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 - 9Little Rock, AR
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Avery & Bryant is a Corporate Photography company located in Little Rock, Arkansas. They offer Corporate Photography and Video Production and were founded in 2018.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Mesa, AZ
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Phoenix Virtual Tour is a Corporate Photography company. The agency is located in Mesa, Arizona. Their team offers 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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Mesa, AZ
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ListerPros is a Corporate Photography company in Mesa, Arizona. The team provides Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Phoenix, AZ
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In Phoenix, Arizona, Picture My Listing is a small Corporate Photography company. Their services include Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Little Rock, AR
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LeMay Photography is a Corporate Photography company. Their small team of employees is in Little Rock, Arkansas. Their team focuses on Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Irvine, CA
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California Real Estate Photography, a Corporate Photography company, was launched in 2012. The team provides Corporate Photography and Video Production and is in Irvine, California.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Clovis, CA
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Founded in 2016, 360mediaDrone is a small Clovis, California-based Corporate Photography company. Their services include Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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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 - 9Visalia, CA
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Corporate Photography company Cory Media Group LLC is headquartered in Visalia, California. The team offers Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Cayucos, CA
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Corporate Photography company Central Coast Real Estate Photography was established in 2019. The small team specializes in 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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bakersfield, CA
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Launched in 2014, Lights Camera Action Cinema is a Corporate Photography company. The team offers Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Lacey Wood Photography, LLC is a Corporate Photography company. The team is based in Los Angeles, California, and their services include Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Columbia, TN
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Shawn Cordon Real Estate Photography is a Corporate Photography company. Headquartered in Columbia, Tennessee, their team provides Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Santa Monica, CA
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Estate Photos L.A. Is a small Corporate Photography company headquartered in Santa Monica, California. The team provides Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Francisco, CA
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View Real Estate Photography is a small Corporate Photography company based in San Francisco, California. Their services include Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Westlake Village, CA
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Digiarc Media, a Corporate Photography company, specialize in Corporate Photography and Video Production. They were founded in 2015.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Laguna Woods, CA
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Based in Laguna Woods, California, Dream Home Photography is a Corporate Photography company. They offer Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Clovis, CA
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Tri-Lens Media is a Corporate Photography company. They are in Clovis, California. Their team focuses on Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
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Corporate Photography company SOCO Home Photography was established in 2016. The agency focuses on Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Colorado Springs, CO
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Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, FlyHi Photography, LLC. Is a small Corporate Photography company. The team specializes in Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
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Denver Real Estate Photography is a Corporate Photography company. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Their services include Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
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Freekosh is a small social media marketing agency in Denver, Colorado. Their services include Social Media Marketing and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Houston, TX
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Founded in 2022, Brid Agency is a branding company. The team focuses on Branding and UX/UI Design and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Bacon Sports is a social media marketing company. They are based in Chicago, Illinois, and their services include Social Media Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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MARVEL3 is an Event Marketing company. The Chicago, Illinois-based firm specializes in Event Marketing and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Highpower Studios is a web design company established in 2002. The team offers Web Design and Graphic Design and is based in Chicago, Illinois.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Mobile, AL
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Dauphin Marketing Group is a Mobile, Alabama-based social media marketing agency. Their services include Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Valparaiso, IN
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Located in Valparaiso, Indiana, Jano Digital Marketing is a small SEO services firm. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9York, PA
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Sing2Me Multimedia Design is a social media marketing company. The small York, Pennsylvania-based team provides Social Media Marketing and Web Design. The agency was founded in 2015.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Ewa Beach, HI
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Next Level Grafx, LLC is a Content Marketing company. Their team is headquartered in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. The company provides Content Marketing and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Falls Church, VA
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Swtch, a branding company, is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia. The team focuses on Branding and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Richmond, VA
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Fatbird is a branding company. The small Richmond, Virginia-based team focuses on Branding and Public Relations. The agency was established in 2020.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Seattle, WA
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Creativello is a web design company. Their small team is in Seattle, Washington. Their team provides Web Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Buena, NJ
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Scientific Marketing Services, Inc. Is a video production company. In Buena, New Jersey, the company was established in 1979. Their services include Video Production and Web Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Louisville, KY
