
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NXT, an Advertising company, focus on Advertising and Branding. They were founded in 2015.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Winston-Salem, NC
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Live Events Media Group is an Event Marketing company established in 2009. The team focuses on Event Marketing and Interior Design and is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Phoenix, AZ
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AZ Net Marketing is a Content Marketing company. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, the firm specializes in Content Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Waitsfield, VT
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Founded in 2008, Craft Media, Inc is a social media marketing company. Their services include Social Media Marketing and Mobile & App Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Denver, CO
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Progressive Media Inc. Is a small Advertising company based in Denver, Colorado. The team offers Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Marina del Rey, CA
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Pro Property Shots is a small Corporate Photography company launched in 2012. Their team specializes in Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Golden, CO
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V1 Real Estate Photography & Video is a Corporate Photography company. The agency is based in Golden, Colorado. Their team specializes in Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Colorado Springs, CO
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Small Corporate Photography company PixVid LLC, is in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Their services include Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Colorado Springs, CO
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Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Banturoz LLC is a small social media marketing agency. The team offers Social Media Marketing and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Harrison, NY
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Headquartered in Harrison, New York, ON A DIME Marketing is an Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Triadelphia, WV
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TSG | Technology Services Group, Inc, a web design agency, is in Triadelphia, West Virginia. They specialize in Web Design and Video Production and were established in 1985.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Seattle, WA
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ThirdReel, a video production company, specializes in Video Production and Event Management. The company is based in Seattle, Washington.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Denver, CO
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BINGHAM X is a social media marketing agency founded in 2019. The team offers Social Media Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Richboro, PA
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Branding agency Janus Advertising, LLC. Is in Richboro, Pennsylvania. The team offers Branding and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Eldridge, IA
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Founded in 2022, OXN Marketing, a small social media marketing agency, is located in Eldridge, Iowa. Their team specializes in Social Media Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Pataskala, OH
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Branding firm Studio Eighty Eight was established in 2014. The team provides Branding and Search Engine Optimization and is located in Pataskala, Ohio.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Las Vegas, NV
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Founded in 2023, The Anything Group is a branding agency. The firm specializes in Branding and Public Relations.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerLafayette, LA
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Reddoch Media Group is a web design agency. They are in Lafayette, Louisiana and have small team. Their team specializes in Web Design and Back Office Outsourcing.
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$50,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Los Angeles, CA
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Located in Montreal, Canada and Quebec City, Canada, Tink is a midsize user experience agency. The team provides UX/UI Design and Mobile App Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Shelburne, VT
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Origin Outside is an Advertising company. Their team is in Whistler, Canada and Montréal, Canada and specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed250 - 999Syracuse, NY
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Perigord Syracuse is a Packaging Design company launched in 1976. The team offers Packaging Design and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed250 - 999Ridgewood, NJ
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Launched in 2019, Kepler Base is a social media marketing agency. The team provides Social Media Marketing and Content Marketing and is in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerBoston, MA
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Heavy Digital is a video production company. Their small team of employees is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Their team provides Video Production and Graphic Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerNew Orleans, LA
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Smart Media, LLC. Is a video production company. Headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, the team focuses on Video Production and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerIndianapolis, IN
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TikiKitchen Design is a video production agency. Established in 2016, the team focuses on Video Production and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerColorado Springs, CO
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Jon Eddy Productions is a small Colorado Springs, Colorado-based video production agency. Their services include Video Production and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerLexington, SC
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Blurbidea (blur-bid-ee-uh), a small graphic design agency, is headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina. The team specializes in Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerRockford, IL
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KB Digital, a Corporate Photography company, focus on Corporate Photography and Graphic Design. They were established in 2014.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerNashua, NH
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Spoteractive Media, LLC is a Nashua, New Hampshire-based Advertising company. Established in 2010, the team specializes in Advertising and Video Production.
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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.