How to Create a Character with Samuel L. Jackson | Discover MasterClass | MasterClass

When acting, Samuel L. Jackson imbues every role with a sense of purpose and complexity of character-even if they only appear on screen for a few minutes.
Enroll in Sam's MasterClass: mstr.cl/2UupiX7
Learn about acting, auditioning, and artistry from Oscar nominee Samuel L. Jackson in his first-ever online acting class. The star of Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained shares the skills that have made him one of Hollywood’s most respected and prolific actors.
In his MasterClass, Samuel L. Jackson breaks down his process, including his unique approach to giving masterful performances. Learn how he creates backstories, collaborates with directors, and digs deep into the mind of every character he plays.
In addition to acting advice, Samuel L. Jackson also shares the personal journey that brought him from Chattanooga to California-and from television stand-in to Hollywood star.
Samuel L. Jackson’s MasterClass will add depth to your film acting, stage acting, and voiceover work with video lessons and a customized workbook tailored to each chapter.
In this online class, learn about:
• Script Breakdown
• Voice
• Characterization
• Auditioning
• Collaboration
• Voiceover Acting
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#MasterClass #SamuelLJackson #acting

[@masterclass]

You can enroll in Sam's MasterClass at: mstr.cl/2UupiX7

[@kit3507]

I want to sign up for your classes, I just wish there were other billing options :( will definitely try to sign up when I can

[@prince_x4119]

"Unless you're playing an idiot" lol That's 4 and half minutes of pure Gold. Thank you :)

[@masterclass]

We're glad you enjoyed it!

[@einsteneclarence9448]

Michael selim Plus 1 sec more

[@ReneAdams-ss9sv]

Yeah, that endpoint was perfect - funny and candid at the same time.

[@youuoy5722]

"Read a book"-Samuel L Jackson.

[@robertdavis3036]

Read a muthaphuckin' book!

[@Its_Me_Romano]

You're a Book good phone bad person aren't ya?

[@littleripper312]

It sounds obviously but a lot of people are lazy and won't actually read through a book for the source material. They will just ask for cliff notes. So many actors don't read the books or comic books their movie is based on.

[@Lovley11649]

😂😂😂

[@Lovley11649]

@@robertdavis3036 😂😂

[@TrulyCreateIt]

Wow. It's evident that Samuel L. Jackson is an extremely talented actor. The tips he's giving are helpful for convincingly portraying the rolls we play as actors. Take heed. As I listen I remember how I determined all of the character traits, tones, etc. when I was that character. Then I'm reminded of my very first acting competition between a billion schools in L.A. County. Another classmate and I had one week and a half to memorize our lines for the competitions between schools. We made it to the semi-finals, which was an accomplishment for such a short notice while being new in the field. Also, before the semester was over I wrote my first play, "The Kidnapping of Santa". It was a cross between a script outline with improvisation for the cast. A parent made our costumes. We performed it in the school auditorium and in the community in the San Fernando Valley. I progressed to a Performing Arts High School and had wonderful teachers who spoke to us in how you are the "character" in the material, not yourself. As an actor, we did create things in our minds as Mr. S. Jackson states here. However, when I went to the university I transferred from Theater to Radio/Television/and Film. My emphasis was Screenwriting. As a creator of material and characters you do create key aspects of character's "Backstory" before you develop the script. This is every key function that happens in a character's life from birth until the start of the movie or TV show, etc. For instance, if Joe fell into a tub of melted chocolate as a child and it made him barf for two weeks straight, this most likely will be his most hated candy for the rest of his life. In the story, if Joe has to get to his best friend to save his life and he comes across a football field of melted chocolate we as an audience will root for Joe to overcome his chocolate demon to save his best friend that we also love as an audience. When I produce my movies I will give my main characters their backstory so that they have a better idea of what makes their characters move and tick. Yes, they may make up in their mind why the character picked dark chocolate over milk chocolate. It's still cool to leave some creative room for the cast. When you have a background in acting and camera work you have a clearer understanding as a writer and director. That's how it's been from my experience.

