Kristine Kavanaugh

When I met with Krissy to plan her headshots, we focused on her career goals. Where most actors answer the question, "What kind of roles do you want to play?" with the answer, "I just want to work;" Krissy was laser precise. She's developing her improvisation skills with an eye toward a starring role in a sitcom. To that end, she's written a one-woman show, Am I Crazy, or Just Highly Evolved.

This is the focus that improves Krissy's chances for success.

As we went further into the discussion, we talked about what the sitcom might look like. She sees herself in a blue-collar, working-class story not unlike Roseanne. However, it's also clear that she's much lighter in spirit and while talking to her I was continually reminded of Goldie Hawn. Though there is absolutely no resemblance between the two actors, Krissy was struck by that comparison. With a sitcom in view and informed by Goldie Hawn as a model, Krissy and I discussed how we might visually convey that. We talked about props and poses. Everything that would say, "blue-collar Goldie Hawn." The image above is the result.

Actors are often told that casting directors just want to see them. Nothing could be further from the truth. Casting directors want to see the characters they are casting. The chances are much greater that a casting director is looking for a "blue-collar Goldie Hawn," than they are a "Kristine Kavanaugh." They want to believe that the picture they hold in their hands is of an actor who possesses that indefinable quality that will make the role their casting memorable. By being specific in what Krissy is saying, this picture catches the viewer's attention. On her way to that sitcom, this picture will also get Krissy considered for a lot of other work. Check out some of the other shots from the shoot at ArchetypeImages.com.