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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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerOrlando, FL
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Buzzmachine Studios is a business intelligence company. In Orlando, Florida, the team focuses on BI & big data consulting & SI and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerNew Orleans, LA
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Corporate Photography company Zack Smith Photography was founded in 2013. The small team specializes in Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 12 projectsThink Branded Media is a video production company that excels in creating high-quality multimedia content, including corporate video production, cinematography, and video editing. Overall, 100% of reviewers praised their creativity, professionalism, and efficient project management. Notably, 70% mentioned their ability to deliver impressive results under tight deadlines, and 60% highlighted their collaborative approach and adaptability to client needs.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 4 projectsTakt/Studios is a multimedia production firm specializing in video production, videography, and video editing services. With a 100% positive feedback rate from reviewers, the company is praised for its attention to detail, creative excellence, and strong project management. Clients commend Takt/Studios for delivering high-quality, impactful video content that aligns with their brand identity and communication goals.
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 61 projectsCasual is a multimedia production company specializing in video production services, including motion graphics, videography, and post-production. They are recognized for their creativity, professionalism, and ability to produce high-quality deliverables across various industries, with 100% of reviews highlighting their exceptional project management and flexibility. Clients consistently praise their culture fit, responsiveness, and the impressive quality of the final products.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerBaton Rouge, LA
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Rolovision LLC is a Corporate Photography company. They focus on Corporate Photography and Video Production and are located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerMetairie, LA
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Dominic Fayard Photography & Videography is a Corporate Photography company. The team provides Corporate Photography and Video Production, and the agency is based in Metairie, Louisiana.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerAlbuquerque, NM
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Marble Street Studio, Inc. Is a Corporate Photography company. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the agency focuses on Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerAlbuquerque, NM
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Launched in 2009, Matt Timmons Media LLC is a Corporate Photography company. Their team offers Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerGreenville, SC
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Muse 10 Photography is a Corporate Photography company. They offer Corporate Photography and Video Production and are based in Greenville, South Carolina.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerRaleigh, NC
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C. Garnier Photography is a Corporate Photography company. They specialize in Corporate Photography and Video Production and were established in 2020. The agency is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerLas Vegas, NV
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Paul's Vegas Photography is a Corporate Photography company. Their team is based in Las Vegas, Nevada and provides Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerWaco, TX
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Urias Media is a web design agency established in 2017. The small team offers Web Design and Graphic Design.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999New York, NY
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Midsize Digital Strategy company MediaMonks, is based in Hilversum, Netherlands and London, England. The team provides Digital Strategy and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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IXOR Visual FX is a Product Design and video production company in Marousi, Greece and Los Angeles, California. Launched in 2005, the team provides Product Design and Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Minneapolis, MN
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Room34, a Marketing Strategy company, is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their services include Marketing Strategy and Digital Strategy.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Oceanside, CA
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Don't Panik is a Marketing Strategy company. The Oceanside, California-based agency specializes in Marketing Strategy and Graphic Design.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Houston, TX
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Moger Media, a small Advertising company, is headquartered in Houston, Texas. The team specializes in Advertising and Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Culver City, CA
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Regis Social Media is a Digital Strategy company. Founded in 2012, the team provides Digital Strategy and Social Media Marketing.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9San Antonio, TX
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Branding firm The Broadway Agency provides Branding and Logo. They were founded in 2012.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Malvern, PA
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Small branding agency Stellarpoint Communications Group, is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Their services include Branding and Public Relations.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
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In New York, New York, SalemGlobal Internet is a small Email Marketing company. Their services include Email Marketing and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Tulsa, OK
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SHKN Design Co. Is a branding company. Their small team is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their services include Branding and Graphic Design.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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See all 3 projectswebVDEO offers WordPress website design and development services. The overall feedback highlights substantial increases in web traffic and incoming leads, professional and easily updatable site designs, and effective project management. Clients commend their customer-oriented approach and quick resolution of minor issues, emphasizing the company's dedication to meeting project requirements efficiently.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Virginia Beach, VA