[@edp3202]

AND trained.

[@JCR12_]

This one clip has already helped me so much making my main character become a more believable character.

[@harrymurray9702]

Samuel L Jackson is the greatest acting mentor anyone could have. I've studied him for years, and love all of his work, from Afro Samurai, to Mace Windu in Star Wars, definitely someone I'd love to work with. God willing if my prayers are answered, I'll meet him one day and I will succeed as an actor.💜💜💜💜

[@bayandamathebula]

Best of luck

[@theepicwolfnetwork5220]

May God be with you on your journey. I’m on a similar journey, remember to get an agent though if you want to have bigger roles. I am trying to become an actor myself, my dream role is to play Miles Morales in the MCU.

[@sheilahunter8807]

Lol “Every time the camera passes you, look like there’s something on your mind… Not just… Unless you’re playing an idiot…“ I love Samuel L Jackson so much!😁❤️

[@Huyoon]

Bruh Samuel L Jackson spits more facts than my math teacher lecturing me how Trig is useful in the real world.

[@user-pn7yf1iz5k]

Chris do he spits more facts than my machine

[@GilangD21]

which it is

[@spikezkid022]

It's probably not useful to you, but someone in your class is probably experiencing some sort of revelation that they want to do lots of math in their career. Math isn't for everyone but it's good to know it and everyone should know it early.

[@camlucas4623]

Raedo you must be a fun guy

[@rishadahmed3969]

I’m ur 69th like

[@waynebatson4878]

I cannot LIKE this enough. Brilliant advice, not just for actors but for writers too. You need to create a "whole person." Thanks SLJ.

[@MrEnlightener101]

SLJ in a video without saying a single cuss word? I'm amazed!

[@Alfuido]

The Enlightener101 he did it was bleeped at around 3:40

[@quinnflorence]

Oh yeah, the moment he said,” do you want people to follow you on your way out or not? Do you want people to go, well s***! Where that guy going, I want follow that guy.”

[@fetamean]

Man. I'm so tempted to buy this class and the David Lynch one BUT MONEY IS SUCH AN ISSUE

[@Dontaskhowiknow]

Fetamean consider it an investment

[@yashbingo2283]

@@Dontaskhowiknow isn't there is any way to watch it for free ?

[@miembrosgibran]

Piracy!

[@firebug1892]

Not for you usher lol

[@fetamean]

@@firebug1892 BRUH I fell off years ago I need cash

[@Jrock_Loves_Acting]

I absolutely Love his advice on character development! I am a local Theatre actor & this helped me, with developing character(s)… Every actor/actress should watch THIS VIDEO! Mr. Samuel Jack is a AMAZING ACTOR!

[@boilingandspinninggrapefruit]

“If there’s source material read it” I guess my quest just became “become the best clue player on earth”

[@kenziee.s]

this video is so helpful because I just landed my first featured role in our spring musical this year! And i'm not very good at getting into character but this helped a lot ❤

[@ActuallyFaizan]

Congrats !

[@kenziee.s]

thank you! ♥️

[@martel8106]

Happy for you

[@edp3202]

Even Brando allegedly had a notebook of notes on his characters up until the end he wrote in. He was a graduate of the Actor's Studio.

[@rosaicelafonsecasaucedo1782]

Es usted un gran actor!!!!! Admiro su trabajo y su forma de realizar sus personajes en las películas!!!! Gracias por su arte!!!! Soy mexicana !!! Saludos!!!!!

[@jamesthedude6927]

when he said "whats his parents, where he come from, was he in the military" etc. he sounded he was having the "father to daughters boyfriend" talk xD

[@iceygivenz3117]

As of January 3rd 2020...... 28 people truly need a Masterclass

[@JohnnyGuitaristOfficial]

This man is such an awesome teacher!

