“There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces of colored glass that have been in use through all the ages.”- Mark Twain, (A Biography)
Hollywood is rather risk-avoiding. A new idea in a movie might make loads of money—and it might be a bomb. Better to go with what worked last month, or ten years ago.
Look at Pixar to see Hollywood isn’t totally bankrupt for original story ideas… although Cars2 arguably might suggest they are trending the way of other Hollywood studios.
The Nihilist over 12 years ago
Ouch — but ain’t it the truth…
Hollywood wouldn’t know a good new idea if it came up and bit them (pardon – no vampire, werewolf humor intended)
bagbalm over 12 years ago
People ran out of original plots while they were still doing cave drawings.
cdward over 12 years ago
“There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces of colored glass that have been in use through all the ages.”- Mark Twain, (A Biography)
Pharmakeus Ubik over 12 years ago
Qoheleth had something to say about that, but I’ll wait for the sitcom version on Fox.
bmonk over 12 years ago
Hollywood is rather risk-avoiding. A new idea in a movie might make loads of money—and it might be a bomb. Better to go with what worked last month, or ten years ago.
Greg Johnston over 12 years ago
Look at Pixar to see Hollywood isn’t totally bankrupt for original story ideas… although Cars2 arguably might suggest they are trending the way of other Hollywood studios.
Pharmakeus Ubik over 12 years ago
Once you bring in the lawyers, it’s design by committee. No wonder they put out so many still born chimerae.