Cinematic Video Production + Commercial Photography
Synima is a global video production agency with offices in New York, London, Los Angeles and Amsterdam, known for working with enterprise brands, Fortune 500 companies and large corporate clients. Their services include commercial video production, animation, e-learning content and global campaign execution supported by an international creative network.
While Synima offers global-scale production and enterprise-level services, many brands today are looking for a more flexible, collaborative and creatively focused production partner in New York City — one that delivers cinematic visuals, commercial photography and marketing-driven content with faster turnaround and more personalized creative direction.
Bernardson is a New York City commercial photography and video production studio specializing in cinematic brand storytelling, advertising visuals and modern marketing content. We provide concept development, production and post-production tailored for brands that need premium visual content designed to drive engagement, growth and measurable results.
If you’re looking for a Synima alternative in NYC that offers hands-on creative partnership, high-end production and marketing-focused content creation, Bernardson provides a more agile and scalable production solution.
What Makes Bernardson Different
Video + Photography Integration
We combine cinema-grade video production with professional photography. Get brand films, product demos, training videos, social media content, corporate headshots, and event coverage from one team with seamless visual consistency across all deliverables.
Multi-Platform Content Strategy
We create platform-native content from day one. Every production includes vertical video for Instagram/TikTok, square for feeds, widescreen for YouTube, and optimized photography for each channel. Engagement rates typically increase 40-60% compared to repurposed content.
Trilingual Production Capabilities
Native production in English, French, and Spanish with offices across Montreal, Toronto, and Puerto Rico. Culturally authentic content with native-speaking crews and talent, not translations. Perfect for reaching Quebec, Canadian, and international markets.
Strategic ROI Approach
We start with business objectives, not cameras. Our process includes audience analysis, platform strategy, and performance tracking. Content becomes a measurable growth driver with clear ROI reporting and ongoing optimization.
Comprehensive Training & Educational Content
Beyond marketing content, we specialize in employee onboarding, e-learning modules, compliance training, and LMS-compatible educational videos. Professional instructional design that traditional photography studios don’t offer.
Partnership Model with Ongoing Support
We partner throughout the entire content lifecycle from strategy through distribution and performance optimization. You gain a visual content partner invested in long-term success with sustainable programs that evolve with your business.
Comprehensive Services Comparison
Both Synima and Bernardson deliver exceptional quality, but with different scopes. Here’s how our services compare:
Service Category
Synima
Bernardson
Commercial Video Production
Global corporate and commercial video campaigns
Cinematic brand videos, commercials and marketing content
Corporate Video
Enterprise corporate communications and internal content
Corporate storytelling and promotional brand videos
Animation & Motion Graphics
2D, 3D and mixed-media animation
Motion graphics and branded video storytelling
Photography Services
Video-focused production
Commercial, product and campaign photography
Live Streaming
Multi-camera livestream production
Branded video content and event storytelling
Social Media Content
Campaign-based content
Platform-optimized video (Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts) + photography + content strategy + performance tracking (Vertical Video Ready)
Documentary & Storytelling
Photojournalism background, editorial reports, narrative photography
Long-form documentaries + mini-docs + behind-the-scenes features + photo essays (Cinema-Grade Video)
When to Choose Bernardson
Bernardson is the ideal choice when your visual content needs extend beyond photography alone:
USE CASE #1
You Need Both Photo and Video
Example: You’re launching a product line and need professional photography for e-commerce plus demo videos for social media and YouTube.
Bernardson Approach
We shoot both simultaneously with coordinated lighting and styling. One production day delivers complete assets optimized for all platforms.
USE CASE #2
You're Building a Content Program
Example: You need regular content including monthly social videos, quarterly updates, annual conference coverage, and ongoing team headshots.
Bernardson Approach
We establish a partnership with predictable workflows and content calendars. Our team understands your brand deeply and delivers consistently.
