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 172 projectsSparkhouse is a distinguished multimedia production company specializing in videography, video editing, and corporate video production. With an impressive 100% positive feedback from clients, Sparkhouse is praised for its effective communication, timely delivery, and high-quality output. Approximately 30% of reviews commend their seamless project management, and around 20% highlight their capacity to produce cinematic and visually appealing video content.
$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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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Beverly Hills, CA
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Established in 2010, Channel Factory is a video production company. The team focuses on Video Production and Advertising.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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Video production company Guggenheim Productions is located in New York, New York. Founded in 1994, the team provides Video Production and Branding.
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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 62 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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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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Broadcast Management Group is a Broadcast Video company. Founded in 2005, the company provides Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49San Francisco, CA
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Heist, a video production company, was founded in 2008. They offers Video Production and Advertising.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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In Los Angeles, California and New York, New York, SMUGGLER is a video production agency. Their services include Video Production and Digital Strategy.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Launched in 1997, Plum Productions is a video production agency. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49San Diego, CA
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San Diego Audio Video is a video production agency. Their small team is based in San Diego, California. Their team specializes in Video Production and Graphic Design.
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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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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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NBTV Studios is a New York, New York-based Broadcast Video company. They specialize in Broadcast Video and Video Production.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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Onslot Creative is a video production agency based in New York, New York. Founded in 2009, the team offers Video Production and Branding.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 43 projectsBrandefy is a multimedia production company renowned for its expertise in video production, videography, and corporate video production. Clients commend their professionalism, creativity, and adaptive approach, with 100% of reviews highlighting their ability to meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality results. Their collaborative approach and attention to detail are frequently praised, making them a trusted partner for diverse video production needs.
$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 - 49Kirkland, WA
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Trifilm, Inc is a video production company. The Kirkland, Washington-based firm was launched in 1991. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Spokane Valley, WA
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Gibby Media Group is a video production agency. Established in 1977, the team specializes in Video Production and Graphic Design. The firm is based in Spokane Valley, Washington.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 15 projectsMinifridge Media is a multimedia production company specializing in video production, videography, and video editing services. Clients consistently praise their professionalism, creativity, and project management skills, resulting in a 100% positive feedback rate across reviews. Many reviews highlight their ability to manage complex shoots efficiently and the strong client satisfaction with the final video outputs.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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Friendly Human is an Advertising company. Their team is in Atlanta, Georgia. The firm provides Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Bismarck, ND
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Agency MABU, a video production company, is located in Bismarck, North Dakota. They provide Video Production and Advertising and were established in 2009.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Honolulu, HI
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1013 Integrated Branding + Production is a video production company. Launched in 1976, the firm is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Leff is a Chicago, Illinois-based video production agency. Their services include Video Production and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Launched in 2009, Visual Wright Inc. Is a small video production company. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lexington, KY
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Launched in 1993, Wrigley Media Group is an AR/VR development company. The small team focuses on AR/VR development and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Dallas, TX
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Culture Farm is a video production agency founded in 2008. Their team provides Video Production and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Denver, CO
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Lumenati is a video production company. They specialize in Video Production and Branding and are based in Denver, Colorado.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Urbandale, IA
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Applied Art & Technology is a video production agency. Headquartered in Urbandale, Iowa, their team provides Video Production and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Idaho Falls, ID
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Voltstar Productions, a small Event Marketing company, is located in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The team provides Event Marketing and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Cognition LA, a small AR/VR development company, is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Their services include AR/VR development and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Salt Lake City, UT
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Impatient Cow Productions is a video production company. Their team is in Salt Lake City, Utah and specializes in Video Production and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Bluffdale, UT
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Molio is a media planning and buying agency. The team offers Media Planning & Buying and Video Production and is in Bluffdale, Utah.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Knoxville, TN
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DV Communications, a small video production company, is based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Their services include Video Production and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
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Grace Image Photography is a small San Francisco, California-based video production company. The team provides Video Production and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Burlington, NC
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All Pro Media is a video production company. The small Burlington, North Carolina-based team focuses on Video Production and Advertising. The agency was launched in 1990.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Asheville, NC
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Bclip Productions, a video production company, was established in 2001. They focuses on Video Production and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49San Carlos, CA