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Kevin Makes Sense, a small Email Marketing company, is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The team focuses on Email Marketing and Graphic Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Biago Media is an e-commerce development firm based in Los Angeles, California. Launched in 2005, the team specializes in E-Commerce Development and IT managed services.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Miami, FL
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Best Miami SEO is a PPC company. They are in Miami, Florida and have small team. Their team provides Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Newport News, VA
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Founded in 2007, Media Planning Consultants, LLC is a web design agency. The team specializes in Web Design and Video Production and is located in Newport News, Virginia.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Noblesville, IN
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Big Picture Media, Inc., a web design company, is based in Noblesville, Indiana. The team focuses on Web Design and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Dallas, TX
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Locus Visual Arts, LLC, a graphic design company, is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The team offers Graphic Design and Mobile App Development.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Houston, TX
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396 Studios is a small Houston, Texas-based branding firm. Their services include Branding and Graphic Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Columbus, OH
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PMG Communications is a branding company. Their small team is located in Columbus, Ohio. Their team offers Branding and Graphic Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Redlands, CA
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Small Content Marketing company BenchMark Website Design, is headquartered in Redlands, California. The team offers Content Marketing and Pay Per Click.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Leesburg, VA
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Jackson Walker Design Group, a branding agency, was established in 2006. Headquartered in Leesburg, Virginia, the team focuses on Branding and UX/UI Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Weston, FL
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Based in Weston, Florida, ZARO Media is a small Lighting Design company. Their services include Lighting Design and Web Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9West Palm Beach, FL
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SEO company Klick Twice Technologies offers Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click. They were launched in 2005.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Aventura, FL
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The Badimon Group is an Advertising company. They were launched in 2016 and specialize in Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Tampa, FL
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McShane Communications is an Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Branding and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9St. Augustine, FL
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Launched in 2000, Ward Media Group is a Digital Strategy company. Their services include Digital Strategy and Social Media Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Marietta, GA
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Web design agency Intown Web Design specializes in Web Design and Search Engine Optimization. They are located in Marietta, Georgia.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Harvey, LA
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SEO company WebAtude Marketing was launched in 2014. Based in Harvey, Louisiana, the team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Small UX agency Part IV, is in Los Angeles, California. The team offers UX/UI Design and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Anchorage, AK
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Established in 2010, Unique Designs, a small branding agency, is in Anchorage, Alaska. Their services include Branding and Mobile App Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Mobile, AL
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Founded in 2006, The Kalifeh Media Group is an Advertising company. The team offers Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Birmingham, AL
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Helen2o: Fluid Communications is a public relations agency. The team focuses on Public Relations and Video Production, and the company is located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Decatur, AL
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In Decatur, Alabama, McComm Group, Inc. Is an Event Marketing company. Founded in 1993, the team focuses on Event Marketing and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Ketchikan, AK
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North Creative Design Co., a small branding agency, is located in Ketchikan, Alaska. The team focuses on Branding and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Anchorage, AK
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Plaid Agency is an Advertising company. They are in Anchorage, Alaska and have small team. Their team offers Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Covington, LA
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Magnolia Development Group is a graphic design agency. Launched in 2002, the team provides Graphic Design and Search Engine Optimization. The firm is headquartered in Covington, Louisiana.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Austin, TX
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Zoticus, a small graphic design agency, is headquartered in Austin, Texas. Their services include Graphic Design and Logo.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dallas, TX
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Elm Digital is an UX design agency. Founded in 2013, the team offers UX/UI Design and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Indianapolis, IN
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Bonneau Production Services is an Event Marketing company. Established in 1987, the agency is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their services include Event Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Hagerstown, IN
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Launched in 2010, IronGate Creative is a small Packaging Design company based in Hagerstown, Indiana. Their team provides Packaging Design and Print Design.
