Fame Crew · Minneapolis
The 15 Best Videographers in Minneapolis (2026)
Minneapolis has a well-established commercial video production scene, shaped by a dense cluster of Fortune 500 headquarters - Target, UnitedHealth Group, and General Mills among them - that generate steady demand for corporate and brand content. The city's distinct seasons mean crews work across wildly different conditions, from frozen lakes in January to golden-hour shoots along the Mississippi in late summer. The local film community is tight-knit, with a strong base of experienced freelancers who cross between agency work, documentary, and event production.
- 15
- vetted locally
- Fame
- vetted crew
- 10
- with showreels
Watch: work from a Minneapolis videographer
Showreel from Odil E., videographer on Fame's Minneapolis roster. More showreels in the list below.
What makes a good videographer in Minneapolis?
A good Minneapolis videographer knows how to shoot in cold weather without battery failures, lens fog, or audio issues from wind off the river - winter production here is a real technical skill, not an afterthought. Locally, there's strong demand for clean corporate work that suits the Fortune 500 client base, alongside documentary-style storytelling rooted in the city's arts and music culture. Fame vets for both the technical range and the professional reliability that Minneapolis shoots require.
Types of video shoots in Minneapolis
Corporate and internal communications video dominates, driven by the major HQs in downtown Minneapolis and the suburban campuses in Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and Minnetonka. The events circuit is busy year-round, with the Minneapolis Convention Center hosting large conferences and trade shows that need multi-camera coverage. Product and commercial shoots happen frequently for retail and food brands - General Mills, Land O'Lakes, and Cargill all have local presences. The arts sector adds music videos, performance documentation, and short-form documentary work, particularly tied to venues like First Avenue and the Guthrie Theater.
Filming locations & logistics in Minneapolis
The Stone Arch Bridge and the Mill District are popular for outdoor brand and lifestyle shoots, offering the Mississippi riverfront and the downtown skyline in a single frame. Permits for filming on Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board land - including the Chain of Lakes - require advance applications and vary by crew size and equipment. Parking for gear-heavy crews is easiest with a production vehicle permit in downtown; metered loading zones run out fast near the IDS Center and Nicollet Mall. In winter, factor in significant setup time when moving equipment between temperature extremes - condensation on glass is a genuine production concern.
What a videographer costs in Minneapolis
A half-day shoot with a solo videographer in Minneapolis typically runs $800-$1,500, while a full day with a small crew, lighting kit, and a camera operator plus director can reach $4,000-$7,000 before editing. Post-production adds cost depending on deliverables - a finished two-minute corporate piece with motion graphics can add another $1,500-$3,000 on top of the shoot day. Rates trend slightly below those in Chicago or New York, but experienced crew with Fortune 500 credits command a premium. Fame provides a fixed, all-in quote upfront so you know exactly what you're paying before anyone shows up on set.
The best videographers in Minneapolis, ranked
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Jimmy Gildea
CinematographerPhotographyKit: Sony FX9 · Sony A7Siii · Sony A7RV
View portfolio & profile → - 13
Cy Dodson
Camera OperatorCorporateEventKit: Sony PMW F3 · Sony EX 3 · Libec Jib
View portfolio & profile → - 14
Dan Rippl
CinematographerPhotographyKit: DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine Drone · Aputure 300
View portfolio & profile → - 15
Derrick Butler
CinematographerPhotographyKit: Sony Fx9 · audio package · HDX900
View portfolio & profile →
How booking a videographer in Minneapolis works
- 1Tell us about your shootShare the brief, date and location - takes two minutes.
- 2We match & quoteWe pair you with the right Minneapolis crew and send a fixed quote.
- 3We deliver the videoFame produces and delivers the finished, edited video.
Need a videographer in Minneapolis?
Fame Crew matches you with the right local videographer, handles the booking, and produces the finished video - all in. Tell us about your shoot and we'll send a quote.
See Fame Crew in MinneapolisVideographers in Minneapolis: common questions
How much does a videographer in Minneapolis cost?
It depends on the shoot - length, crew size, kit and edit. Fame Crew sends a fixed, all-in quote for your Minneapolis shoot so there are no surprises. Tell us the brief and we'll price it.
How do I hire a videographer in Minneapolis?
Share your brief with Fame Crew. We match you with the right vetted local videographer from the 15 above, handle the booking and contracts, and deliver the finished edit.
Are these Minneapolis videographers vetted?
Yes. Every crew member here has been vetted by Fame for kit, reliability and quality of work, and is ranked by real shoots delivered - not by who paid to appear.
Do Minneapolis videographers charge extra for winter shoots?
Some do, particularly when shoots involve outdoor work in sub-zero temperatures, which demands additional equipment care, heated vehicles, and longer setup times. It's worth confirming upfront whether cold-weather conditions affect the rate or schedule. Fame factors this into your quote from the start so there are no surprises on the day.
Can I film at the Chain of Lakes or other Minneapolis parks without a permit?
Commercial filming at Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board locations - including Lake Calhoun (Bde Maka Ska), Lake Harriet, and the Chain of Lakes trail system - requires a filming permit, and fees vary based on crew size and duration. Applications should go in at least two weeks before your shoot date. Fame's team can advise on the permit process and factor location logistics into your production plan.
Are there professional studio spaces available in Minneapolis for controlled shoots?
Yes - Minneapolis has a solid range of production studios, with options in the North Loop, Northeast, and near the Seward neighborhood offering cycloramas, lighting grids, and green screen facilities. Studios like Aria and various Northeast warehouse conversions are also available for larger setups. Fame can match you with a videographer who has existing relationships with local studios to streamline the booking.