Top 7 Video Production Companies in Cincinnati
A few weeks ago, we decided to interview several other Cincinnati video production companies in the area (as well as ourselves) in order to provide a resource for those looking to create video content for their brand or business, with a comprehensive list of the various options that are available. The answers in this questionnaire come from a number of notable companies in the industry, speaking openly about what inspires them to do what they do, and in these answers, we hope you find what you are looking for in a creative video team.
This list is made up of several companies that are all creating unique, quality work as a part of Cincinnati’s video production market. These are storytellers, documentarians, Cincinnatians, and above all, people who value creativity, and spend time each day increasing their knowledge of the craft. Are you looking for a great video production company? Here are a few options that might help you find a company you connect with.
NOTE: If you know of a video production company in the Cincinnati area that should be on this list, please email me at dave@drivemediahouse.com.
THE LIST, FROM A TO Z.
- 805 Creative
- Drive Media House (yeah, that's us)
- Epipheo
- Faithful Bull Productions
- Lightborne
- Rebel Pilgrim
- Spotted Yeti
What is your name and position at 805 Creative? Matt Chandler, Managing Director.
In what year was 805 Creative founded? 2010.
Is your work done in-house, with independent contractors, or both? How many people do you have employed in-house? Most of our work is accomplished in house, although we sometimes hire extra help for larger or specialty projects. We’re a lean team—just three full-time employees.
In your words, what type of company are you? (i.e. do you consider yourself more of an agency, a production company/crew, or a full-service video production company?) We’re a small agency with full-service video production capabilities. We work with our clients to develop video concepts, scripts and visual directions, and also execute the shoots and post-production processes. We also provide a host of other creative services, including brand identity design, photography, and web design and development. One-stop shop.
Do you primarily focus on live-action video or motion graphics? We’ve worked fairly extensively in both live-action videos and also animation/ motion graphics projects. In the last couple of years, in particular, we’ve focused more on live-action video.
Do you provide animation, motion graphics, or any other specialized services? Yes! We’ve provided dozens of custom, animated “explainer” videos, as well as pieces that employ kinetic text and other motion graphics combined with live video.
How would you describe the style of your videos? Not to give a pat answer here, but the style of our videos really depends on the client and their target audience and communication objectives. While the artistic style may vary, we’re diligent about ensuring our videos are engaging, conversational, clear and succinct.
Is there a specific niche or industry that you specialize in? Not really. We’ve worked with companies ranging from tech startups to professional services providers, and from commercial real estate developers to small nonprofits. Our process of excavating “the story” to be told in clear, simple terms helps us communicate effectively on behalf of pretty much anyone.
How do you differentiate yourself from the competition? We’ve got a track record of making a wide range of clients extremely happy with our work, at very reasonable rates. Because we’re a small, nimble team without a lot of overhead costs, we can execute high-quality work quickly—and pass along the savings (relative to working with larger agencies) to our clients.
What type of clients do you generally work with? We generally work with small to medium-sized businesses and organizations, and with client contacts who are decision-makers (if not the business owners, themselves).
If you could one choose one video to best represent your work, which video would you choose? (Please provide a link). What was your involvement on the project? If I had to pick just one video to represent our work, I’d choose this video for TiER1 Performance Solutions. Even before this video project, we helped the company’s leadership team refine its brand positioning and key messaging. They were so pleased with those results, that they asked us to create a video to help “tell their story.” We wrote this video’s concept, script and visual directions, and then executed the shoot, edits and post-production in-house—all for (literally) half the cost of quotes they received from other video production companies in town.
Do you pursue any “passion projects”? If so, what does this mean to you? We carve out a little time now and then to create videos for a really good cause, for free—or just to have fun doing something ridiculous to recharge the creative batteries. For example, here’s a video (that no one asked for) that we made for our hometown’s bicentennial, highlighting 16 of our favorite places to eat (all in one day).
What is your company’s philosophy or mission when creating video for a client? Pretty simple: we treat every one of our clients’ businesses like it’s our own business. We strive to create the best video we possibly can, at a fair price, and to treat everyone involved with the process the way we’d hope to be treated. And of course, to have fun along the way. --
WEBSITE: Drive Media House RESPONSE BY: Chris Powers, Creative Director; Stephen Sargent, Executive Director
In what year was Drive Media House founded? Drive is a Cincinnati video production company founded in 2009 as Moonbeam Studios; rebranded as Drive Media House in 2014. Moonbeam Studios was a rough draft.
Is your work done in-house, with independent contractors, or both? How many people do you have employed in-house? Both. Most key players are in-house— Producer, Director, Writer, DP, Editor, Gaffer, Audio Engineer. We have a tight network of independent contractors that we bring in for specific project needs. Currently, we have a core team of 10 people in-house.
