Not that I have any inside knowledge, but... Several high-profile tentpole movies have under-performed this year. Could the swing back towards projects like thrillers suggest a loss of faith in sequels, prequels and spin-offs? Or at least, an attempt to build cheaper franchises in cheaper genres?

I think a good question off of this one is, do you think the spec market will continue with this pattern into 2012?

Look at the amount of "contained," projects popping up. Small movies which, like "bottle episodes" in television, are aimed at keeping costs low. BURIED (a movie about a guy in a coffin for example -- yes I know it was a couple years ago), for example, or a PARANORMAL ACTIVITY as another example. MICRO-BUDGETED MOVIES which P/E ratio is off the charts, are much more desirable now. We are also entering an unfortunate fairy tale boom -- the magic and resplendence of the supernatural appeals to the imagination of all of us going through hard times. Just one man's opinion.

I think the failure of some pre-branded material to do well this spring and summer has definitely played a factor in the rush to buy new material. Last night, on a teleconference call with Jason Scroggins, a special guest (an agent who has a lot of traction right now) said something to the effect of: "Studios have realized audiences want something fresh." I've heard this statement a lot lately and it always amazes me. Did studios ever think audiences wanted something stale, seen-before, and done-to-death??? (Makes me wish there was a Jon Stewart specifically for the behind-the-scenes film biz. He could go to town with a line like that.)

I'm wondering the same thing. I hope so. Thoughts, Scott?

Marc, that's the big question, isn't it? Let me update the OP with some thoughts on that.

You're absolutely right ZzF about Hwood's fascination with ultra low-budget movies. One example is Paramount's Insurge Pictures founded after the success of Paranormal Activity.

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