one of the most difficult things to do

in my profession of acting, which is to walk as yourself.

This is the first time in my life

I have ever actually talked about my work in this way.

I didn't go to drama school.

The first time, in fact, I remember seeing drama at all

was when my mother took me to an amateur production of Hamlet.

It was a cataclysmic experience.

A darkened space with a group of people watching something,

and they are transformed by it.

I would like to share some of the ways I work.

Never act in front of a mirror.

You are doing the exact opposite of what acting is about.

Acting is all about what's happening within you.

It doesn't matter what's happening on your face.

It's a collaboration between us all.

Your costume designer is incredibly

important in building your character.

A Russian with a bad wig and these glasses--

nomination.

Likewise, the environment is going

to tell the story of the character

as much as the costume is.

I knew nothing at all about working in front of a camera.

Now this is what happens just before you do a take.

At this point, you have to cut all this stuff out.

And when the director calls action,

you don't have to start acting straightaway.

Of course, the beautiful moment is

between you and that little spot next to the lens.

I remember this feeling so well.

And many of you will feel it, when suddenly you're

in control of it.

I felt I was on this incredibly powerful force.

But I had the vocal ability, I had the intellectual ability,

for that all to settle.

And now I could play with it.

The moment when your technique is so deep within you,

that gives you the freedom then to invent, to improvise,

to act.

I'm Helen Mirren, and this is my MasterClass.