In your words, what type of company are you? (i.e. do you consider yourself more of an agency, a production company/crew, or a full-service video production company?) Full service, I guess. Lately, I’ve been calling Drive a “Video Strategy Team”. We analyze needs, write content, produce it, and then help measure its success. Our Process Map is a great way to understand what all we cover.
Do you primarily focus on live-action video or motion graphics? Live-action. We are passionate about people—in our eyes, the best way to help an audience connect on an emotional level is by showing real people.
Do you provide animation, motion graphics, or any other specialized services? Yes. We are partnered with an incredible team out of Nashville that fulfills our animation and motion graphics needs.
How would you describe the style of your videos? Our content tends to combine the highly produced style of film and the on-the-fly authenticity of documentary. If it is has a human connection, then we tend to love showing it.
Is there a specific niche or industry that you specialize in? Nope. We work with many different clients and verticals.
How do you differentiate yourself from the competition? We have a great team of talented, loving individuals, and to be frank, we have a lot of fun on set. This shows that we enjoy working together and our final product ends up showing that a bit. We also have a passion for telling authentic, human narratives.
What type of clients do you generally work with? We've done everything from large P&G brands to small, local nonprofits that we believe in.
If you could one choose one video to best represent your work, which video would you choose? (Please provide a link). What was your involvement on the project? High Five Salon speaks to our heart more than any piece we've done. It moves people and shares truth simultaneously, and this is ultimately our goal for everything we produce. We co-wrote, produced, shot, and directed this video.
Do you pursue any “passion projects”? If so, what does this mean to you? For sure. We love to support individuals, organizations, and companies that we believe in, and most of the time if we can share their story we will find a way to make it happen.
What is your company’s philosophy or mission when creating video for a client? We believe that creating desirable content — content that people actually want to watch — is the most important piece of connecting with your audience. --
Drive Media House Demo Reel
What is your name and position at Epipheo? Name is Levi Bethune. I'm the Director of Brand, and no one knows what that means. Basically, I'm undertaking the communication of what Epipheo does, how we do it, and why it's important.
In what year was Epipheo founded? Epipheo was started in 2009 by Jon Collins and three of his friends.
Is your work done in-house, with independent contractors, or both? All of our creative development and storytelling happens in-house. We also have a staff of illustrators, animators, and writers, as well as a full production sound studio and post-production capabilities.
How many people do you have employed in-house? We have a full-time staff of about 50 people, and contracts with 100+ contract and freelance artists and technicians.
In your words, what type of company are you? (i.e. do you consider yourself more of an agency, a production company/crew, or a full-service video production company?) We are a video production company that acts like a messaging agency. So, we're kind of a secret agency. Basically, we put the story first, and make sure we can execute on the production well.
Do you primarily focus on live-action video or motion graphics? Yes. Both. All of it.
Do you provide animation, motion graphics, or any other specialized services? We let video serve the story, so we don't lock ourselves down to one style or medium. Epipheo's roots are in animation, but only because it is a really great way to communicate abstract concepts and ideas.
How would you describe the style of your videos? We make videos that are made for people. The people of the internet. Sometimes that means the videos are funny, sometimes they are serious, but they are always entertaining, valuable, and intelligent.
Is there a specific niche or industry that you specialize in? Because of the kind of visual storytelling we're excellent at lends itself toward abstract concepts, the IT industry gravitates toward us. However, we work with anyone and everyone who has a product, service, or idea that needs to be explained.
How do you differentiate yourself from the competition? For 6+ years we have been focussing on the art of elegance in storytelling, and building deep integration with art and design to communicate well. We also have a process that works well with Fortune 100 companies and start-ups alike, and can work within nearly any timeline.
What type of clients do you generally work with? Our clients range from startups you haven't heard of yet, to big companies we don't have clearance to mention here. We've worked with hundreds of Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 clients on multiple projects spanning several years, as well as quick-turnaround projects for bootstrapped startups.
If you could one choose one video to best represent your work, which video would you choose? (Please provide a link). What was your involvement on the project? The closest thing we can come to as a single video to rule them all is our most recent sizzle reel.
Do you pursue any “passion projects”? If so, what does this mean to you? A large portion of our project pipeline is dedicated to research and development and passion projects. We are eager to partner with companies and organizations that share our values and mission, and we are constantly looking for those epiphanies that can help to change the world.
What is your company’s philosophy or mission when creating video for a client? It's in our name: Epiphany + Video = Epipheo. We exist to create epiphanies that change people's lives. If the information we can share with people can help them understand themselves, their world, and other people better, then we know we're succeeding. --
Faithful Bull Adam Hildebrand, President/Owner
In what year was Faithful Bull founded? 2011
Is your work done in-house, with independent contractors, or both? How many people do you have employed in-house? 95% or more of the work is done in-house. As a job requires it, I may hire an extra hand or two on a shoot; but all post-production is done in-house.