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The Highball Agency is a branding agency. They were established in 2020, and their services include Branding and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Laconia, NH
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Studio 65 is a small Laconia, New Hampshire-based video production company. Their services include Video Production and Web Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Tualatin, OR
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Drive Marketing Group, a branding agency, was founded in 2011. Headquartered in Tualatin, Oregon, the team provides Branding and Product Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Honolulu, HI
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Branding agency WolfeSound Media is based in Honolulu, Hawaii. They provide Branding and Social Media Marketing and were established in 1995.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fairfield, CT
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Glumeberg Innovations is a web design agency. The Fairfield, Connecticut-based company was founded in 2016. Their services include Web Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Milton, DE
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Advertising company SugarFly Studios is in Milton, Delaware. Launched in 2009, the team focuses on Advertising and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New Prt Rchy, FL
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Andrew Dubats is a Digital Strategy company. They are based in New Prt Rchy, Florida and have small team of experts. Their services include Digital Strategy and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Huntersville, NC
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Launched in 2018, Delivered Fresh Marketing, LLC is a Market Research company. The team focuses on Market Research and Content Marketing and is headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Nixa, MO
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Dianne Davis Consulting is a social media marketing firm. Their small team of employees is located in Nixa, Missouri. Their team offers Social Media Marketing and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Saint Charles, MO
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Marketing Connections LLC is a SEO agency. Founded in 2007, the firm is based in Saint Charles, Missouri. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Houston, TX
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Headquartered in Houston, Texas, The Houston Marketing Agency is a small social media marketing company. Their services include Social Media Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Small SEO agency JVMEDIAWEB, is located in Los Angeles, California. The team specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Elk River, MN
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Social Media MN, a social media marketing agency, was founded in 2014. The agency offers Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Wilmington, NC
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SEO company deviateMEDIA is located in Wilmington, North Carolina. They offer Search Engine Optimization and Mobile App Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Covington, LA
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Founded in 2020, AGENCY22 Marketing is a social media marketing firm. The team provides Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lafayette, LA
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Steven Digital Marketing Agency is a social media marketing company. Their team is located in Lafayette, Louisiana. The company focuses on Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Millersburg, OH
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Tin Roof Studios is a social media marketing agency. Their small team is located in Millersburg, Ohio. Their services include Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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List of the Top 15 United States Video Production Companies
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Costa Mesa, CA
Ability to deliver
39.7/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Brooklyn, NY
Ability to deliver
37.5/40.018/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
Ability to deliver
37.4/40.017.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Video Production25% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Santa Monica, CA
Ability to deliver
36.7/40.018/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Oakland, CA
Ability to deliver
36.5/40.018/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
95% Video Production5% Other -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Walnut Creek, CA
Ability to deliver
36.5/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Video Production20% Other -
$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
36.4/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Video Production20% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Encinitas, CA
Ability to deliver
36.4/40.017.2/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Somerville, MA
Ability to deliver
36.3/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Huntington Beach, CA
Ability to deliver
36.3/40.017.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Miami, FL
Ability to deliver
36.2/40.016.6/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Denver, CO
Ability to deliver
36/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Irvine, CA
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Bethesda, MD
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.019.2/20 Reviews9.9/10 Clients & Experience6.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Video Production25% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.016.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Video Production20% Other -
$50,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
35.8/40.017/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
35.8/40.017.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Video Production35% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9San Francisco, CA
Ability to deliver
35.8/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$1,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
Ability to deliver
35.7/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.1/10 Market PresenceService focus
85% Video Production15% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Orlando, FL
Ability to deliver
37.4/40.018.4/20 Reviews9.3/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Video Production50% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Baltimore, MD
Ability to deliver
35.7/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.1/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
Ability to deliver
35.7/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
95% Video Production5% Other -
$1,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Englewood, CO
Ability to deliver
35.6/40.016.6/20 Reviews9.3/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Inglewood, CA
Ability to deliver
35.5/40.015.8/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Video Production20% Other -
$25,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
35.5/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Dallas, TX
Ability to deliver
35.4/40.017.8/20 Reviews9/10 Clients & Experience8.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Brooklyn, NY
Ability to deliver
35.4/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience7.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Covina, CA
Ability to deliver
35.4/40.016/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Video Production25% Other -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Sausalito, CA
Ability to deliver
35.3/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production
Latest Video Production Articles
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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.