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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$1,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Philadelphia, PA
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DK Media is a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based branding company. They specialize in Branding and Social Media Marketing and were founded in 2023.
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$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Austin, TX
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Westfolk Film Co. Is a video production agency established in 2013. The firm provides Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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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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$1,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Philadelphia, PA
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Penn Solutions is a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based video production company. They provide Video Production and were founded in 2019.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249New York , NY
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See all 38 projectsSynima is a prominent Video Production company known for its expertise in Corporate Video Production, Videography, and Motion Graphics. With an impressive 100% positive feedback rate, clients commend their creativity, efficiency, and flexibility. Approximately 80% of reviewers highlight their exceptional project management and ability to deliver high-quality, visually compelling content on time, meeting both budgetary and creative expectations.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Boston, MA
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Founded in 1947, TR Productions is a video production company. The team specializes in Video Production and Web Development and is located in Boston, Massachusetts.
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Undisclosed$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Vista, CA
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Established in 2019, The Film Hub is a video production company. The team provides Video Production and Interior Design and is located in Vista, California.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Francisco, CA
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Vibrant Films is a small San Francisco, California-based video production company. Their services include 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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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Tampa, FL
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Sasquatch Studios is a video production agency based in Tampa, Florida. The team provides Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Washington, DC
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See all 1 projectsPRECISION STRATEGIES is a strategic marketing firm specializing in social media management, Google Ads, and strategic planning. Their services received mixed feedback, with strengths in organization and thorough data presentation but criticisms for lacking creativity in the campaigns. Approximately 70% of the feedback focuses on their detailed project management, while concerns about creative execution accounted for around 30%.
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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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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9West Des Moines, IA
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Launched in 2019, Known Labs is a small West Des Moines, Iowa-based video production agency. Their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fayetteville, AR
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Robertson Professional Media is a video production agency and Corporate Photography company headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Their services include Video Production and Corporate
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$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Nashville, TN
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Fivestone Studios is a Broadcast Video company. Founded in 2007, the agency focuses on Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Littleton, CO
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Running Iron Creative is a video production company. They provide Video Production and Product Marketing and are in Littleton, Colorado and West Palm Beach, Florida.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Carlsbad, CA
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Mavis Media is a video production company. Founded in 2001, the agency is based in Carlsbad, California. Their team offers Video Production.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chandler, AZ
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Paint It Black TV is a video production agency. Based in Chandler, Arizona, their small team focuses on Video Production and Marketing Strategy. The agency was founded in 2004.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Traverse City, MI
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To The Wolves Co. Is a Traverse City, Michigan-based video production agency. They provide Video Production and Social Media Marketing and were established in 2016.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9San Francisco, CA
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Think Out Loud is a video production company. Founded in 2020, the team offers Video Production. The company is based in San Francisco, California.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Washington, DC
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Macintosh Films, LLC is a Washington, District of Columbia-based video production company. They offer Video Production.
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$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Miami, FL
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Broadcast Video and video production company Artex Productions, Inc. Was launched in 2005. Based in Miami, Florida, the team offers Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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$100,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Costa Mesa, CA
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Founded in 2014, Blue Light Media is a social media marketing agency. The team provides Social Media Marketing and Corporate Photography.
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$1,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Seattle, WA
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See all 2 projectsKorvinus Productions offers comprehensive video production services, including Videography and Video Editing, with a particular emphasis on music video creation. Reviews highlight their professionalism, creativity, and effective communication throughout the production process. Clients commend their efficient project management and ability to realize artistic visions, resulting in high-quality and visually compelling final products.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Huntingdon Valley, PA
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Media Components - Digital Marketing Agency is a branding agency. The small Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania-based team provides Branding and Web Design. The agency was founded in 2001.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Janesville, WI
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Drywater Productions is a video production agency. Their team is headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin. The company specializes in Video Production and Advertising.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Galveston, TX
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Industry Media Works is a video production company. Launched in 2023, their team focuses on Video Production.
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$10,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Culver City, CA
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Vitascope Arts is a video production company. Their small team is based in Culver City, California. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Cullman, AL
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Visual Anthony is a video production company. Established in 2014, the firm is located in Cullman, Alabama. Their services include Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Nashville, TN
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Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Gemini Production Group, Inc is a video production agency. They provide Video Production and Broadcast Video and were founded in 2000.
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$1,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Minneapolis, MN
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Founded in 2017, Nigoja Productions is a video production company. The team offers Video Production and Video Marketing and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Brooklyn, NY
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Frantic Studio is a video production company. They offer Video Production and Social Media Marketing and were established in 2007. The firm is based in Brooklyn, New York.
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$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Blurry Avenue Productions is a video production company in Los Angeles, California. Launched in 2022, the team specializes in Video Production.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Alpharetta, GA
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CaseLeap is a small video production agency. They focus on Video Production and were founded in 2020.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Indianapolis, IN
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Vanguard Media and Entertainment, a Broadcast Video and video production company, was launched in 2008. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana and , the team focuses on Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Video production agency BLL Productions, INC was established in 2017. The small team offers Video Production and Social Media Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Hampton Bays, NY
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Vision Maker Productions Inc. Is a video production agency established in 2020. The company specializes in Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Alameda, CA
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Firelight Motions is a video production agency. In Alameda, California and shanghai, China, the team offers Video Production and Video Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
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Click Play Films is a video production company. Founded in 2012, the company is in New York, New York. Their services include Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Madison, WI
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Video production company Red Star Rentals focuses on Video Production and Broadcast Video. They are based in Madison, Wisconsin and Baltimore, Maryland.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Winter Park, FL
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Video production company ProductionHUB is located in Winter Park, Florida. Their services include Video Production.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Miami Beach, FL
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Stance Production is a video production company launched in 2020. The agency offers Video Production and Advertising, and is small.
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$1,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9San Francisco, CA
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Video production company Bidar Video Production is in San Francisco, California. They focus on Video Production.
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$50,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Alpharetta, GA
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Guesthouse is an Alpharetta, Georgia-based Advertising company. Launched in 2023, the team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Diego, CA
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In San Diego, California and Paris, France, Helium Films USA is a video production agency. The team specializes in Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Established in 2001, SolidLine Media, a small video production agency, is located in Chicago, Illinois and Shanghai, China. Their services include Video Production and Branding.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Denver, CO
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Postmodern Company, a video production company, was launched in 1992. The team focuses on Video Production and is in Denver, Colorado.
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$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Raleigh, NC
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Eagle Video Productions Inc. Is a video production company. Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, the agency was launched in 1991. Their team offers Video Production and Broadcast Video.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Miami, FL
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Vision Movies, LLC is a video production agency. Founded in 2000, the team specializes in Video Production. The firm is based in Miami, Florida.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Portland, ME
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Launched in 2002, True Life Media, a small video production agency, is headquartered in Portland, Maine. Their services include Video Production.
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$1,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Great Neck, NY
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See all 1 projectsBox Office Studio provides professional photography services, specializing in product photography. Reviews highlight the team's passion, effective communication, and thorough explanations of their work processes. Overall, clients appreciate the quality of the product images and the collaborative approach of the studio.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Lakewood, CO
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Professional Video & Photography is a video production company. The small Lakewood, Colorado-based team provides Video Production and Broadcast Video. The agency was established in 2011.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Boston, MA
Services provided
Toil is a graphic design agency and video production company. They are in Boston, Massachusetts, and their services include Graphic Design 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.