On a macro level: The DOP sees the shot, the director sees the scene and the AD sees the film. When you collaborate well, that’s when you make something special.

I got in trouble once with a DOP whom I absolutely adore.

We're chasing time, as you often are, and when you're in that situation, every shot is amazing. ‘That looks great,’ you'll say. ‘We should shoot it!’

Lighting might not be completely perfect; the dressing might not be entirely set; the cast might not be fully ready. But in the AD's eyes, we have enough there to shoot and move on.

We should never sacrifice the quality of our work, but when you're cramming 30 shots into a day, it's hard not to see the imperfections as part of the art.

Working with Oscar Nominated Robbie Ryan was an absolute delight

As assumed, my note of 'let's shoot it' is ignored. You don't expect the creatives to agree with you every time; the shot needs to be right at the end of the day.

Still, every shot looks great. Let’s shoot it.

Throughout the day, I'd use this line to encourage the team to shoot quickly. The intention isn't to wind people up, but more so to make them aware of the project's time constraints.

I was feeling particularly facetious on Day 3 of this project. I'm sitting in for the talent, and the film camera is right in front of me on a wide-lens close-up. The DOP is playing with the camera, and I yell out to the crew, 'This looks great, guys, we should shoot it!’

I see the DOP look at me with bewilderment. His cogs are turning. The dial-up sound effect plays in his head. He looks around and sees I cannot see a monitor. I've been rumbled.

Suddenly, a big grin is plastered over his face. He points at me and exclaims in his thick Italian accent, 'I knew it! I knew you were bullshitting me this whole time!’

Later, with a pint, he tells me a joke.

All departments facilitate light

The DOP makes good light.

The Gaffer makes good light happen.

Art makes the set look good in the light.

Hair and Makeup make the talent look good in the light.

Wardrobe make the clothes look good in the light.

...and the 1st AD rushes the light and makes it bad!