512110 - Motion Picture and Video Production

The entertainment industry is a vibrant and dynamic sector contributing significantly to the economy and culture. For businesses operating in this realm, knowing how to classify their activities is essential—especially when it comes to government contracts, financing, and market analysis. Enter NAICS code 512110, the classification for Motion Picture and Video Production. This code is key to identifying companies engaged in producing motion pictures, videos, television programs, commercials, and related content.

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What Is NAICS Code 512110?

NAICS 512110, titled Motion Picture and Video Production, covers establishments primarily engaged in:

• Producing or producing and distributing motion pictures, videos, television programs, or commercials.
• Activities including scriptwriting, casting, filming, editing, and post-production services.

This code falls under the broader Information sector, encompassing numerous creative and technical business operations involved in the entertainment and media production workflow.

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Sector and Typical Business Activities

Sector: Information

Companies classified under NAICS 512110 typically focus on various aspects of content creation, production, and sometimes distribution. This includes:

• Scriptwriting and development of production narratives.
• Casting actors and crew coordination.
• Filming on location or in studios.
• Editing raw footage and incorporating visual effects.
• Post-production services such as sound editing, color correction, and final compositing.
• Distribution of produced content to television networks, theaters, or digital platforms.

These businesses play a pivotal role in the creation of motion pictures, television commercials, instructional videos, music videos, and TV shows.

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Size Standard for NAICS 512110

When applying for contracts or grants, it is important to know the size standard for this industry:

NAICS Code	Title	Size Standard
512110	Motion Picture and Video Production	$40 million (annual revenue)

This means businesses with average annual revenues of $40 million or less are considered small for this industry, which can impact eligibility for federal small business programs.

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Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 512110

• Film Production Companies: Focus on producing feature films, documentaries, and short films.
• Video Production Studios: Specialize in corporate videos, commercials, training videos, and digital content.
• Television Program Production Companies: Develop and produce TV shows across genres such as news, entertainment, and educational programming.

These business types exemplify the diversity within the motion picture and video production industry.

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Detailed Code Activities Covered by NAICS 512110

Code Details
Animated cartoon production
Animated cartoon production and distribution
Commercials, television, production
Film studios producing films
Films, motion picture production
Films, motion picture production and distribution
Instructional video production
Motion picture and video production
Motion picture and video production and distribution
Motion picture production
Motion picture production and distribution
Motion picture production payroll agents
Motion picture studios, producing motion pictures
Movie production and distribution
Music video production
Music video production and distribution
Program producing, television
Television commercial production
Television show production
Video production
Video production and distribution

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of projects fall under NAICS code 512110?

Projects include producing feature films, commercials, TV shows, instructional videos, music videos, and animated cartoons.

Is distribution always included in this NAICS code?

Yes, many companies under 512110 handle both production and distribution, though some specialize in one aspect.

How does the size standard affect eligibility for this code?

Businesses with $40 million or less in average annual revenue qualify as small businesses in this category, impacting eligibility for certain government programs.

Does this NAICS code include post-production services?

Yes, post-production services such as editing, sound design, and visual effects are part of this industry classification.

Can a company be classified under 512110 if it only produces television commercials?

Yes, television commercial production is explicitly covered under this code.

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Conclusion

NAICS code 512110 - Motion Picture and Video Production is a vital classification for companies operating in the thriving media and entertainment industry. From scriptwriting to final editing, and from animated cartoons to music videos, this code encompasses a diverse range of creative and technical production services. Understanding the details, size standards, and business examples under this NAICS code can help industry professionals accurately position their companies for government contracting, funding opportunities, and market research.

Whether you’re a burgeoning video production studio or a large film production company aiming to navigate federal opportunities, NAICS 512110 is a key identifier in the Information sector marketplace.

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Optimize your business approach by aligning with the appropriate NAICS classification, and unlock potential growth in the motion picture and video production industry.