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 - 9Jefferson, LA
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FIVE65 Design is a branding agency in Jefferson, Louisiana. They focus on Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Austin, TX
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Audion Media is a branding firm. Their team is headquartered in Austin, Texas. The company offers Branding and Graphic Design.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 12 projectsThink Branded Media is a video production company that excels in creating high-quality multimedia content, including corporate video production, cinematography, and video editing. Overall, 100% of reviewers praised their creativity, professionalism, and efficient project management. Notably, 70% mentioned their ability to deliver impressive results under tight deadlines, and 60% highlighted their collaborative approach and adaptability to client needs.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 4 projectsTakt/Studios is a multimedia production firm specializing in video production, videography, and video editing services. With a 100% positive feedback rate from reviewers, the company is praised for its attention to detail, creative excellence, and strong project management. Clients commend Takt/Studios for delivering high-quality, impactful video content that aligns with their brand identity and communication goals.
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 61 projectsCasual is a multimedia production company specializing in video production services, including motion graphics, videography, and post-production. They are recognized for their creativity, professionalism, and ability to produce high-quality deliverables across various industries, with 100% of reviews highlighting their exceptional project management and flexibility. Clients consistently praise their culture fit, responsiveness, and the impressive quality of the final products.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lafayette, IN
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Media planning and buying company Better Merchants Marketing and Media was founded in 2004. The team specializes in Media Planning & Buying and Logo and is based in Lafayette, Indiana.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Coppell, TX
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Right Brain Factory is a branding agency. The team provides Branding and Marketing Strategy, and the company is in Coppell, Texas.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Louisville, KY
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BK Media Pros, a small Advertising company, is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Their services include Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lafayette, LA
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Media Acadien is a Lafayette, Louisiana-based pay per click company. Their services include Pay Per Click and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Houston, TX
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Established in 1990, alpha & omega DESIGN is a graphic design company. The team specializes in Graphic Design and Logo.
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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 - 9Miami, FL
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Media query is a graphic design agency. Established in 2015, the team offers Graphic Design and Mobile App Development. The agency is based in Miami, Florida.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Houston, TX
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Integrity Images is a graphic design agency launched in 2001. The small team offers Graphic Design and Print Design.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 43 projectsBrandefy is a distinguished video production company specializing in multimedia production, video editing, and corporate video production. Nearly 90% of clients highlight their creativity and comprehensive project management, noting that Brandefy excels in delivering high-quality, visually compelling content on time. Their collaborative and adaptable approach consistently meets client needs across various industries.
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 14 projectsZero One Digital Media is a video production company specializing in multimedia production, video editing, and corporate video production. The company is consistently praised for its professionalism and high-quality work, with 100% of reviewers highlighting its collaborative and responsive approach. Their expertise in video production, from cinematography to post-production services, is frequently commended, making them a trusted partner for various complex projects.
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 35 projectsFeel Right Inc. is a distinguished video production company specializing in Corporate Video Production, Film Editing and Production, and Video Post Production services. With a 100% positive feedback rate, clients commend their high-quality outputs and proactive project management. Remarkable strengths include creative script development and professional cinematography, with 90% of reviewers highlighting their outstanding communication and collaboration abilities.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Design Helm is a graphic design company. They are located in Los Angeles, California, and their services include Graphic Design and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Baton Rouge, LA
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Bionic Monkey LLC, a small Logo company, is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The team specializes in Logo and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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109 Graphics is a graphic design agency. They are based in Los Angeles, California and have small team. Their team offers Graphic Design and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Miami, FL
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Print 4 Humas, a small branding firm, is located in Miami, Florida. The team offers Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Greensboro, NC
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WorkTheBrand PR & Marketing is a small Greensboro, North Carolina-based public relations firm. Their services include Public Relations and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9West Hollywood, CA
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DDA is an Advertising company. They are in West Hollywood, California and have small team. Their services include Advertising and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Alexandria, LA
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Town Talk Media Group is a small Alexandria, Louisiana-based print design company. The team focuses on Print Design and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Charlotte, NC
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Founded in 1995, GMN Advertising is an Advertising company. The team focuses on Advertising and Media Planning & Buying and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Asheville, NC
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Apple Advertising, Inc., an Advertising company, specializes in Advertising and Marketing Strategy. The agency is in Asheville, North Carolina.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Minneapolis, MN
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Launched in 2005, Sevenrendered Design is a graphic design agency. Their services include Graphic Design and Logo.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Huntington, WV
