The Black and Blue

Filmmaking Tips for Camera Assistants

  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Menu
  • 
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Free Ebook
  • Subscribe
  • Topics
    • Behind the Lens
    • Camera Assisting
    • Cameras
    • Getting Work
    • Industry News
    • Miscellaneous Tips
    • Production Stories
    • Toolkit
    • Website
  • About The Black and Blue
  • Contact Us
  • Sponsorship
  • Comment Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • 
  • R
  • 
  • ˆ
  • ‰
Gov. Bob McDonnell Tweet Oops

Oops! Gov. McDonnell of Virginia Mistakes Vinyl for Movies

On Twitter yesterday, Governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia tweeted a link to a press release advertising "170+ new jobs" in Virginia and that his administration is "working hard to continue expanding the film industry in Virginia!" It sounds like good news for those Virginia residents freelancing in front of and behind the camera, but the Governor's tweet might be a bit misleading.

by Evan Luzi | Industry News | September 15, 2010 | Comments: 0

The link provided by the Governor’s tweet lands on the official Virginia.gov page for a press release announcing The Hornschuch Group, producer of “highly technical films,” was expanding the O’Sullivan Films operation it acquired in March. O’Sullivan Films is based in Winchester, a piece of Virginia land in the Northwest section of the state. As promised by the tweet, the PR does indeed confirm over 170 new jobs.

While reading it, I became a bit suspicious of the tweet, especially considering I had heard of nothing like “highly technical films.” But then I thought maybe that was some jargon thrown out by some writer who didn’t fully understand the film industry and was looking for a way to spice up the article. Couple this with the fact that Gov. McDonnell was retweeted by the Virginia Film Office, the organization responsible for bringing and advertising film productions in the state, and things start to get a little quirky.

Then I kept reading and found the answer to what technical films were:

O’Sullivan Films is a recognized leader in the production and commercialization of polymer films and finishing film technologies serving the building products, consumer, healthcare and automotive markets.

I looked up the O’Sullivan Films website and the plot thickened:

Yet, our expertise goes beyond vinyls. We are also a major developer of Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO), Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU) Polymer Films, and Polyolefin Alloys (POAs).

I immediately tweeted back to both Gov. McDonnell and the Virginia Film Office alerting them of this revelation. These weren’t jobs for the “film industry,” at least not in the motion picture sense. In the words I tweeted to Gov. McDonnell, “Ive never seen a film [movie] made of vinyl!”

Seems like someone on both ends didn’t really do their homework. Oops!

About the AuthorEvan Luzi

  • Follow Evan on Instagram
  • zVisit Evan’s website

Creator of The Black and Blue. Freelance camera assistant and camera operator for over a decade. He also runs a lot. Learn more about Evan here.

Support The Black and Blue

We've been helping ACs and camera crews navigate the film industry for over a decade. If this article helped you or you enjoyed it, tossing in a few bucks genuinely helps keep the site going:

Support TBAB

Read Next

RIP Steve Jobs: A Creative Legend for Filmmakers

RIP Steve Jobs: A Creative Legend for Filmmakers

When Steve bought and ran a small computer graphics company, now Pixar, he began to change animation. When Steve shephered Apple back from the ghostly depths of bankruptcy, he began to change entertainment. And then when Steve Jobs died last night, he took with him all of the intangible assets he embodied, including his imagination and inventiveness.

  • Can't Attend NAB Show This Year? Here's the Next Best Thing...
  • "Red Herring" Official Trailer
  • 'Below the Beltway' Featured on 'Ace of Cakes'
  • Slate Up in Memory of 2nd AC Sarah Jones
The Ultimate Guide to a Camera Assistant's Toolkit

The Ultimate Guide to a Camera Assistant's Toolkit

Every camera assistant will have different tools depending on how they work. That’s why it’s important to peak into what other camera assistants have to offer. So I’m going to show you what I have in my toolkit today and also give you advice on what I think you should have in yours.

  • Deciphering the Film Slate (Part 1): What to Write on a Clapperboard
  • Film Set Lingo: Walkie Talkies and Radios - Part 3
  • 5 Rules to Help You Dress for Success On Film Sets
  • 25 Pieces of Juicy Filmmaking Knowledge from Cinematographer Roger Deakins

Does anybody who's not a Netflix or WB executive want this deal to happen?

  • We AC's Are a Short People
  • Version 5.0 of The Black and Blue is Live!
  • Happy Labor Day: The Film Industry Should Treat Crew Better
  • 'The Gift of Room Tone' featuring Martin Scorsese, Roger Deakins, Cristopher Walken, and More
Becoming the Reel Deal eBook Cover on iPad

It Only Takes One Gig.

Becoming the Reel Deal is a free downloadable eBook written to help you get your first job on set in the camera department so you can launch your film career.

Sign up now to get your free copy and exclusive tips from The Black and Blue.

Get Your Free Copy
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Credits
  • Contact

Copyright © 2026 The Black and Blue, LLC