Karl Haas plays “Harry, Homeless Guy” in INSTANT KARMA. We talk to him about his work on Mitesh Patel’s winning feel-good fantasy film
So, I sang in a show choir in High School and took voice lessons. My senior year I played Curly in Oklahoma, soon followed by a full scholarship in Voice Performance in college where I also took all the core theatre classes. After I graduated I spent 21 years in the Army, retiring as a Lieutenant-Colonel in Special Operations. I then spent 9yrs as a Financial Advisor before returning to acting and singing on stage and in film, full-time.
indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Karl Haas (KH): I have studied Method Acting and Meisner technique and used whatever else to produce the most believable performance. I believe in deep character study as well as the energy between actors on stage, set, and with an audience. I have also never felt that “subtext” alone gets underneath the spoken words– I believe subtext is at least 3 levels thick, starting with deeply embedded childhood experiences, then lifelong experience, then the more immediate and “in the moment ” thoughts that are not put into words.
How did you connect to the project? Did you have to audition? If you did, would you still have got the part?
Karl Haas (KH): I got an audition through my agent Matt Englehart at Ford Robert Black Agency.
The Official Trailer of Instant Karma directed by Mitesh Patel
Let’s take this project you did; how did you prepare for such a role: the cast, the physicality, the terrain, the climate, the weather, and the demands of the project?
Karl Haas (KH): I broke down the script several times before shooting, and of course we shot parts of it several times.
As one of the cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Karl Haas (KH): I had a wonderful time with the Director, Screenwriter, cast, and crew and look forward to working with all of them again!
How do you create the character from a script into a person?
Karl Haas (KH): An actor can never “be someone else”. One must find the character within themselves. How would “I” be if I had been in this character’s position and circumstances over the years?
What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Karl Haas (KH): It is a powerful story that needs to be told.
Explain one creative choice you took on the set of this production?
KH: There was a moment or two in the script where I did not speak, but I ad-libbed a few lines that I felt the character must say– luckily enough, the Screenwriter and Director agreed!
You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
KH: The opportunity to tell stories and positively influence people.
Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
KH: “I like what you’re bringing to the character– keep bringing it”
How did you collaborate with your cast members from scene to scene?
KH: Lots of enjoyable conversations as well as going over lines for our next scenes.
WAs the main cast in the film, describe the feeling of responsibility that you shouldered. Were you scared? Or did it fire you up? What scenes were difficult to shoot?
KH: I am used to carrying responsibility and feeling good about it after 21 years as a military leader and 9yrs as a Financial Advisor with my clients’ financial health insurance hands. I felt fired up on set! No scene was difficult to shoot….it was difficult to leave the set.
What did you take away from the film production?
KH: A lead role in the Sequel, Instant Karma II. !!!
What do you like most about the director and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
KH: I like the vision of the Director and his team. There was magic on the set from start until finish. Mizesh knows how to let everyone’s talent flourish and become integrated.
What is next for you?
KH: Two-stage musicals! Best of Broadway with Mesa Encoré Theatre in Mesa and White Christmas as General Waverly with Arts Express in Tucson.
What advice do you give actors regarding what you learned on the project?
KH: Be a working actor. Give whatever you can give and take whatever is given to you. Use it all for the good of the project!
Tell us what you think of the interview with Karl Haas. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook or Instagram! Or join me on Twitter.
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