In your words, what type of company are you? (i.e. do you consider yourself more of an agency, a production company/crew, or a full-service video production company?) Somewhere between a production company/crew and a full-service video production company. I serve clients who need everything from scripting and storyboarding to the final project, to clients who just need a video shot and do their own post-production. So I can hop into a project at pretty much any level; I can fully produce a project with the client only checking in occasionally; or I can execute somebody else's vision.
Do you primarily focus on live-action video or motion graphics? I primarily focus on live-action, but I do produce motion graphic videos as well.
Do you provide animation, motion graphics, or any other specialized services? Yes. Motion graphics.
How would you describe the style of your videos? Warm. Human. Real. Clear. Sophisticatedly simple.
Is there a specific niche or industry that you specialize in? I have clients that vary from machine manufacturers to non-profits helping orphans in Haiti. I haven’t settled into a specific or narrow niche, but many of my clients seem to be non-profits and ministries looking for videos that look good and tell their story with good taste and in a clear and dignified way.
How do you differentiate yourself from the competition? Mostly through my taste. Lots of bottom-line business people don’t see the difference or don’t need to see the difference; but for those who care, they see it and it is an added value and makes all the difference to them.
What type of clients do you generally work with? Like I said, I seem to mostly work with non-profits and ministries. My background is starting out working for a large church in California, handling their media, promotional videos for conferences etc. So I understand how to communicate a ministry’s or non-profit’s message with dignity and sensitivity.
If you could one choose one video to best represent your work, which video would you choose? (Please provide a link). What was your involvement on the project?
Vincent Rey for the Aruna Project Harvest Rockford History
I chose two, because I feel that they highlight different aspects of what I do best. I produced these from start to finish; I scripted, storyboarded, shot, and edited the Vincent Rey piece; the Harvest piece was much looser, and it was more about shooting a bunch of information and then crafting the story in the editing room; and I shot and edited the Harvest piece. The Harvest piece really appeals to my love of editing and the documentary form.
Do you pursue any “passion projects”? If so, what does this mean to you? Any passion projects I might have had really took a back seat after having children. I love documentary work, and have had ambitions of producing documentaries. But any development is on hold for now as I have a wife and three small children, from whom I would not take away fleeting time--especially at this stage in life.
What is your company’s philosophy or mission when creating video for a client? My philosophy in creating a video for a client is very much the same as Hemingway’s philosophy in writing a sentence: be purposeful with every shot, every cut; leave out anything that is unnecessary; do it tastefully; do your very best every step of the way. --
Lightborne Scott Durban, President
In what year was Lightborne founded? 1985
Is your work done in-house, with independent contractors, or both? How many people do you have employed in-house? We have 30 employees. We do most of the post production with in-house staff and we hire freelancers to work on production projects.
In your words, what type of company are you? (i.e. do you consider yourself more of an agency, a production company/crew, or a full-service video production company?) Lightborne is a design-driven company specializing in projects that incorporate motion design, live action, animation, and visual effects. Our client base is wide; we work with advertising agencies, broadcast companies, television networks, direct to corporations and international musical artists. The work we generate is equally diverse; we produce television commercials, concert tour visuals, web content, environmental digital signage and long format videos.
Do you primarily focus on live-action video or motion graphics? They are split 40% live-action and 60% motion graphics.
Do you provide animation, motion graphics, or any other specialized services? Yes, we have eight full time designer/animators on staff, with two creative directors leading them.
How would you describe the style of your videos? Very diverse, but always well designed.
Is there a specific niche or industry that you specialize in? We specialize in stage and tour video content. Fifty percent of our business is through advertising agencies and corporate clients and the other fifty percent of our business is live/stage content. This is work that we produce for musical artist like: Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz Bon Jovi, Jay-Z, Kenny Chesney, Andrea Bocelli, Billy Joel and Fleetwood Mac and companies like Jim Beam Brands, Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bulls, Eli Lilly Corp and McLaren Auto.
How do you differentiate yourself from the competition? Our creatives are all equally committed to an ongoing quest for the unique and the exceptional.
What type of clients do you generally work with? Large range of clients come to us for a large variety of work. We produce: national and international television commercials, video content for rock bands, projection mapping, long format live action and animated videos, that we shoot all around the world.
If you could one choose one video to best represent your work, which video would you choose? (Please provide a link). What was your involvement on the project?
2015 Super Bowl Halftime Event. Lightborne Communications collaborated with Touchdown Entertainment, Baz Halpin of Silent House, the NFL and Katy Perry to create 12 minutes of projected and LED content for Katy’s Super Bowl XLIX Half Time Show, watched by over 114 million people, an all time Super Bowl record.
