Analysis
NAICS 512110 is the 2022 national industry for motion picture and video production, part of 51211 (Motion Picture and Video Production). Census lists 21 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 17,366 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 158,632 people at an average annual payroll of $86,308 per employee (74th percentile of national industries). 85% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 14% and employment rose 20%. 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.
Census lists 6 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 711510, 512191, 54192 and 512199. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include animated cartoon production, animated cartoon production and distribution, commercials, television, production and film studios producing films, among 21 in all.
For example, producing motion pictures and videos on contract as independent producers are classified in 711510 (Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in producing, or producing and distributing motion pictures, videos, television programs, or television commercials.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Producing motion pictures and videos on contract as independent producers | 711510 Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers |
| Providing teleproduction and other postproduction services | 512191 Teleproduction and Other Postproduction Services |
| Providing video recording of weddings, special events, and/or business inventories | 54192 Photographic Services |
| Providing motion picture laboratory services | 512199 Other Motion Picture and Video Industries |
| Providing mass duplication and packaging of video discs, tapes, and film | 334610 Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media |
| Acquiring distribution rights and distributing motion pictures and videos | 512120 Motion Picture and Video Distribution |
Index entries (21)
- 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