Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Sydney to the Max’s Jackson Dollinger

Talented twelve-year-old actor Jackson Dollinger is a new member of the Disney Channel family. It’s a dream come true for the up-and-comer who’s grown up on the network. Currently. he’s gracing the screen as Young Max in the inaugural season of Sydney to the Max. Pop Culturalist chatted with Jackson about this life-changing role.

PC: Tell us about Sydney to the Max, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Jackson: Sydney to the Max is a multi-generational comedy about a father and daughter. I was drawn to the project for multiple reasons. First, when I received the sides for the audition, the conversation Young Max was having with his mother on the show was the EXACT conversation I had recently had with my mother about bleaching my hair. Also, I was very intrigued by the flashbacks and was excited to work on a show with such a unique format. I think the flashbacks really provide important insight into the relationship between Adult Max and Sydney by providing a frame of reference for viewers.


PC: What can you tease about the first season of Sydney to the Max?
Jackson: Viewers can expect to see both sets of friends get themselves in quite a few funny predicaments and they may even get to see Young Max do a skate trick or two.

PC: In Sydney to the Max, you’re one of two actors portraying one character. What is that process like? How did you and Ian collaborate?
Jackson: Ian and I are actually never on set together because our characters live in different decades, but I study Ian and I often model the delivery of certain lines on Adult Max. Sometimes it’s very subtle, like a certain way I might nod my head or a certain facial expression. Ian and I already look a lot alike and we are similar in more ways than I think anyone realizes, so it all happens very naturally.


PC: What was your favorite scene to shoot this season? What was the most challenging?
Jackson: My favorite scene to shoot was a montage of Young Max with his pet turtle. It was so fun to work with the turtle doing so many different activities. The most challenging scene was one in which I’m trying to impress a skater girl and the dog boys simultaneously, so I’m running around back and forth between the two. It was really fun, but it was a long scene and I was tired when it was all said and done.


PC: It’s your first role as a series regular. What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned on set?
Jackson: I have learned so much since we started shooting, but I would have to say the biggest lesson I have learned so far is about camera angles and blocking. A clear understanding of angles and blocking really makes a difference in a multi-cam sitcom.


PC: Did your theatre experience help prepare you for your role as a series regular?
Jackson: Theatre and television are very different. My theatre experience was wonderful, but I can’t say that it necessarily helped to prepare me for a series regular role. However, I think any time an actor works and develops a character it helps them to improve their craft in general.


PC: What does it mean to you to be a part of the Disney family so early on in your career?
Jackson: To become part of the Disney family so early in my career is a dream come true. I grew up watching Disney, I still watch Disney, and I am so grateful and proud to be part of such an amazing and embracing organization. I don’t think I fully understood how far-reaching and iconic Disney was until I attended Mickey’s 90th Birthday Spectacular. Watching all the videos of people from around the world telling heartfelt stories about how Disney and Mickey Mouse have impacted their lives really made me realize how global, very special, and meaningful the Disney brand truly is.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jackson: Big Brother

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jackson: Mr. Popper’s Penguins

PC: Favorite book?
Jackson: Hatchet

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Jackson: Does Cirque de Soleil count?

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jackson: Run DMC

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Jackson: Stranger Things

PC: Hidden talent?
Jackson: I can rap a little.

Keep up with Jackson by following him on Instagram, and catch Sydney to the Max on Disney Channel every Friday at 8:30/7:30c.