Localeyes Video Production, Indigo Productions, The DVI Group, Out Of The Blue Films, Luminoustudios - these are among the top documentary video production companies known for crafting compelling narratives, capturing authentic stories, and delivering high-quality visual content that engages and inspires audiences.
Best Documentary Video Production Companies
13 Companies-Rankings updated: September 04, 2026
DesignRush vets all documentary production companies based on their creative and technical expertise, track record, and verified client reviews. Some listings may be paid.
VerifiedVerified by the DesignRush team for authenticity and credibility.Award WinnerRecipient of a Best Design Award for outstanding work.
Your brand's unfair advantage.
An Emmy Award and Telly Award winner, Forge Apollo produces corporate, educational, travel, and event videos for clients, including Hyatt, Dell, and Main Line Health. The Philadelphia-based documentary production agency pairs digital marketing with its video services to drive measurable growth...
Top Services:
WordPress Website Design
Web Design
Video Production
Video Marketing
Digital Marketing
Show more
Location
Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
Number of Employees
Under 49
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Portfolios Count
26 Projects Listed
Forge Apollo Services
WordPress Website Design
Web Design
Video Production
Video Marketing
Digital Marketing
SEO
Digital Strategy
Email Marketing
Content Marketing
Branding
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Secrets Resorts
Main Line Health
Dell
Self Reliance Financial Federal Credit Union
SoftLite Windows and Doors
Smirnoff
Hilton
Blue Springs Siding & Windows
Total Gym
Meridian Bank
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
Forge Apollo Reviews & Testimonials
Scott Lepkofker Chief Media Officer at Elite Media Group
5.0★
Video Marketing Review from Scott Lepkofker
We've been partners with Forge Apollo for nearly three years, and they have been an incredible extension of our team. From incredible creative and high-quality production to pitch development, thought leadership, and strategic introductions, they consistently bring a level of expertise, creativity, and commitment that is hard to find in a partner. What I appreciate most is that they genuinely operate like a partner rather than a vendor. They take the time to understand our business, our clients, and what were trying to accomplish, and they are always willing to go the extra mile to help us succeed. Their creative work is consistently impressive, and their production capabilities allow us to bring big ideas to life at a very high level. They also have some impressive proprietary technology that gives them a unique point of differentiation and adds another layer of value to what they bring to the table. Ryan Holloway, the CEO, deserves a special mention. He is extremely hands-on and engaged, and I never feel like Im being passed off to someone else once the relationship is established. Ryan is accessible, thoughtful, and personally invested in the success of our partnership. Over the past three years, Forge Apollo has helped us elevate our pitches, strengthen our thought leadership, expand our network, and ultimately present a stronger version of our business to the market. Theyre the type of partner that rolls up their sleeves, gets in the trenches with you, and genuinely cares about the outcome. I would highly recommend Forge Apollo to any organization looking for a creative partner that brings together great people, incredible creative, strong production, and innovative technology.
Jessica Farren Public Relations Specialist at ASD
5.0★
Video Marketing Review from Jessica Farren
I cannot say enough good things about this company. Had a great experience working with them on several projects for our company, ASD, this year. As a funeral home answering service, we needed to take our marketing to the next level in a way that not only showcased our company's innovation but also exemplified our client-centric approach to business. Forge Apollo not only met but exceeded our expectations, delivering a website that perfectly encapsulates our values. Their attention to detail, creativity, and commitment to understanding our unique needs made the entire process seamless. Additionally, Forge Apollo showcased their prowess in video marketing by creating captivating videos for ASD. These videos highlighted our company's comprehensive solutions and featured insightful interviews with current clients and heartfelt conversations with our staff. The team at Forge Apollo proved to be a pleasure to work with, demonstrating a perfect blend of professionalism and creativity. Their responsiveness to client needs and ability to execute on diverse goals make them an invaluable partner. We couldn't be happier with the results and highly recommend Forge Apollo to anyone seeking a dedicated and talented team for their web design and marketing needs.
Rachel Notowich VP of Marketing at GMH Communities
5.0★
Video Production Review from Rachel Notowich
I have had the pleasure of working with Forge Apollo Studio on a variety of projects over the past five years, and they truly are the best. Their team consistently delivers exceptional content, communicates seamlessly throughout the process, and goes above and beyond expectations every time. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for top-tier video production or creative content support.
