20, HOLLYWOOD LESSONS "Always do the things that youve done to be the creative person that you are when you go into a room with some people. Even if they tell you, ‘Well, we just want to hear what he sounds like. No, you dont have to have the performance down, just let us hear him.’ That's bullshit.” —Samuel L. Jackson SUBCHAPTERS e You're Never Too Good to Audition e Your Best Moments Can Be Lost in the Editing Room e Every Time You're in Front of Somebody, You're Being Judged MASTERCLASS CHAPTER REVIEW Sam shares three of his most valuable lessons for you to digest as your career begins to grow: Never think that you’re too good for an audition, remember that sometimes your best acting can get tossed on the cutting room floor, and never rest on your laurels as an artist. Even if you’ve been promised a role, or if a producer asks you to give a cursory read, always show up with your best self. No matter what a producer or casting director tells you, whenever you're giving a performance, you're being judged. This is part of being an actor—learn not to take it personally, they are looking for the best fit for the role. TAKE IT FURTHER Sam relied on his character creation techniques to swiftly prepare himself to audition for the role in Pulp Fiction. As an actor, you have to learn how to quickly break down and interpret characters. From this point forward, find a new script every week and practice breaking down a character to hone your process. SAM'S FINAL For your last assignment, it’s time to audition! Look up cast- ing calls and pick an audition. No matter how big or small the opportunity, take your audition as a chance to showcase your acting ability. Equip yourself for success by using Sam’s char- acter creation techniques, and present your best self. Always strive to become a better actor, and persist through rejection. That’s how Sam acted his way to mastery. Good luck and happy auditioning! SAMUEL L. JACKSON 47 en OF HOLLYWOOD LESSONS mms EXTRA CREDIT Edit every recording you've made for Sam's MasterClass into a reel, and document your progression from the start of Sam's MasterClass to the end. How far have you come with your character? Where did you improve? What can you work on moving forward? Share your reels in The Hub and provide feedback to your classmates. MASTERCLASS SAMUEL L. JACKSON 48 = NOTES MASTERCLASS SAMUEL L. JACKSON 49