Stew Jetson plays Jeff in Mitesh Patel’s Winning Feel-Good Fantasy Film. He talks to us about his work as an actor and on the movie INSTANT KARMA and also his future working as an actor.
A moment I will never forget. I always had a bit of showman in me from an early age. As a kid, I would dance around the house and try to be the center of attention, but when it really clicked for me was in high school. I went to school in Phoenix, AZ, and played baseball for the first two years. When fall of the junior year rolled around, I thought about going out for the fall play to get more involved, pass the time until baseball season, and really just a way to meet girls. I wanted to be cast as “Tree #4” or something that didn’t require too much work. I ended up getting the lead male role in the production of Auntie Mame and definitely had to put the work in. As soon as I started the rehearsal process I was hooked for life. I knew I was in this for the long haul after that show, immediately hung up the cleats and went out for the spring musical the next semester where I would not only get another lead role, but I met my future wife! Acting has definitely helped pave the course of my life.
indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Stew Jetson (SJ): For me, sense memory acting has always been extremely helpful. Theatre and film are so different when it comes to acting, but being able to recall emotions, feelings and experiences can help ignite a character or moment in ways to correctly portray them on stage or screen. It is sometimes a risky path to go down and you absolutely need a way to get out of the moment if you go to a dark place, but if you can harness and control the emotion then you have something very powerful at your disposal as an actor.
The Official Trailer for Instant Karme directed by Mitesh Patel
How did you get connected to the project? Did you have to audition? If you did, would still have got the part?
Stew Jetson (SJ): Funny story, I got the audition through my agency in Arizona, FORD/Robert Black, but it was for the villain role. I prepared for the part as usual, then got a message from casting that they would like me to also prepare for Jeff, the lead. The character description didn’t really fit me so I was more focused on the villain role heading into the audition. When I got in the room, they only had me read for the character of Jeff, and apparently, I gave them what they wanted! It was a nice surprise and looking back at the film, AC Larkin was way better suited to play the villain, Clint. I would say it worked out well.
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?
Stew Jetson (SJ): We filmed Instant Karma in August, in Phoenix, during Covid. This was an experience unlike any other. From a production standpoint, they were very cautious and careful to make sure everyone was safe and as comfortable as possible. It was upwards of 114 degrees some days and there is really no way to prepare for that! Lots of water, social distancing when possible, temperature checks, breaks to cool down. It was extremely demanding physically and mentally but we did it. To prepare for Jeff, it really was about feeling and being down and out. This is a guy who cannot catch a break and has everything continue to go wrong for him. You have to be a little depressed and down until it all changes. It was definitely a range of emotions.
As one of the cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Stew Jetson (SJ): I guess I will have to let the audience be the judge on that one!
How do you create the character from a script into a person?
Stew Jetson (SJ): This character was a normal, everyday guy who just was having a bad run. I have been there before, I think we all have. It was a matter of recalling those times and feeling what he was experiencing. We, hopefully, have all had a little bit of good luck as well when things turn around and that was the second half of this story. Feeling the joy and the good times. It was a lot of fun to go from one to the other.
What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Stew Jetson (SJ): After reading the script all the way through, I realized that I am literally on every page. That hit me. I would be the focal point of the entire film and that was an extremely challenging concept for me to grasp. I was beyond excited but knew the challenge ahead of how much work it would take. Just like getting cast in Auntie Mame in high school, I knew my work was cut out for me and that is what drove me to get on the project!
You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
SJ: Indie films have a different feel to them. Everyone there is about the work, the art, and the passion it takes to create. It is not about box office numbers or stardom, but rather creating the best thing you can and enjoying the process. I love the dynamic on an indie set because you can feel the drive that each and every person on crew and cast has.
Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
SJ: I don’t want to give away too much, but there is a chase scene at one point in the film where I absolutely am doing my own stunt driving. Mitesh was able to guide the scene and my performance in a way that was believable and safe all in one. That was a fun scene to do and the direction I was given really helped me feel at ease during it all.
How did you collaborate with your cast members from scene to scene?
SJ: It really would depend on what the scene was, but typically we would do a check-in with each other to make sure we were on the same page in regards to how the previous scene went, what the next one entails, and go over any elements that would involve safety or boundaries. Everyone in the cast did a great job in speaking up and collaborating. A very fun cast to work with!
As 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?
SJ: I absolutely loved it. I trusted the cast and crew around me each day and it helped me bring my best work. I thrive in the difficult moments and enjoy being challenged. Being the lead in a film was just that, difficult and challenging, as I know all eyes were on me. People were relying on me to be prepared and deliver, and I feel like I did. It was an amazing experience.
What did you take away from the film production?
SJ: My first lead role in a feature film is something that will always stick with me. I gained a new respect for everyone who works on a film at every level from pre-production all the way until release. It takes a team
What do you like most about the director and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
SJ: Oh, Mitesh. Working with Mitesh Patel was amazing. The best part was his trust in me. He allowed me to take this role and run with it giving me freedom in my choices. I hope I was able to bring to life the character he envisioned and then some. A wonderful experience and I hope we get to work together again in the future.
What is next for you?
SJ: Since we wrapped Instant Karma I have done a number of commercials both in Phoenix and Los Angeles. The next big project to be released is a feature film I just finished up called “Run, Rabbit”, written and directed by Justin Rose, which is set to be completed by end of the year and will enter the festival circuit. Very excited about this film!
What advice do you give actors regarding what you learned on the project?
SJ: Trust those who are working with and for you and accept the challenge. Don’t hold back.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Stew Jetson. 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.
Follow Stew Jetson on Social Media
Backstage
IMDb
LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram
MORE STORIES FOR YOU
The Key Facts Behind How Jeff Nichols Made The Indie Hit MUD
Jeff Nichols gives himself directorial challenges to master on every project.
In Conversation with Michael Oblowitz Director of Confidential Informant
Confidential Informant stars Mel Gibson, Dominic Purcell, and Kate Bosworth