[Client: Touchdown Entertainment Inc. Lightborne Credit: Creative Director: Ben Nicholson, Executive Producer: Scott Durban, Lead Designer: Chris Gliebe, Designers: Ryan McAlister, Kurt Koch, Dan Olszewaki, Animation / Composting: Neil Smith & Dave Irion, 3D Animation: Kevin Gautraud & Evan Shelton, Producer: Dan Bryant, Implementation: J.T. Rooney Performer: Katy Perry Songs: Roar, Dark Horse, Kissed A Girl, California Girls & Firework.]
Do you pursue any “passion projects”? If so, what does this mean to you? We work with many local charitable groups and Arts organizations. CAC, Cincinnati Art Museum, Freedom Center, SPCA, OneSight and CSO
What is your company’s philosophy or mission when creating video for a client? Bring it everyday and Creative is king. --
Rebel Pilgrim Creative Agency Joe Boyd, CEO
In what year was Rebel Pilgrim founded? 2003
Is your work done in-house, with independent contractors, or both? How many people do you have employed in-house? Both. 13 in-house employees.
In your words, what type of company are you? (i.e. do you consider yourself more of an agency, a production company/crew, or a full-service video production company?) We are creative storytellers with full service video, graphic design, branding and live event planning capabilities.
Do you primarily focus on live-action video or motion graphics? Live-action primarily.
Do you provide animation, motion graphics, or any other specialized services? We do 2D animation (explainer videos).
How would you describe the style of your videos? Ranging from cinematic (we've made 7 feature films) to simple web videos for content marketing (we provide 400 videos/year for one client.)
Is there a specific niche or industry that you specialize in? Mass media content, documentaries, web media.
How do you differentiate yourself from the competition? Our background in feature film.
What type of clients do you generally work with? From Fortune 100 to start-ups, but we tend to work best with companies seeking a true creative partner.
If you could one choose one video to best represent your work, which video would you choose? (Please provide a link). What was your involvement on the project? The Legend of UC’s Mick & Mack
Do you pursue any “passion projects”? If so, what does this mean to you? We do a narrative feature film every 18 months or so.
What is your company’s philosophy or mission when creating video for a client? We want to work with you to tell a story that creates emotion and sparks people to action. --
Spotted Yeti Molly Berrens, Owner & Video Producer
In what year was Spotted Yeti founded? 2012
Is your work done in-house, with independent contractors, or both? How many people do you have employed in-house? We have three full-time team members and the majority of our work is completed in-house. For larger productions, we collaborate with local contractors to provide a stronger team with talents specific to executing the demands of the production.
In your words, what type of company are you? (i.e. do you consider yourself more of an agency, a production company/crew, or a full-service video production company?) Spotted Yeti Media is a full-service video production company that provides script-to-screen services to market your story.
Do you primarily focus on live-action video or motion graphics? We offer both live-action video and motion graphic productions and also help you evaluate which creative style would be a best fit for your objective.
How would you describe the style of your videos? At Spotted Yeti, we prefer to not overproduce our videos. They are organic and authentic. The focus should always lie on the story and the objective and not be muddied by technical enhancements.
Is there a specific niche or industry that you specialize in? We are not limited to any industry, however, the startup industry and non-profits are often our favorite stories to share. We get to work directly with people who are very passionate about growing new business products and services or promoting social justice issues. They projects also reflect our company motto to "Show The World You Exist."
How do you differentiate yourself from the competition? In addition to our video production experience, we also have a background in live events. This has proven valuable when scripting and creating video for live events to look beyond the elements contained within the videos but also the surrounding factors and the life of the video beyond the event.
If you could one choose one video to best represent your work, which video would you choose? (Please provide a link). What was your involvement on the project? We have developed a great relationship with the seed-stage investor, CincyTech, and several of their portfolio companies. Our first annual event video that we produced for them came with a tall order of featuring more companies than they've ever done in the past, spread across multiple industries, and also showcased Cincinnati as an entrepreneurial region. We pitched several creative concepts before deciding on a virtual tour video of their top portfolio companies and integrating their performance headlines into their natural environment. Watch the final product here.
Do you pursue any “passion projects”? If so, what does this mean to you? Each of us in the company have the opportunity to bring one passion project to the table each year for us all to support. In the past this has included Village Life Outreach Project and Special Olympics of Hamilton County. It's important as a business owner that my employee’s ideas feel valued and that we don't lose sight of why we chose to be in the video field.
What is your company’s philosophy or mission when creating video for a client? First, we focus first on the story and the messaging before debating the visuals to make sure there is a clear understanding agreed upon with the client. Secondly, we aim to tell that story in the most fitting way that lives up to our motto "Show The World You Exist."