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
Herman Mantis is a boutique video production agency focusing on docu-style brand videos, corporate and educational content, and social media shorts. Its offerings span event coverage, drone videos, interviews, testimonials, and corporate and commercial videos. With flexible packages, it suits SMBs...
Top Services:
Video Production
Location
South Portland, Maine
Number of Employees
Under 49
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Portfolios Count
1 Project Listed
Herman Mantis Inc Services
Video Production
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
High Liner Foods
Thomas Moser Furniture
Maine Community Colleges
Portland Public Schools
The Hitchcock Center
Aroma Joe's
Apex Production
Adaptive Media
Flux Jewlery Studio
Visit Freeport
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
Herman Mantis Inc Reviews & Testimonials
Carly Cooke Owner at Flux Jewelry Studio
5.0★
Social Media Videos Review from Carly Cooke
Will and Sam created a video that conveyed the most intriguing parts of my craft in a way that was truly inspiring. They captured the small moments and details of what I do and flawlessly edited the footage into an intimate peek inside my studio and working life in a creative way. The video has been invaluable in showing my customers what happens behind the scenes, lifting the veil and letting my clients see how I work and what goes into creating my jewelry pieces. I can't recommend them highly enough!
Jennifer Rosier CEO and Founder at PrepU Admissions
5.0★
Corporate Video Review from Jennifer Rosier
Working with The Herman Mantis team was one of the best decisions I've ever made as a small business owner. They took the time to really understand our vision then used their rare combination of artistry, creativity, and sensitivity to produce a video that blew away all of my expectations. As an educational company, our entire business hinges on building trust with our potential clients. The Herman Mantis video perfectly captured our genuine passion for helping students, which is not easy to do. Thank you so much Sam and Will. We look forward to our next project!
Emma Rosier Review from Google
5.0★
Emma Rosier's Review Sourced from Google
An amazing team of creatives who will tell your story beautifully and you're guaranteed to have a lot of fun doing it. They know how to truly capture a feeling. No one else like 'em!
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
Our ambitious production team is proficient in travel ads & documentary series. Offering advertising strategies and full rebranding packages for your business growth...
Top Services:
Video Production
Branding
Advertising
Creative Services
Show more
Location
London, United Kingdom
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$50/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Portfolios Count
4 Projects Listed
Nuskka Media Services
Video Production
Branding
Advertising
Creative Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Empica is one of the South West UKs most established PR and communications agencies, combining decades of media experience with creative content and reputation management. Based in Bristol, we deliver trusted, results-driven PR campaigns across sectors including property, healthcare, education, and...
Top Services:
Public Relations
Reputation Management
Video Production
Creative Services
Content Marketing
Show more
Location
Bristol, United Kingdom
Number of Employees
Under 49
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Empica Services
Public Relations
Reputation Management
Video Production
Creative Services
Content Marketing
SEO
Email Marketing
Digital Strategy
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Bakers Dolphin
Clarke Willmott
Westerleigh Group
St Peter's Hospice
National Express
Bristol Memorial Woodlands
StudioHIVE
Bristol Books CIC
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
Empica Reviews & Testimonials
St Peter's Hospice Review from Google
5.0★
St Peter's Hospice's Review Sourced from Google
Not only are Empica a reliable and safe pair of hands, but they also generate results which support our organisational objectives. Their collaborative approach means they work as an extension of our team, and their understanding of St Peter’s Hospice, and our work in the local community, means they can effectively support our communications planning and decision making.
Alisan Cole Review from Google
5.0★
Alisan Cole's Review Sourced from Google
We've worked with Empica for many years to deliver media training for our senior leaders, and the experience has consistently been excellent. The sessions are always well organised, engaging and tailored to each colleague's area of expertise and business focus.Participants are equipped with a clear framework and practical tactics to handle both proactive media opportunities and potential crisis situations with confidence. The training includes realistic, well-thought-out scenarios and questions, making it highly relevant and actionable. As always, the trainers kept the energy high and the pace just right. Our teams not only gained valuable skills but genuinely enjoyed the experience.
Kevin Review from Google
5.0★
Kevin's Review Sourced from Google
As managing director of various travel companies and other businesses I thoroughly recommend Martin Powell and his team at Empica and am very grateful for the enormous help they gave myself and my team with our public relations for many years.They began handling PR for my company when it was very small and continued to do so as our annual turnover rose to nearly 100 hundred million pounds.My team and I were always been delighted with their proactive approach; the manner in which they regularly liaised with the management team, planning our future PR activities, as well as handling the media on the rare occasions when we needed urgent out of hours help.
