Genuine chemistry between two romantic leads can make or break a film. Indeed, it’s the difference between not being able to take your eyes off the screen, and nodding off by halftime. It’s not enough for a couple to just look good together; how much we believe in them is dependant on how their charisma is distilled on screen and therein lies the magic of cinema. That intangible yet potent spark is the high stakes the audience needs to become invested in two fictional characters for roughly two hours, a time in which we trade in our own reality for whatever is unfolding onscreen. 

It’s a form of escapism that requires a little willingness to believe that these people really do exist, even if those people are a Dolly Parton impersonator who falls for a Kenny Rogers tribute performer, as is the case in new musical comedy Seriously Red. 
Whilst Dolly and Kenny mightn’t have been actual an item, this fictional relationship between two tribute acts is an original take on the dynamic between love interests. Far from the typical romantic tropes we see on screen, it’s a relationship dependant on each individual masquerading as somebody else. 

Krew Boylan, who wrote the screenplay, stars as the titular Red, a property valuer turned Dolly Parton impersonator who becomes entangled with Kenny, a tribute performer deeply embedded in his own on-stage persona, played by Daniel Webber. 

Boylan, a seasoned theatre performer with a string of on-screen credits to her name, spent ten years developing the script. Even with friend Rose Byrne on board as an Executive Producer, as well as playing a cameo role as an Elvis impersonator, and the blessing of Dolly Parton to use her back catalogue, it was no mean feat getting the indie film funded. Despite the setbacks, she persevered and has succeeded in creating a buoyant and deeply camp piece of Australiana cinema that just happens to be rooted in the work of an American country music musician. 

For Webber, the making of the film marked a return to home turf after spending much of the past decade overseas, acting in productions including J.J. Abram’s 11.22.63, and Marvel series The Punisher. Coming on board the making of Seriously Red when production was in full swing meant he had roughly three weeks to study the music and physicality of Kenny Rogers. This being the world of copies, as an actor Webber was not just taking the persona of Kenny Rogers but also intercepting how his character, Kenny, would mimic the performer. It’s a fairly meta approach to a role but one that Webber, and the rest of the cast of impersonators, performed with nuance. 

Whilst the union of Kenny and Dolly is a questionable one for Red, in the real world the meeting of these two actors is something truly something worth watching. 

Daniel Webber 
What was your experience working on this film? 
There was so much heart in it. It was so gratifying working with people like Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne and Krew, all these actors who, to me, seem more experienced. They are thespians. They have acting in their bones and that sort of experience is always really enriching. I just spent the whole time watching and soaking up as much of their work as I could. Krew has to be one of the most fiery, intelligent and passionate actors. She was always challenging me on set. I think because she comes from such a strong theatre background she had such a unique approach to the story. 

You previously competed as a professional trampolinist. Do you find any parallels between the training and commitment demonstrated by professional athletes, and that of professional actors? 
I competed around the world and there are a lot of hard knocks within every athlete’s journey. There are definitely parallels with actors and that particular career path. You have to keep yourself engaged, motivated and inspired, and want to go out there and push your boundaries. For me as an actor, I just want to keep climbing inside challenging and complex characters, working with great directors who open you up and get you to try new things, even if they might not necessarily work. I’ve always been drawn to physicality in performers, and actors who can physically entertain. So much of how we communicate is non-verbal so I think physicality is a huge part of great acting. Playing Kenny Rogers was physical – Kenny himself wasn’t hugely expressive on stage but he has this incredibly grounded masculinity about him. My energy is very different to his. 

Are there any directors on your bucket list who you would like to work with? 
I would be very satisfied shooting something with Michael Mann or Scorcese. I just think they are absolute masters of their craft. They just hold the space for an actor to be able to create an incredible character. They don’t have bad characters or roles that are underdeveloped. They are always three dimensional, fascinating roles that are given rein to be explored. 

How do you deal with transience of the industry? 
I am quite restless. I find ways of being creatively fulfilled in some fashion. For example, this year I am between seasons of Billy the Kid, and I was aware I would have six to twelve months where I wouldn’t be working on at least that show. My background is gymnastics and prior to acting I started out in stunts; my first job was on Mad Max doing stunt work. This year I got graded as a Stunt Actor Provisional (SAP) so now I can spend my time working on set being physical and creative. What I love about it is that it’s a departure away from acting and it’s a way to decompress from different jobs. You are engaged within the industry but just in a different fashion.

Acting can be very esoteric and very nebulous and up in the air in some ways. The work is ultimately out of your control. We come in and work, but then there are editors, cinematography, lighting, there are so many other elements that will dictate how the story will be told. You really do have very limited control on what you’re doing. All you can do is show up and do your best. It can be tricky from that point of view. It’s nice to have other passions and find ways to keep yourself inspired.