Meet Vaughan Crittenden, owner and the talent behind Riverdale 24 Productions.

I have a passion for film and storytelling that began when I was young. When most “watched” a movie…I found myself the entire time trying to figure out how they “made” the movie. I picked up a video camera early in high school and there was no turning back. From filming during the middle of a hurricane (much to my parents dismay…I was only 16 at the time), to freelancing during my college years as the Communications Director for Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia, I began my business long before it had officially launched.

In 2015, I graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelors Degree in Media Arts & Design with a concentration in Digital Video and Cinema and a minor in Sports Communication. During my college career at JMU, I worked for the Athletic Department shooting and developing sports video content. From hype videos on the jumbo-tron to public relations pieces for the teams, I had a blast! After graduation, well….I wasn’t ready to leave it all behind – who is after college? I decided to stay briefly in Harrisonburg to hone new skills in a different filming arena and became a photojournalist for Station WHSV. My freelance work continued to grow, taking over my photojournalist job and I made the leap and officially launched Riverdale 24 Productions in July, 2016.

Working with JMU Sports in 2014

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Filming during the 2016 RE Strong Run 10k

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The philosophy behind my approach

The most important thing I have learned over my years in freelance is how to approach the process with my clients. I believe in the collaborative approach. I want to get to know you. I want to understand your needs. Together, we can identify your goals and reach them. I believe one of my talents is having that unique ability to understand my client’s vision and bring that vision to life in video. I use the most advanced and innovative equipment in the industry in cameras and lighting and operate the Phantom 4 drone for that cinematic quality that some jobs require.

Where did the name Riverdale 24 Productions originate?

I grew up on Riverdale Farm in Deltaville, Virginia and that’s where I learned the value of hard work, long hours and the dedication to an end product. I have worked my entire life on my dad’s 150 acre produce farm (he’s the cantaloupe king!) from the time I was a child all through my college years. Not easy work. Hats off to all the farmers out there… there may be no harder job. On the plus side, I can pick out the best cantaloupe at the grocery store...hands down.

As a young boy of 12 years old and an avid NASCAR fan (I am from rural Virginia), I took up the sport of kart racing and number 24 was my racing number and still is today. In racing, I learned that teamwork, preparation, patience and practice all led to success on the track. I aptly named my company, Riverdale 24 Productions to remind me of what it takes to succeed not only in business but in life.