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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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerSeward, AK
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Established in 2017, Kaleigh Mueller is a small Corporate Photography company. Their services include Corporate Photography and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerRedlands, CA
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Launched in 2009, make HELLO is a branding company. In Redlands, California, the team 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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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerSacramento, CA
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User experience agency BPXI/O was founded in 2014. The small team provides UX/UI Design and Business Consulting.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerDuluth, MN
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Headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, NAZ 3 Designs is a small graphic design agency. Their services include Graphic Design and Logo.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerKent, OH
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Branding firm A. Calvin Design LLC is in Kent, Ohio. They offer Branding and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerBlountville, TN
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Established in 2005, Triumph Communications is a Content Marketing company. The company specializes in Content Marketing and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerBaltimore, MD
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PPC company Fox & Lion Communication, LLC focuses on Pay Per Click and Graphic Design. They are located in Baltimore, Maryland.
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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 - 9East Moline, IL
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Synqronus Communications is a branding agency. They are headquartered in East Moline, Illinois, and their services include Branding and Content Marketing.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Santa Maria, CA
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See all 5 projectsCMG Digital is a versatile digital agency specializing in web development, UX/UI design, and digital maintenance. They consistently deliver projects on time and within budget, with 100% of reviews highlighting their exceptional project management and communication skills. Clients commend their professionalism, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail, often exceeding expectations without any reported areas for improvement.
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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 - 9Eau Claire, WI
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Profit Peak Web Design & Marketing is a graphic design agency. They are located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and have small team of experts. Their services include Graphic Design and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Portland, OR
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Hjc, a Financial Consulting company, is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and Portland, Oregon. Their services include Financial Consulting and Video Production.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Pikesville, MD
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In Pikesville, Maryland, Gaga Marketing is an Advertising company. Founded in 2007, the team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Sugar Land, TX
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W3, a small branding company, is in Sugar Land, Texas. The team provides Branding and Advertising.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9El Paso, TX
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Small SEO agency The Payne Company, is located in El Paso, Texas. The team provides Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Houston, TX
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ClientBridge is a SEO services firm in Houston, Texas. They offer Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Miami, FL
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Branding company SimpleFly Creative is located in Miami, Florida. Their services include Branding and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Small PR company DAVIDSON & CHOY PUBLICITY, is located in Los Angeles, California. The team specializes in Public Relations and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Westerville, OH
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Advantage Media & Digital is a Westerville, Ohio-based Advertising company. Established in 2000, the team specializes in Advertising and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Long Beach, CA
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Established in 2005, X1mediatools is a graphic design agency. Located in Long Beach, California, the team offers Graphic Design and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Overland Park, KS
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Yoodle LLC is a software development company located in Overland Park, Kansas. They focus on Custom Software Development and CRM consulting and SI.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Ridgeland, MS
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THINK Webstore is a SEO services firm. Located in Ridgeland, Mississippi, the agency was established in 2007. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Louisville, KY
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PR agency John Darr PR focuses on Public Relations and Print Design. They were launched in 1997.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Birmingham, AL
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Located in Birmingham, Alabama, Jump Marketing Team is an Advertising company. The team focuses on Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Montgomery, AL
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Media planning and buying company SMI Advertising is located in Montgomery, Alabama. They specialize in Media Planning & Buying and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Birmingham, AL
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Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Ignite Creative Group, LLC is a small Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Opelika, AL
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V3 Media Group is a SEO services firm. The Opelika, Alabama-based company focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Albuquerque, NM
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In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Peregrine Digital Media is a small website development firm. Their services include Web Development and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Toledo, OH
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Madhouse Creative is an Advertising company. Their small team is in Toledo, Ohio. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Virginia Beach, VA
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Media planning & buying agency Tele-Video Productions & Advertising is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They specialize in Media Planning & Buying and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Greensboro, NC
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Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, Expression Interactive LLC is a small graphic design agency. Their services include Graphic Design and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Warrenton, VA
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Talk 19 Media, LLC, an Advertising company, is based in Warrenton, Virginia. Founded in 2012, the team focuses on Advertising and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Alpharetta, GA
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Orion Media, LLC, a small Content Marketing company, is located in Alpharetta, Georgia. The team provides Content Marketing and E-Commerce Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Upland, CA
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In Upland, California, Voice Marketing - Upland is a small branding company. The team specializes in Branding and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Ventura, CA
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OkVentura Website Design, a web design agency, was established in 2011. They focuses on Web Design and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Waterloo, IA
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Brownstone Marketing is an Advertising company. Headquartered in Waterloo, Iowa, the team specializes in Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9West Palm Beach, FL
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Advertising company Ryan William's Agency is based in West Palm Beach, Florida. They provide Advertising and Branding and were launched in 2002.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9West Palm Beach, FL
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Emerald Sky is a graphic design company. Their small team is located in West Palm Beach, Florida and specializes in Graphic Design and Mobile App Development. The company was established in 2011.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Pasadena, CA
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Founded in 2003, WYNK Marketing is an Email Marketing company. The small team specializes in Email Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Whittier, CA
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562CREATIVES Design Firm is a small Advertising company. Founded in 2013, the team provides Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Stockton, CA
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Small app development company Rhesus Media Group, is in Stockton, California. Their services include Mobile App Development and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Graphic design company Sensation Enterprises Inc. Is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They specialize in Graphic Design and Pay Per Click.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Tallahassee, FL
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Nuance Agency is an Advertising company. Their small team is located in Tallahassee, Florida. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Thornton, CO
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Advertising company North Media CO is in Thornton, Colorado. Their services include Advertising and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Thousand Oaks, CA
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Based in Thousand Oaks, California, Pixel Bureau is a web design company. Launched in 2013, the team specializes in Web Design and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Trenton, NJ
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Small SEO company Powered By Reese, is in Trenton, New Jersey. The team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Logo.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Hull, MA
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SCREECH Marketing is a graphic design company based in Hull, Massachusetts. They specialize in Graphic Design and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Troy, MI
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Branding firm Merit Marketing & Communications was launched in 2003. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, the team provides Branding and Logo.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Atlanta, GA
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The O'Kelly Consulting Group is an Advertising company based in Atlanta, Georgia. They offer Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Easthampton, MA
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CustomWebCare is an Email Marketing company. Their small team is located in Easthampton, Massachusetts. Their services include Email Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Houston, TX
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Ennovative Solutions Incorporated, a Logo company, was established in 2007. Located in Houston, Texas, the team focuses on Logo and Marketing Strategy.
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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.