USE CASE #3
You Need Multilingual Content
Example: You’re expanding to French-speaking Quebec markets or Spanish-speaking international markets and need authentic multilingual content.
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Bernardson Approach
Native production in English, French, and Spanish with culturally appropriate messaging and talent. Authentic content for each market, not translations.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
Criteria
Synima
Bernardson
Primary Focus
Global enterprise video production agency
Full-service video production + photography
Ideal For
Large global brands and enterprise clients
Businesses needing comprehensive visual content programs across video and photo
Services Offered
Global video production and animation
Video production + photography + animation + strategic planning
Approach
Large agency model
Strategic partner focused on ROI and business goals
Multi-Platform Capabilities
General video and photography suitable for events, social media and documentation
Platform-native video and photo (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn optimization)
Typical Turnaround
Depends on project scope, equipment and hours booked
Video: 5-10 days; Photography: 3-5 days; Rush available
Analytics & Reporting
Professional photography delivery (reporting not applicable)
Built-in performance tracking, ROI measurement, optimization recommendations
Post-Delivery Support
Image retouching and client galleries
Ongoing optimization, distribution strategy, content repurposing, archive management
Best For
Enterprise-level global production
Brand marketing, product launches, training programs, multi-platform content, ongoing partnerships
Why New York Businesses Trust Bernardson
Strategic First
Business objectives drive creative decisions. We align content with your goals and KPIs for measurable results.
Data-Driven Creative
Analytics inform every decision. We track performance and optimize with clear ROI reporting.
Multi-Platform Mastery
Platform-native content for every channel. Vertical for Instagram, square for feeds, widescreen for YouTube.
True Partnership
End-to-end support from strategy through distribution. Ongoing relationships focused on long-term success.
Agile Production
Fast turnarounds without sacrificing quality. Flexible approach responding quickly to trends and business needs.
Proven Track Record
11 years serving startups to Fortune 500. Viral success (25M views), TV production, diverse portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is BERNARDSON different from Synima?
Synima operates as a global enterprise production agency, often working with large multinational corporations that require international production capabilities, multi-market coordination, and enterprise-level content strategy. Their structure is designed to support global campaigns, large internal communications programs, and corporate productions across multiple regions. This makes Synima well-suited for companies that need large-scale, internationally coordinated production services.
BERNARDSON is a boutique NYC production studio focused on cinematic brand content, commercial visuals, and marketing-driven production. Rather than operating at a global enterprise scale, BERNARDSON provides a more personalized, creative, and hands-on production experience tailored to growing brands, agencies, and companies that want premium visual storytelling. The boutique model allows for close collaboration, strong creative direction, and highly customized campaigns that reflect each brand’s identity and goals.
Can BERNARDSON handle full campaigns?
Yes. BERNARDSON manages complete campaigns from initial concept development to final delivery. This includes creative direction, pre-production planning, filming, photography, editing, and formatting content for multiple platforms. Handling the entire process ensures visual consistency and alignment with brand messaging.
Full campaign management is ideal for product launches, rebranding initiatives, seasonal promotions, and integrated marketing campaigns. By overseeing both photography and video production, BERNARDSON delivers cohesive campaigns that maintain strong brand identity and visual impact across all channels.
What makes Bernardson's multi-platform approach different?
Traditional studios shoot content in one format and expect you to adapt it for different platforms. This leads to cropped Instagram posts, awkward TikTok videos, and underperforming content.
We plan multi-platform optimization from the start. We shoot vertical (9:16 for Instagram Stories/TikTok), square (1:1 for Instagram feed), and widescreen (16:9 for YouTube/LinkedIn) simultaneously during production. Each platform gets content designed specifically for its format and audience behavior, typically increasing engagement rates 40-60% compared to repurposed content.
READY TO CREATE VISUAL CONTENT THAT PERFORMS?
Let’s build photography and video content designed for real business outcomes: brand growth, engagement, and measurable ROI across every platform.
