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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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Broken Arrow, OK
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McWilliams Media Inc. Is a social media marketing company. They are based in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and have small team. They specialize in Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Lexington, KY
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Oculus Studios, an Advertising company, is located in Lexington, Kentucky. They offer Advertising and Branding and were founded in 2009.
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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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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Fairview, OR
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Cinemagic Studios is a small Fairview, Oregon-based Broadcast Video and video production agency. Their services include Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Houston, TX
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Crouch Environmental Services, Inc. Is a PR firm and video production company. Based in Houston, Texas, the firm was founded in 1994. Their services include Public Relations and Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49West Palm Beach, FL
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Graphic design company and video production company Visual Evidence, Inc. Is in West Palm Beach, Florida. They specialize in Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Little Rock, AR
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Kirkpatrick Creative is a Little Rock, Arkansas-based Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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Advertising and video production agency Mad Hat Creative is based in Atlanta, Georgia. They specialize in Advertising and Video Production and were established in 2014.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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Moonshine Post-Production, LLC is an Advertising and video production agency founded in 2012. The small team provides Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Bridges Media is a small video production company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The team focuses on Video Production and Advertising.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Glastonbury, CT
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Video production agency Frontline Productions offers Video Production and Marketing Strategy. They are in Glastonbury, Connecticut.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Fargo, ND
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Video Arts Studios is an Advertising and video production company in Fargo, North Dakota. Their services include Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Fargo, ND
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HB Sound and Light is an Advertising and video production agency. The team is based in Fargo, North Dakota, and their services include Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Established in 2004, Gameplan Creative, LLC., a small graphic design agency, is in Chicago, Illinois. Their team specializes in Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Indianapolis, IN
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Gear Marketing is a video production company. The team is in Indianapolis, Indiana, and their services include Video Production and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49West Hartford, CT
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Bluefoot Entertainment is a small Broadcast Video and video production agency based in West Hartford, Connecticut. The team provides Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Raleigh, NC
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Trailblazer Studios is an Advertising and video production agency. They offer Advertising and Video Production and are headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Douglasville, GA
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Fame Internet Marketing, a Content Marketing company, was established in 2013. The company provides Content Marketing and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Warrensville Heights, OH
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Cyrid Media is a media planning & buying agency and video production agency. They offer Media Planning & Buying and Video Production and were established in 2000.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Las Vegas, NV
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Robertson+Partners is an Advertising and video production company. Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, the agency was founded in 1979. Their services include Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Sioux Falls, SD
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Graphic design agency and video production agency Lemonly is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Launched in 2011, the team focuses on Graphic Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Washington, DC
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Hugo Creative is a Washington, District of Columbia-based video production agency. They offer Video Production and Branding and were established in 2010.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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The MAGNUM Companies, a Lighting Design and video production company, was launched in 1980. The small team provides Lighting Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Las Vegas, NV
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Faiss Foley Warren, a small PR firm and video production agency, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The team provides Public Relations and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Nashville, TN
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Seek First Productions, LLC, a Broadcast Video and video production company, provides Broadcast Video and Video Production. The agency is based in Nashville, Tennessee.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Nashville, TN
Services provided
See all 7 projectsCumberland Creative is a multimedia production company specializing in video production services, including cinematography, videography, and post-production. The company is highly praised for its storytelling capabilities and project management, with reviewers noting a 100% satisfaction rate in delivering high-quality video content that exceeds expectations. Their ability to align with clients' visions while maintaining budget and timelines is consistently highlighted across the reviews.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Buffalo, NY
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Twisted Rope is a small Buffalo, New York-based Email Marketing and video production company. The team specializes in Email Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New York, NY
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Founded in 2001, JN Production, a small Product Design and video production company, is based in New York, New York. Their team offers Product Design and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lafayette, LA
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Channel One Digital is a video production agency. The company is headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana. Their team specializes in Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Miami, FL
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SatPhoneStore is a phone answering service and video production company. Based in Miami, Florida and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the agency provides Call Center Services and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49High Point, NC
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Corporate Photography and video production company Elements Studio is located in High Point, North Carolina. Their services include Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
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Open Homes Photography is a Corporate Photography and video production company. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, the team offers Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Allentown, PA
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Digital Feast, Inc is a video production agency. Their team is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania and specializes in Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Boise, ID
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Corporate Photography and video production agency Chad Case Photography & Video was launched in 1996. The small team focuses on Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Idaho Falls, ID
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Altair Productions, LLC, a Corporate Photography and video production agency, is headquartered in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They focus on Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Hampton, VA
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Metro Productions - Hampton is a Broadcast Video and video production agency. Founded in 1981, their team provides Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Boston, MA
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ViralGains is an Advertising and video production company established in 2012. The small team specializes in Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Waltham, MA
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Established in 1997, OnPage Corporation is an IoT development and video production agency. Their services include IoT development and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Denver, CO
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Trim Media House is a Corporate Photography and video production company. The Denver, Colorado-based team specializes in Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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StockPot Images, LLC is a Corporate Photography and video production agency. They are located in Los Angeles, California, and their services include Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Tacoma, WA
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A Pot Farmer's Daughter is a Corporate Photography and video production agency located in Tacoma, Washington. The team provides Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Canfield, OH
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898 Marketing is a branding company located in Canfield, Ohio. Their services include Branding and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Waukesha, WI
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Back Office Outsourcing and video production company High Velocity Communications was established in 2002. The firm provides Back Office Outsourcing and Video Production, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Madison, WI
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Focal Flame Photography is a small Corporate Photography and video production company based in Madison, Wisconsin. The team focuses on Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Burbank, CA
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Outpost Media is a small Burbank, California-based Advertising and video production agency. Their services include Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Dallas, TX
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ConneXion360, a Broadcast Video and video production agency, was founded in 2008. The team specializes in Broadcast Video and Video Production and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Richmond, VA
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Tilt Creative + Production is an Advertising and video production company. Their small team of employees is in Richmond, Virginia. Their team offers Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Anaheim, CA
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Advertising and video production company Global Media Marketing is in Anaheim, California. The team offers Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Midland, MI
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E-commerce development company SOLUTIO Inc.(Midland, Michigan) provides E-Commerce Development and Search Engine Optimization. They were established in 2014.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Norwalk, CA
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TVB (USA) Inc. Is an Advertising and video production agency headquartered in Norwalk, California. The team offers Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Decatur, GA
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Mixed Bag Media is a Broadcast Video and video production company. Based in Decatur, Georgia and Walnut Creek, California, the team specializes in Broadcast Video 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 -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Brooklyn, NY
Ability to deliver
35.6/40.017.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience7.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$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 - 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.