Movies & TV / Columns

Stew Jetson On How He Got Involved in New Film Instant Karma, Moviemaking Heroes

September 28, 2021 | Posted by Bryan Kristopowitz

Image Credit: Applied Art Productions

The 411 Interview: Stew Jetson

Stew Jetson is an actor and producer who, according to imdb, has been appearing in movies and TV shows since at least 2009. Jetson has appeared in such short films as On Your Own, Reveal, and Dissociation and the feature film Krampus: Origins, and such TV shows as Adopted, The Affair, and Murdered by Morning. Jetson’s latest feature film is the fantasy drama Instant Karma where he plays the character Jeff. In this interview, Jetson talks with this writer about making Instant Karma, working with director Mitesh Kumar Patel, and more.

Bryan Kristopowitz: How did you get involved with Instant Karma?

Stew Jetson: Funny how this happened. Originally, I was sent an audition from my agent for the role of “Clint,” who, sorry ahead of time for any spoilers, is the antagonist of the film. I prepped for that and the day before the audition my agent said that the producers would like to see me read for “Jeff” as well. I prepared for both, was a little more ready in my mind for Clint, and during the audition only read for Jeff! I guess they liked what they saw and the rest is on film now.

BK: How did you approach your character Jeff? Did you do any research into ride sharing companies? Did you do all of your own driving in the movie?

SJ: I did all of my own driving! Even during the chase scene. This was a lot of fun and we took all the precautions possible to make sure everyone involved was safe and comfortable. All of my own stunts. I have taken so many rides with Uber and Lyft throughout my days that I was pretty familiar with how it all works and know that each ride is important for the drivers because they don’t have a guaranteed amount of money they make in a day during a shift. It was fun to be on the other side of it for a short time.

BK: What was it like working with director Mitesh Kumar Patel?

SJ: It was a great experience. Mitesh has a vision and knows what he wants and does a great job relaying what that is. I never doubted any idea that he had while on set and watching the post-production work now with marketing and distribution is very exciting. He trusted me with this project and always let me know if we were or were not on the same page with things. I hope to work with him again in the future.

BK: What was it like working with Samantha Belle, who plays Jeff’s girlfriend Samantha?

SJ: I could not have asked for a better co-star. We had instant chemistry, pun intended there, and always had a great time on set. She was willing to put her trust in me and allow me to do the same with her to allow our best work to come through. We had a great time!

BK: What was it like working with Nancy Mercurio, who plays Jeff’s mother Mary?

SJ: Nancy was a joy to work with. We had some great, emotional scenes in the coffee shop and I really did feel like she was my mother. She has such a calming presence and it really helped calm anyone down who may have been stressed out. I wish her the best of luck!

BK: What was it like working with Keegan Luther, who plays Emilio?

SJ: Keegan was someone who I actually knew of before this film. He had done a play with my wife a few years before so this was nice to be able to work with him on this project. Such a great guy and someone I have stayed in touch with since. I don’t want to spoil too much but I know anyone who sees this film may have a question or two about Keegan’s character Emilio. He did a great job.

BK: What was the hardest part of making Instant Karma for you as an actor? What was the easiest?

SJ: The hardest part was the heat. We were filming in August, in Arizona, outdoors and during a pandemic. All of the car scenes are outside and you can’t really run the air conditioning with the noise it causes, so we had some toasty ones for sure. I think it was up to around 115 degrees some days. Trying to stay dry, hydrated, and comfortable was a tall task but I think we managed (haha). The easiest part was having one of, if not the, best crews I have ever worked with on set. Everyone from sound to camera to lighting to the producers and coordinators were all so incredibly talented and had the utmost professionalism. I admire that so much. Such a great team that Mitesh was able to put together for this project.

BK: How would you describe Instant Karma? Is it right to call it a drama or is it more of a fantasy?

SJ: This movie has so many layers. You could call it a comedy, then a drama, then a thriller, all mixed with fantasy. It really has it all so it is hard to land on just one. Let’s say fantastical thrilling dramedy.

BK: Any moviemaking heroes?

SJ: Bradley Cooper, Leonardo DiCaprio (I will watch anything these two actors are in), Spielberg, Hitchcock, Wes Craven. I love a film that as soon as it begins you know, “Oh, this is a Spielberg/Hitchcock/Nolan/Scorsese film” right away. I also grew up loving, and still love, horror films so anyone that can scare me I applaud.

BK: Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?

SJ: Aside from the very exciting release of Instant Karma, I just wrapped another feature film called Run, Rabbit that is written and directed by Justin Rose. The trailer is on IMDB now and I highly recommend everyone go check it out. Way different than Instant Karma and should be finished by year’s end and will be entering the film festival circuit. Very excited for this one.

BK: What do you hope audiences get out of Instant Karma?

SJ: There are a lot of very powerful and important lessons in the film pertaining to greed, desire, envy and jealousy. I think people will have fun with the movie but by the end will think differently about what they have in their own lives and how to treat people. With everything going on in the world right now we may need a reminder on how to treat one another.

BK: Would you want to appear in an Instant Karma sequel?

SJ: Yes! Of course I would! Even if it is not centered around my character like this one, I would love for Jeff to pop up and really add to that Instant Karma universe feel.

BK: If you found yourself in the same situation as Jeff in your real life do you think you would make the same decisions he does? Just how tempting is the idea of “doubling your money”?

SJ: I think at first, yes. I would be very hesitant, but once I got the ball rolling and started to see the benefits I think I would give it a go. However, I would also use the “power” to help those in need like he does in the film with Harry. Just have to be careful not to take it too far and abuse the ability. Be careful what you wish for.