Analysis
NAICS 5121 is the 2022 industry group for motion picture and video industries, part of 512 (Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries). Census lists 81 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 25,641 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 307,031 people at an average annual payroll of $61,214 per employee (35th percentile of national industries). 74% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
By establishments it ranks 1st of the 2 codes at this level within Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries, with 84.8% of them.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 11% and employment fell 2%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
Across its national industries Census lists 81 index entries; typical ones are animated cartoon production, animated cartoon distribution, cinemas and drive-in motion picture theaters.
It splits into 4 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 51211 (Motion Picture and Video Production) with 17,366.
Official definition
This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in the production and/or distribution of motion pictures, videos, television programs, or commercials; in the exhibition of motion pictures; or in the provision of postproduction and related services.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Index entries (81)
- Animated cartoon production
- Animated cartoon distribution
- Cinemas
- Drive-in motion picture theaters
- Closed captioning services, taped material
- Booking agencies, motion picture