[@Video-tipsTv]

WOW! So much valuable info in such a short video!!

[@E.j.Robinson]

These are incredible and insightful even if its not your main field of choice its still insightful and inspiring.

[@diabloakland]

This was essential af rn. I am doing a scene for class and trying to connect with my character! This helped

[@chaseofori-atta2225]

One of the best thespians of ALL TIME!

[@joshpeters813]

Genius. Glad i clicked this and IM GOING TO USE IT TOO!!! ARGGHHH

[@davepowell4012]

That was good! Great Insight from the Samuel L. Jackson.

[@chialleyne-haynes5390]

I don’t think being typecast means you are doesn’t know how to create a character well.

[@theeditor1149]

Loved this!

[@mikew2479]

Quality, thanks man!

[@isaquinos_vlogs]

This advice is amazing.

[@writerkaose4005]

This is good for writing characters as well.

[@glennbaker746]

Very good advice on character development.

[@AlgisKemezys]

Great stuff, Bravo!

[@takuaudreyvlog1055]

thank you sir. this is perfect for a movie role i just worn

[@SagaLarton]

One of the best Actors in the history of Cinema. I love his movies.

[@stevechoi6332]

To be honest, I thought SLJ played a similar character in a lot of movies but I'm impressed by the history he puts behind each character.

[@E.j.Robinson]

Also learning for me over the internet isn't as effective as the chance to actually be in a classroom and actually be involved ask Qs and the like but I've found these videos to be less crippling due to the fact they are held by people I know of - I may not know these people personally but I know of there work and just like a reader can glimpse the real person through a writer's book the same can be said of actors and many other creative art elements. Its gives me a ground to start from to have a better understanding of what they are trying to teach me. That's making it a viable source of learning where it wasn't really before. That's really remarkable.

[@alexandervue9464]

Pure gold

[@martel8106]

Thank you man... thank you

[@nicecutie]

amazing actor.

[@ryfreedman]

Holy fraking awesome!

[@MichaelStrawn_I_am]

Love you man!

[@betweenthevelvetlies]

Muse Watson once told me that if you know what music your character listens to, you’ve got him

[@anthonytrainjohnson716]

As an actor getting into a dark role this information is amazing

[@user-xu1bo1ji8w]

I love him! ❤️😍😁👏👏👏

[@robertdavis3036]

Come through, Samuel L. Jackson!!!

[@lynda3560]

Well said 💜

[@alicial4857]

Mr. Jackson is clearly very intelligent. What he's saying is going to help me a lot with my acting.

[@superduperjoi6800]

Yes I am subscribed

[@MrEdium]

BRILLIANT.

[@KARINA29534]

He's a legend

[@bemotivated6245]

I really can relate to samuel by that.

[@diontaedaughtry974]

Fantastic

[@goldenari295]

my manssss 🙏🏽‼️😎

[@KiKiWhispersASMR]

His swag levels are OFF THE CHARTS

[@futuremob1285]

Bless up

[@timothythompson4532]

A Legend

[@varalabeschkuni2890]

mr. jackson is funny... wanna see more of that....

[@xtremefilmacademy8372]

Impressive

[@lovendra8524]

Is Masterclass available in foreign countries?

[@JJGunner3]

HAHAHA! I love his final statement.

[@davidhoj]

bring the audience on the journey with you

[@bloodmooncomix457]

This man's an acting icon! I'm just trying to develop a character for a comic book and already I feel intimidated! 👊😰😬😫😣

[@DinnerBells]

Always great to hear him talk without the memes.

[@ThaiTastic]

Keen to also learn from the people who thumbed it down. Maybe I can help them be better.

[@MsAndaction]

priceless .

[@InkerousCitaRik]

Such good advice :333

[@JKBelle]

Mrs.Sunset the painter Baka oh yes... at 33 of COURSE!!! 🤟👌

[@keith5801]

Yes it is 333🌎

[@ALCY]

Does anyone knows if you get a certificate or something when you finish the masterclass?

