Krew Boylan – Seriously Red

By starrymag | February 23, 2023

By: Nmesoma Okechukwu

 

 

Q) You wrote, starred in and produced the film Seriously Red. Wow! I’m curious, what made you write a movie about a Dolly Parton impersonator?

 

A) I started writing to figure out why I wanted “success.” What is “success,” what does it look and feel like?! I very quickly realised that “success,” to me, looks like Dolly Parton. She can do it all and with grace, generosity and a wicked sense of humor. She is giving but also holds her personal cards tight to her chest. She is the only person we can all agree on. I think she’s a global treasure.

 

Q) Did you see yourself playing the character of a Dolly Parton impersonator when you were working on the script? Why or why not?

 

A) I did. I always intended to play Red and Dolly.

 

Q) Impersonating Dolly Parton couldn’t have been an easy task. How did you go about getting yourself ready to make it happen?

 

A) Dolly is not easy; however, I love the craft of acting and diving deep into story and character. I completely loved playing Red impersonating Dolly. I highly recommend it.

 

Q) You worked with Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne and some other great cast members. How involved were you in the casting process?

 

A) I was pretty involved. Rose is my best friend and has been on board since the beginning. And we knew she was going have a small part, but we weren’t sure what until I woke up one morning with the idea that she should play Elvis. The role of Wilson originally was a different muso and it was Bobby’s idea to switch that character to Neil Diamond, so I re-wrote it for him. I still feel so honoured that they are both in the film.

 

Q) Was there much room to improv while shooting or was it mostly as scripted in the end?

 

A) It was mostly scripted; however, some bits of improv made it into the final cut. Gracie [Otto] creates a fun and relaxed environment, so everyone feels comfortable to improvise once we’ve got the script shot.

 

Q) What was your favorite moment from filming the movie or maybe one that surprised you the most when you saw it being filmed?

 

A) There is a scene where Red is in this round bath, which was much more beautiful than I had ever imagined. It’s a “sad clown” type of moment that was a much longer scene, but we cut it down in the edit; however, that scene always reminds me of the beauty in ugly hard moments.

 

Q) The movie centers around the beautiful message that it is never too late to find yourself or your calling and it is deeply inspirational. What do you hope viewers take away from watching Seriously Red?

 

A) I don’t really want to dictate anything…I’m honestly grateful to anyone who watches it. Who welcomes it into their ears and eyeballs…and maybe knock on their heart.

I know it has remined me to check in on my own ruff, wonderful, and complex identity. To take care of it and allow it to shift and change and shine sometimes.

 

Q) I can’t end this without asking how long you’ve been a Dolly Parton fan and if you think she’s heard about Seriously Red?

 

A) I’ve loved Dolly since my Mum showed me the movie Steel Magnolias. Dolly loves the movie. She told me as she wiped away my tears of joy.

 

Q) What are the other projects that you have been busy working on?

 

A) I’m currently developing a TV show. Stay tuned!

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of you and your work?

 

A) Hello, let me introduce myself. My name is Krew Boylan. I’m an actress, writer and someone who is juggling a creative career to show her six-year-old and twin three year olds how to go after your dreams. “You’ve got to work a dream, gotta put feet and wings on them.” – Dolly Parton