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
Alta Productions offers a convenient photo & video studio in Singapore.
Situated in a central location, Alta Productions offers a convenient photo & video studio in Singapore. They are ideal for commercial or private use. Alta studio offers 520 square feet of shooting space as well as a comprehensive range of professional photography and video lighting accessories...
Top Services:
Video Production
Location
Singapore, Singapore
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$50/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Portfolios Count
2 Projects Listed
Alta Productions Services
Video Production
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Based in New York, VMGROUPE is a comprehensive luxury branding and digital creative agency. Our expertise spans branding, content creation, digital storytelling, and performance marketing, catering to renowned brands in the beauty, fine jewelry, fashion, fine food, wines & spirits, real estate, and luxury...
Top Services:
Branding
Video Production
Digital Services
Public Relations
Creative Services
Show more
Location
New York City, New York
Number of Employees
50 - 99
Average Hourly Rate
$50/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Portfolios Count
5 Projects Listed
VMGROUPE Services
Branding
Video Production
Digital Services
Public Relations
Creative Services
Package Design
Digital Strategy
Social Media Marketing
Email Marketing
CRO
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Amazon
L'Oréal
Coty
Michael Kors
Cariter
Vegamour
Kiehl's
Valentino Beauty
DIOR
Paula's Choice
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
VMGROUPE Reviews & Testimonials
Maajo Cooper-Henry Review from Google
5.0★
Maajo Cooper-Henry's Review Sourced from Google
-They Understand Your “Why” ...-They Are Adaptable. ...-They Invest Time In Research. ...-They Are Knowledgeable About The Competitive Landscape. ...-They Are Innovative & Propose Custom Solutions. ...-They Are Detailed In Reporting & Communicate Results Clearly. ...-They Offer A Full Range Of Services.
Addia Cooper-Henry Review from Google
5.0★
Addia Cooper-Henry's Review Sourced from Google
Love our new custom and design-forward office in the heart of the city to better serve our leading clients seeking brand elevation.
Joana Barros Review from Google
5.0★
Joana Barros's Review Sourced from Google
VMGROUPE is a very professional and creative agency in NY. I had a great experience collaborating with VMGROUPE and greatly recommend it!!
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
We are a Berkshire-based design agency specialising in bespoke WordPress websites.
We are a graphic and web design agency with over 20 years of experience building websites for small to medium-sized businesses. Specialising in Wordpress and Shopify, all our web work is entirely bespoke and we also offer our Wordpress web build and project management service to other design and marketing...
Top Services:
Design Services
Web Design
WordPress Website Design
UI/UX Design
Web Development
Show more
Location
Reading, United Kingdom
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$90/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Portfolios Count
2 Projects Listed
Colab Agency Services
Design Services
Web Design
WordPress Website Design
UI/UX Design
Web Development
Graphic Design
Print Design
Branding
Creative Services
Logo Design
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
PixelRain specialises in creating impactful corporate productions that bring brand stories to life with simplicity and style...
Top Services:
Video Production
Location
Penryn, United Kingdom
Number of Employees
Under 49
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
PixelRain Services
Video Production
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Ooni
MSC UK
Isles of Scilly Travel
SUEZ
History Hit
Cornwall Council
Cornish Lithium
West Carclaze Garden Village
Carbis Bay Estate
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
PixelRain Reviews & Testimonials
Carbis Bay Estate Review from Google
5.0★
Carbis Bay Estate's Review Sourced from Google
"We’ve been working with Pixel Rain for over two years on various campaigns. Their videography and photography have significantly enhanced our brand, improving both the quality of our visual content and customer engagement online. Rich and Grant’s expertise allows them to fully understand our briefs, offer valuable advice, and help refine our ideas. They consistently deliver engaging, clever, and beautiful content. Plus, they’re genuine blokes and a real pleasure to work with!" Danielle Sweeney - Brand Manager, Carbis Bay Collection
Sophie Boyce Review from Google
5.0★
Sophie Boyce's Review Sourced from Google
10/10 recommend! I've been working with Grant & Rich for over 6 years and can't recommend them enough. The videos they produce are always beautifully captured, edited and colour graded, and done with so much thought from start to finish. We love chatting through story concepts for future projects, and more than anything, they're a brilliant, passionate and supportive team to work with on shoot day. Thank you both! X
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
We Create Videos That Bring Your Stories, Ideas and Brands to Life!