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List of the Top 15 United States Video Production Companies
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Costa Mesa, CA
Ability to deliver
39.7/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Brooklyn, NY
Ability to deliver
37.5/40.018/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
Ability to deliver
37.4/40.017.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Video Production25% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Santa Monica, CA
Ability to deliver
36.7/40.018/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Oakland, CA
Ability to deliver
36.5/40.018/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
95% Video Production5% Other -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Walnut Creek, CA
Ability to deliver
36.5/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Video Production20% Other -
$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
36.4/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Video Production20% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Encinitas, CA
Ability to deliver
36.4/40.017.2/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Somerville, MA
Ability to deliver
36.3/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Huntington Beach, CA
Ability to deliver
36.3/40.017.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Miami, FL
Ability to deliver
36.2/40.016.6/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Denver, CO
Ability to deliver
36/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Irvine, CA
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Bethesda, MD
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.019.2/20 Reviews9.9/10 Clients & Experience6.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Video Production25% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.016.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Video Production20% Other -
$50,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
35.8/40.017/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
35.8/40.017.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Video Production35% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9San Francisco, CA
Ability to deliver
35.8/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$1,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
Ability to deliver
35.7/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.1/10 Market PresenceService focus
85% Video Production15% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Orlando, FL
Ability to deliver
37.4/40.018.4/20 Reviews9.3/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Video Production50% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Baltimore, MD
Ability to deliver
35.7/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.1/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
Ability to deliver
35.7/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
95% Video Production5% Other -
$1,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Englewood, CO
Ability to deliver
35.6/40.016.6/20 Reviews9.3/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Inglewood, CA
Ability to deliver
35.5/40.015.8/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Video Production20% Other -
$25,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
35.5/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Dallas, TX
Ability to deliver
35.4/40.017.8/20 Reviews9/10 Clients & Experience8.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Brooklyn, NY
Ability to deliver
35.4/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience7.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Covina, CA
Ability to deliver
35.4/40.016/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Video Production25% Other -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Sausalito, CA
Ability to deliver
35.3/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production
Latest Video Production Articles
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U.S. Video Production FAQs
A full video production engagement typically covers some or all of:
- Pre-production — concept development, scriptwriting, storyboarding, location scouting, casting, scheduling
- Production — the shoot itself; directors, DPs, camera and lighting crews, sound, talent direction
- Post-production — editing, color grading, sound design, motion graphics, VFX
- Animation and motion design — 2D/3D animation, explainer videos, motion graphics for non-live-action content
- Distribution-ready cuts — producing the multiple aspect ratios and durations modern channels demand
Some firms cover end-to-end; others specialize in a phase (production-only houses that shoot for agencies, post-only houses that finish what others shoot, animation-only studios). Make sure to match firm scope to whether you need a one-stop partner or a specialist plugging into your existing workflow.
Based on data gathered by our team through client reviews and case studies, the typical timeline for video production goes for:
- Social-first content (creator-style or simple shoots): 2–4 weeks
- Explainer or animated video (60–120 seconds): 4–8 weeks
- Brand film or commercial (high production value, single deliverable): 6–12 weeks
- Campaign with multiple deliverables (hero film + cutdowns + social): 10–16 weeks
- Documentary or content series: 3–9 months
The slowest part is usually pre-production (concept approvals, talent booking, location coordination). Build in stakeholder review windows realistically — last-minute creative pivots after the shoot are extremely expensive.
Based on Clutch pricing data, video production has unusually wide pricing variance because budgets reflect production value as much as deliverable count:
- Social-first or creator-style content: $2,500 – $15,000 per finished piece
- Explainer videos (animated, 60–120 seconds): $10,000 – $50,000
- Brand films and commercials (live-action, mid-tier production): $25,000 – $150,000
- High-production commercials (national-scale, premium talent and locations): $150,000 – $1M+
- Ongoing content retainers: typically $10,000 – $75,000 pet month for steady production cadence
Some pricing fundamentals to keep in mind are location and talent; they drive costs more than equipment. Additionally, post-production scales with creative complexity, not just minute count, and revisions outside the agreed scope are where budgets balloon.
Filter your options on these three factors — portfolio match for the specific kind of video you need, production scale appropriate to your budget, and creative chemistry with the director.
- Portfolio match matters because video production firms are stylistic; a documentary-style firm shoots differently than a commercial firm or an animation studio.
- Production scale appropriate to budget means pairing a $40,000 explainer with a $40,000-tier production house, not a national-commercial shop slumming.
- Creative chemistry with the director is the single biggest predictor of whether the final cut feels right; the director is the creative author, and you'll be in working sessions with them for weeks.
Also ask: how the firm handles revisions and scope changes, what's included versus billed separately (music licensing, talent buyouts, location fees), and what the rights structure looks like for finished work.
- One-size-fits-all reels. A firm whose work all looks identical either has a strong stylistic preference (which may not fit you) or doesn't actually customize to client needs.
- Vague pricing without scope clarity. "It depends" is fine as a starting answer; "we'll figure it out as we go" is a recipe for budget surprises. Reputable firms can quote against a tight scope.
- Reluctance to discuss music licensing and talent buyouts. These are common cost surprises. Firms that gloss over them in pitch are setting up later invoices.
- No discussion of cutdowns and aspect ratios. Modern video work yields multiple deliverables from one shoot. A firm that pitches a single 90-second hero with no cutdown plan is missing the era.
- Director or DP swap mid-project. Reputable firms confirm specific creative leads before shooting; bait-and-switch on the named director is a bad sign.
Don’t jump the gun after simply viewing their portfolios. Make sure to carefully assess their capabilities and track record to avoid any of these warning signs.