An afternoon off...or...How to become a great Director of Photography

Tom Sorlie, ASAC

After an day off and a bottle of good merlot, I have had a stream of
consciousness about what it takes to be a good Director of Photography.
I have been a working assistant cameraman for just about 10 years now
and have been studying you DPs  for a while. :)

So, here it goes. This is a semi quasi "in order of importance list".
This list is only part serious and part humorous. I'd love to hear
additions from you guy/gals from "Above the Line". Criticisms, Concerns
and Animosities always welcome.

Story telling and motivation for the film

```
Camera movement
```
```
Camera speed
```
```
Lens
```
```
Light and film stock
```
```
Composition and operating
```
```
Filters
```

Gear (Camera type and purpose, grip and electric)

Hour of the day and direction of the sun

Continuity and 180 degree role (sometimes)

```
Time constraints
```
```
Budget restraints
```
```
Locations restraints
```
```
Crew
```
```
Ability of focus puller
```
```
Politics
```

AND IF YOU DON'T QUALIFY FROM THE ABOVE-- REMEMBER THE THREE A's

Attitude Accent and AGENT