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Launched in 2008, GraFitz Group Network is an Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Graphic Design and is headquartered in Huntington, West Virginia.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Overbrook, WV
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Launched in 2001, Beyond Marketing is an Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Signal Hill, CA
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Paulifornia is a graphic design agency. The Signal Hill, California-based team focuses on Graphic Design and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dover, DE
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Graphic design agency Coastal Graphics LLC was established in 2005. The team provides Graphic Design and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Charleston, WV
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Mark Wolfe Design is a graphic design agency. The firm is in Charleston, West Virginia. Their team provides Graphic Design and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Beckley, WV
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Kid In The Background Inc is a branding firm. Established in 2012, their team provides Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Charleston, WV
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Branding company AUGE+GRAY Collective Works, LLC was founded in 2010. The small team specializes in Branding and Market Research.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Orangeburg, SC
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Small Event Marketing company The Look Media Studio and Services, LLC, is headquartered in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Their services include Event Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Clarksburg, WV
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Aesthetix , a small graphic design company, is headquartered in Clarksburg, West Virginia. The team offers Graphic Design and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Mission, KS
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Founded in 2010, ETC Advertising and Promotions, LLC is a small Advertising company. Their team specializes in Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lake Saint Louis, MO
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Aware Advertising is an Advertising company. Their small team is based in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri. Their team provides Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chesterfield, MO
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VOG Advertising is an Advertising company. They are based in Chesterfield, Missouri and have small team. Their team offers Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Morgantown, WV
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KRISTEN COOPER PUBLIC RELATIONS is a PR company. The team provides Public Relations and Packaging Design, and the firm is based in Morgantown, West Virginia.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Ballwin, MO
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Catalyst Communications, a small public relations agency, is in Ballwin, Missouri. The team provides Public Relations and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Charleston, WV
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Image Associates is a Marketing Strategy company. Established in 1996, the firm is in Charleston, West Virginia. Their services include Marketing Strategy and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Boston, MA
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Pod Design, an AR/VR development company, is in Boston, Massachusetts. They specialize in AR/VR development and Mobile App Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Charleston, WV
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Small Business Consulting company Five Day Solution, is located in Charleston, West Virginia. Their services include Business Consulting and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Excelsior Springs, MO
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Imperial Creative Group, LLC is a branding agency. They are in Excelsior Springs, Missouri and have small team of experts. Their services include Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lindenhurst, NY
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Established in 2016, R Too Worldwide, Inc. Is a Digital Strategy company. The small team focuses on Digital Strategy and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Warrenton, VA
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Lawrence Direct Marketing Inc is a small Direct Marketing company established in 1987. Their team provides Direct Marketing and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Parkersburg, WV
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MOVID Studios is a graphic design agency. They offer Graphic Design and Business Consulting and were established in 2011.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9North Salt Lake, UT
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Vertical Sight, a small branding agency, is in North Salt Lake, Utah. The team provides Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Alexandria, MN
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Cable ONE Advertising, a small Advertising company, is in Alexandria, Minnesota. Their services include Advertising and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Estancia, NM
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Small Advertising company JaM Advertising and Productions, is located in Estancia, New Mexico. The team offers Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bozeman, MT
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Insight Creative Business Solutions is an Advertising company. The Bozeman, Montana-based company was launched in 2006. Their team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Springfield, IL
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LRS Web Solutions, a branding company, provides Branding and Graphic Design. The firm is in Springfield, Illinois.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bellingham, WA
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Based in Bellingham, Washington, BH Media is a small graphic design company. Their services include Graphic Design and Logo.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
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Jordan Matter Photography, a small Corporate Photography company, is located in New York, New York. Their services include Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Worcester, MA
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Media planning and buying agency HEARD Strategy & Storytelling offers Media Planning & Buying and Graphic Design. They are in Worcester, Massachusetts.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Hull, MA
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MRW Communications is an Advertising company. They provide Advertising and Branding and were founded in 1983.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sioux Falls, SD
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Founded in 2014, Wes Eisenhauer Photography is a Corporate Photography company. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the team offers Corporate Photography 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.