Fresh story ideas are a tough sell in Hollywood...

The five films that were up for original screenplay in this years Oscar race all had long, difficult paths to the big screen. Nicole Sperling wrote a piece for the Los Angeles Times on the difficult time writers have pitching new stories to Hollywood. However taking their time has allowed some writers and directors to create personal films that found a following without the Hollywood machine.

"Look at films like 'Inception,' 'Black Swan' or 'The Kids Are All Right' -- these are all completely original pieces from writer-directors who are themselves a brand," independent producer Jacobson said. "I think there is an audience appetite for original material from filmmakers who are willing to create something without the infrastructure of the studio. Working that way has become a great source of originality and invention."More...