Blue Ocean Productions is a full-service video production company that provides professional video production services for B2B. We can shoot in a studio, in the field, using drones from the air and underwater with underwater cameras. Contact us for a free consultation to design the video you need...
Top Services:
Video Production
Branding
Audio Production
Video Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Show more
Location
Ventura, California
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$100/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Blue Ocean Productions Services
Video Production
Branding
Audio Production
Video Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Tourism Fiji
The Ritz-Carlton
Pacifica Graduate Institute
National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa
Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society
International Marine Mammal Project
Fiji Air
Oceanbotics, Inc
AeroHance
MERITO Foundation
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
Blue Ocean Productions Reviews & Testimonials
Dr. Jose R. Garcia, DC Review from Google
5.0★
Dr. Jose R. Garcia, DC's Review Sourced from Google
FANTASTIC!I called/emailed 5 local video production companies to seek help with a live stream issue and Blue Ocean Productions were the quickest to answer and set up a meet to troubleshoot our issue. I appreciate the transparency regarding process and fees. They really made it easy for us. Thank you for your service and expertise.
Rudy Calasin Review from Google
5.0★
Rudy Calasin's Review Sourced from Google
Jim from Blue Ocean Productions recently helped my church with livestream issues that we've been having over the past year. The problem involved the video lagging significantly behind the audio with the lag getting progressively worse throughout the duration of the stream. Jim was brought in to diagnose the issue, and after sending him some information about our set-up, computer specs, etc., he was able to spend a couple of hours with me and another church elder testing various settings in the streaming software, OBS, as well as other settings for the computer, mixer and wireless microphone.Ultimately, we determined that we'll need a more powerful PC, but Jim was able to help us adjust certain settings so that we can have a stable video stream with synced audio. The ultimate test will be this Sunday when we stream our church service for 60+ minutes, but we're optimistic that the help Jim provided will lead to success. Jim was knowledgeable, kind and patient throughout this process, and I would recommend his company to anyone looking for some tech support.
Victoria Voss Review from Google
5.0★
Victoria Voss's Review Sourced from Google
Jim is absolutely fantastic to work with! He's a wonderful listener and keen observer. He's present, kind, and attentive to his client's needs. He gives 100% attention and commitment and we are so grateful for his help with drone footage for our brand.
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
Storyflow is a premium video production company based in London and operating globally. We partner with agencies and brands to help them create videos that bridge the gap between what's 'cool' and what 'works'...
Top Services:
Video Production
Video Marketing
Location
London, United Kingdom
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$150/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Storyflow Entertainment Services
Video Production
Video Marketing
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
The SHEDIO is Cleveland's solar-powered micro studio, delivering cinematic video, photo, podcast, and live-stream productions with big-studio quality in a bold, sustainable space...
Top Services:
Video Production
Audio Production
Location
Cleveland, Ohio
Number of Employees
Under 49
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
SHEDIO Services
Video Production
Audio Production
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
AYR Cannabis
Mansfield Reformatory
Nightmare Cleveland
FearWorm
REDROCK
Regal Vineyards
Blood Prison
Windup Records
Ibanez
Radisson Hotels
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
SHEDIO Reviews & Testimonials
Aminah Louise Review from Google
5.0★
Aminah Louise's Review Sourced from Google
Very professional and friendly. I had a photoshoot planned in early May and got my photos within a week!
Chelsea Rothstein Review from Google
5.0★
Chelsea Rothstein's Review Sourced from Google
I have been to The Shedio twice now and every interaction with the entire team has been such a wonderful and amazing experience. They are so supportive and encouraging and have helped me achieve the vision in my mind and turn it into a reality! I can not recommend them enough! For all your creative photo and video needs you need to be booking with the Shedio!
Mike Treadwell Review from Google
5.0★
Mike Treadwell's Review Sourced from Google
I've known Abe for a long while now but the overall experience was great and professional. You won't regret working with Shedio
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
Inspired Film and Video is a UK video production company with over 20 years experience creating corporate video, live event coverage and training content. Based in Stoke-on-Trent, we work with NHS Trusts, universities, public sector organisations and corporate clients nationwide. Our in-house team delivers...
