Behind the Scenes of Criminal Minds: Evolution: Kirsten Vangsness on Directing Tone and Intensity

Take a closer look at Behind the Scenes of Criminal Minds: Evolution: Kirsten Vangsness on Directing Tone and Intensity in this comprehensive feature.

Q1: Did Kirsten Vangsness write the episodes she directed on Criminal Minds: Evolution?

A1: While Vangsness has a rich history of co-writing pivotal episodes throughout the franchise alongside showrunner Erica Messer, her primary role for these specific high-intensity episodes centered on directing, staging the blocking, and shaping performances behind the camera.

Q2: How does directing for Paramount+ differ from traditional broadcast Criminal Minds on CBS?

A2: The streaming format removes the rigid act breaks dictated by broadcast commercial interruptions, allowing scenes to unfold organically with variable runtimes. Directors can also use mature language, realistic violence, and darker cinematic lighting setups that were restricted under network broadcast standards.

Q3: How did Vangsness handle directing scenes in which Penelope Garcia appears?

A3: Vangsness utilized seasoned stand-ins and worked closely with her cinematographer and first assistant director to plan camera blocking in advance. When acting, she reviewed takes via playback monitors, trusting the established shorthand of her longtime co-stars to maintain consistent pacing.