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Founded in 2010, MarketME Video Production is a Corporate Photography company. The team provides Corporate Photography and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Allentown, PA
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First Generation is an Advertising company. They specialize in Advertising and Video Production and were established in 1987.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Charleston, WV
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Launched in 2015, Filmanatix is a video production agency. The small team provides Video Production and Corporate Photography.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Melbourne, FL
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Digital Zoetrope Productions is a small Advertising company launched in 2010. Their services include Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Des Plaines, IL
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Based in Des Plaines, Illinois, Ian Ryan Interactive is a video production company. Launched in 1993, the team offers Video Production and Mobile App Development.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Denver, CO
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Side 3 Studios is an Audio Production company. They specialize in Audio Production and Video Production and were launched in 1993. The agency is based in Denver, Colorado.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Newburyport, MA
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Gusto, a Matter company, a video production company, is located in Newburyport, Massachusetts and Portland, Oregon. They provide Video Production and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Leesburg, VA
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DroneVideos is a video production company in Leesburg, Virginia. They focus on Video Production and Search Engine Optimization and were established in 2016.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Seattle, WA
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Ground Zero Radio, a small Audio Production company, is based in Seattle, Washington. The team specializes in Audio Production and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Cedar Rapids, IA
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Blue Sky Productions, LLC, a small video production agency, is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The team specializes in Video Production and Audio Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Clive, IA
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Audio Production company Iowa Audio Video was established in 1975. The small team focuses on Audio Production and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Little Rock, AR
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CWP Productions LLC is a small Little Rock, Arkansas-based video production company. The team provides Video Production and Audio Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Tempe, AZ
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Illustrate My Design (IMD), a Product Design company, provides Product Design and Video Production. The firm is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona and McLean, Virginia.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Knoxville, TN
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WhisperRoom, Inc. Is a small Knoxville, Tennessee-based video production company. Their services include Video Production and Audio Production.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerOak Lawn, IL
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See all 1 projectsX10 Entertainment is a multimedia production company specializing in video production services, including videography and film editing. The reviews highlight their professional service and impressive quality of work, with no negative feedback reported. Additionally, 100% of reviewers noted the high-quality assets produced for enhancing online presence and brand awareness.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerAlpharetta, GA
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See all 1 projectsCosmos Dimensions Agency is a marketing and social media management company recognized for its strategic approach to content creation and design. The agency is highly praised for its creativity and commitment, with 90% of users making fewer errors after implementation. Feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with no areas for improvement noted by reviewers.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
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See all 11 projectsEpic Media Creative - Out of Business was a multimedia production company specializing in video production, video editing, and post-production services. Across the reviews, clients consistently praised their high-quality work, professional communication, and effective project management, with 100% of reviews expressing satisfaction with their services. Additionally, around 70% of reviewers highlighted Epic Media Creative's ability to exceed expectations with advanced video editing and motion graphics.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Great Neck, NY
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Aa is a Logo company. They focus on Logo and Web Design and were founded in 2016. The agency is located in Great Neck, New York.
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$25,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
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Digimix is a New York, New York-based branding company. Launched in 2009, the team provides Branding and Digital Strategy.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Denver, CO
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Shompton is a Direct Marketing company established in 2005. The agency offers Direct Marketing and Marketing Strategy.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Fort Worth, TX
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Founded in 2004, BrandEra is a small Fort Worth, Texas-based branding company. Their services include Branding and Public Relations.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Tampa, FL
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Farmore Marketing is a Tampa, Florida-based branding agency. Their services include Branding and Content Marketing.
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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
38.3/40.018.8/20 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 -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Miami, FL
Ability to deliver
37/40.017.4/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 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+$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 -
$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Somerville, MA
Ability to deliver
36.1/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Santa Monica, CA
Ability to deliver
36.1/40.017.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
Ability to deliver
36.1/40.017.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
95% Video Production5% Other -
$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 -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Denver, CO
Ability to deliver
35.8/40.017.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$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+Undisclosed2 - 9Baltimore, MD
Ability to deliver
35.7/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.1/10 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 -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
35.5/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Video Production35% Other -
$5,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Inglewood, CA
Ability to deliver
35.5/40.015.8/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
85% Video Production15% Other -
$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+$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 -
$25,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
35.3/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Video Production -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Orlando, FL
Ability to deliver
37/40.018/20 Reviews9.3/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Video Production50% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Covina, CA
Ability to deliver
35.2/40.015.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Video Production25% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Austin, TX
Ability to deliver
35.2/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.8/10 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.