Top Services:
Video Production
Video Marketing
Location
Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$100/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Inspired Film and Video Ltd Services
Video Production
Video Marketing
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
NHS
Bostik
Waterford Crystal
Discovery Networks
Cyber News Group
We Are Staffordshire
Department for Trade and Industry (UK)
Benchmark International
Keele University
University of Oxford
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
Inspired Film and Video Ltd Reviews & Testimonials
Sarah Rose Review from Google
5.0★
Sarah Rose's Review Sourced from Google
Great people to work with. Quick and easy communication, very reliable and produced a great video to promote my research.
Michelle & Sophia Webster Review from Google
5.0★
Michelle & Sophia Webster's Review Sourced from Google
I recently had the pleasure of working with Inspired Film and video as an actor for their latest promotional shoot, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the moment I arrived on set, the entire team was incredibly welcoming, organized, and professional. Certainly hope to work with them again.
Jordan Gardner Review from Google
5.0★
Jordan Gardner's Review Sourced from Google
Brown Recycling Limited has worked with Inspired Film and Video on several key projects recently, all to help celebrate our Centenary Celebratory Event in style and create a lasting legacy through impactful videography and photography.From the outset, their professionalism, expertise, and reassuring approach gave us complete confidence that every aspect of the project was in safe hands. When on site, their team was incredibly accommodating, flexible, and friendly.Working with Inspired Film and Video gave us complete peace of mind. Their team seamlessly captured our event as it unfolded, allowing us to focus on the day itself without worrying about missing any important moments. We would highly recommend them to any business looking for high-quality videography and photography services.
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
Built on faith and guided by conviction, Alto Ember helps brands grow with clarity and creative strength. We deliver strategy, messaging, websites, and content with integrity and excellence, creating marketing that resonates, builds trust, and endures...
Top Services:
Branding
Web Design
Digital Marketing
Digital Services
Creative Services
Show more
Location
Fountain Inn, South Carolina
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$150/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Alto Ember LLC Services
Branding
Web Design
Digital Marketing
Digital Services
Creative Services
Video Production
Digital Strategy
SEO
PPC
Content Marketing
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Documentary Production Companies
What does a documentary production company do?
Documentary video production companies provide filming and editing services for streaming platforms, NGOs, and broadcasters. They specialize in capturing authentic human and nature experiences that are thought-provoking and inspire action. The core idea behind this cinematic format is to understand the people behind the story, their philosophy and drive, and bring the topic closer to the audience.
The main services of documentary production companies can be segmented into three tiers:
Pre-production services: Conceptualization, research, scheduling, location scouting, and budgeting
Production services: Filming, directing, interviews with subjects, audio recording, and cinematography
Post-production services: Editing, archival footage insertion, adding subtitles, voiceover, sound design, and color grading
Some agencies also produce historical, social impact, educational, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) documentaries, and assist with festival submissions and distribution.
What kind of documentaries do these companies make?
Social impact and advocacy: Aimed at prompting public debate or activism for social justice and environmental issues
Investigative and crime: In-depth research into true stories, profiled crimes, historical events, or unsolved mysteries
Biographical and historical: Detailed explorations of influential individuals or historical events
Nature and science: Wildlife films and environmental documentaries
Branded documentaries: Create documentaries about a brand’s mission, impact, milestones, or corporate journey
Observational: Capturing real-life events as they unfold with minimal intervention from the filmmakers
Docuseries: Serialized stories that cover lifestyle, sports, food, or travel topics
How much do documentary video production companies charge for their services?
Documentary movies can cost between $10,000 and $1 million per production. The final price is determined based on the type of documentary, location, production quality, the size of the crew, the equipment needed, and the post-production process. In general, documentaries fall within the following brackets:
Low-budget documentaries: $10,000 to $50,000
Mid-range documentaries: $50,000 to $200,000
High-end documentaries: $200,000 to $1 million or more
On the lower end, many documentaries done by emerging filmmakers have budgets that are even lower than the industry threshold. These crews raise only enough to cover basic hard costs, relying on volunteer labor and in-kind contributions of goods and services.
On the higher end, documentary budgets can go far above $3 million and are usually allocated to high-profile projects supported by studios, broadcasting networks, and global streaming platforms.
In addition to production costs, what else needs to be accounted for in the final budget?
Besides filming costs, the final budget should also consider the following expenses:
Location permits and insurance
Crew salaries
Rental expenses for lighting, shooting, and sound equipment
Travel and accommodation for the crew
Do I own the final footage?
Typically, the contract determines ownership, but it is standard for the production company to own the raw files until final payment, after which the client receives the finished, edited content.
Latest Trends Related to Documentary Video Production
Proposals