Audible, the world’s leading provider of spoken word entertainment, have announced the launch of a new Audible Original, Killer By Nature. Written exclusively for audio by screenwriter and Academy Nicholl Fellowship quarterfinalist, Jan Smith. This chilling new thriller explores the role of nature and nurture in an unspeakable tragedy. We caught up with Robert James Collier to talk about his character in the project.
Robert James Collier
Please tell us a bit about your character Dinklage in the new audible production of Killer by Nature.
Dinklage is a convicted serial killer. He is very intelligent and likes to play a game of cat and mouse with Dr Buckley. It's his way of alleviating the boredom in prison. He can be nice one minute and extremely violent the next - every question he asks has a purpose to it and every answer he gives can potentially be a lie. You have to exist in his world to be able to sift out the truth.
What did you find most appealing about voicing this character?
I'd never done an audio drama before, not even a radio play, so the aspect of acting in a different medium was appealing. Also Dinklage, like all serial killer's you would imagine, is an ultra complex multi-layered personality who displays so many striking character traits and flaws. Charming one minute, threatening the next, he keeps you on your toes and does not suffer fools or lack of intellect. If someones not close to his level he is not interested and will close off.
What attracted you to the project?
It's a strong cast, the chance to play something different was very stimulating and it had overtones of the Silence of The Lambs - a classic of the genre.
Please tell us about a typical day while recording your part.
Arriving for a free breakfast is always nice - gluten free porridge has been proven in scientific studies to enhance acting ability, which is why I assume it was there. Science doesn't lie, although admittedly it can get things wrong from time to time. Then a quick meet and greet with the director and fellow cast members and straight into the booth. Funnily enough all my scenes were with Katherine Kelly who plays Dr Buckley but unfortunately we had to record them separately which was hard, but like the trooper I am I ploughed onwards.
Killer By Nature asks whether killers are born or made- so what is your take on this?
It's a top out but I think it is a bit of both. We are influenced by our peers and parents growing up; and the emotions we are subjected to can help to form and shape our personality for good or bad. Many serial killers have over bearing relationships with their mothers which would appear to back this up. Then there is the curve ball where a person has been brought up well, experienced good opportunities and gone the right schools but despite this for whatever reason something inherent in their DNA makes them do hideous things. It's a fascinating area.
What did you enjoy most about the process?
The aforementioned free breakfast. As well as meeting new and creative people from different walks of life. Then we're all chucked in a booth and start shouting at each (acting) other despite the fact we are total strangers. It's a strange job we do.
Had you read the book before taking on the project?
I must admit I had not but I will endeavour to do so at some point in my life.
The production contains a wealth of special effects and sound design, so did you get to experience any of these between recordings?
Unfortunately no. But to hear the finished piece, edited with all the effects and music in place is a great thrill. The atmosphere that these effects bring is chilling to the bone - like a post winter utility bill.
The audiobook came out just before Christmas so why do you think we all need a good thriller at this time of year?
It's in our DNA as a country. We have always had superstitious beliefs - right back to pagan times. These superstitions and fears were then brought out by our wealth of great writers like Dickens and M R James. Ghost stories and Christmas are synonymous - something to do with the elemental feeling that the dark winter nights bring.
What is next for you?
I'm currently writing House of Juan - a comedy drama about craft beer and mid-life crisis. So if anyone at Female First knows someone in commissioning please let me know asap. Happy New Year to all your readers and good luck for the future.