[@ryanhowell4492]

Cool

[@adamhenry6793]

This is a tasty burger!

[@ivanprskalo9415]

I can hear comments

[@arawfranco9247]

Haha I saw pulp fiction last night!!

[@Wade_Fucking_Wilson]

I DONT REMEMBER ASKING YOU A GODDAMN THING

[@Babel2.0]

Very useful comment also made by Michael Caine.

[@alexandervue9464]

this is really good stuff. fundamentals for all actors

[@sumandas9039]

you great❤👍👌

[@superduperjoi6800]

Best actor oat

[@boomting7214]

Sweetie no

[@alrightythen759]

Said the recent oscar winner. Kudos.

[@mathewroache2669]

😊😊🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@deacon_leon]

Wow

[@toneswing6]

🤙🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jasonspades5628]

What a fucking professional

[@fabianfreitag8744]

Hey! do you know who this is? its Master Windu from Star Wars! Frozone from the incredibles, and Ray Arnold from Jurassic Park, everybody's favorite movie in the world including me!

[@hellisotherpeople17]

Do you mean, How to Create a Mothafucka Character with Samuel L. Jackson?

[@user-pn7yf1iz5k]

lol

[@hime2391]

327 likes but 4K views?!?!?!!??.... damn y’all right KZbin is high like *damn*

[@duanesimmons1234]

Im from chattanooga Tn and i hate the fact that men like him had to leave our town to do something as big as he did. i want to change that before i die

[@isrj01]

There was an idea, to bring together a group of remarkable people, see if they become something more.

[@Houseofpheromones0]

SAMUEL L MUTHA FUCKIN JACKSON!

[@francelewis4628]

The app is intended I just wish it was a free app

[@kaylenk4097]

So he created a guy who saying motherfucka to his every savage line

[@kentobizmol3]

"How to create a character" by a man who literally plays himself in EVERY SINGLE damn movie!!!lol

[@JenniferLaVine99]

😆

[@d2dar459]

Yeah but he spent his pre Pulp Fiction years not being just him, so he probably knows what hes talking about.

[@MooseBoys42]

I was trying to create a new Skyrim character that looks Samuel L Jackson and I ended up here.

[@superduperjoi6800]

Read a book

[@almagasa4538]

is this Stanislavsky method that he's talking about?

[@LukeCage-tl3cm]

How you feel about the character why he is doing those things, where does he come from, who are his parents is he smart not do smart

[@ianalvord3903]

What if this class was remade with Nicolas Cage?

[@susah135]

That's overacting masterclass

[@gregfaber3417]

"A...B...C...D....E...F...G...."

[@jazsm5385]

Don't forget to take a seat

[@raqz4437]

habibi who from dramaaaaaaaa

[@mantis-manthegreat]

I am a trans man playing Jimmy in the play Jimmy The Antichrist. It is about Jimmy coming out as "the antichrist" and saying the boy he brought home from college is his "minion". (It's a metaphor for coming out as gay). This helped me form how his relationship is with the other characters. As my first theatre role, I want to be prepared!

[@lilenwasnothere6867]

how did it go?

[@rloperfido3817]

What do I do if there's snakes on a plane

[@joshuablissett3435]

Can we get more acting ones please lol

[@masterclass]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, @Joshua Blissett. We're always looking to improve MasterClass and will share this with our team.

[@thetruth4617]

Tenpenny's secret mission

[@sundark456]

Noice

[@user-xm7vx4yv4y]

Read book Understand your character history Accept his point of view as a human and what he's gone through Be in role not when there is camera, but all time you can. You coming from somewhere and you going somewhere and you need people to come with you.

[@soorajohri1]

And he is 72

[@u-tubeeditor6696]

character creation?!: "...whats that?!..."