Oscar voters are known to appreciate a good drama, but at the Toronto International Film Festival, dramas are struggling to secure distribution due to a shift towards escapist fantasies and comedies among audiences. Despite the festival's reputation as a launching pad for award-winning films, many dramas are lacking distribution deals, including notable titles like "Chloe" and "Dorian Gray." This trend reflects the challenges faced by serious-minded films in the current film industry climate. Industry insiders believe that the audience for quality dramas still exists, and that the genre is far from dead. They view the issue as more of a cyclical trend related to marketing and production costs rather than a lack of creative content. However, it is acknowledged that creating successful films like "No Country for Old Men" in today's market is a challenging task. Director Jon Amiel, known for his film "Creation" about Charles Darwin, expressed that "drama" has become a taboo word in Hollywood, with even indie distributors hesitant to invest in movies with unconventional subjects. There are numerous movies that American viewers will not have the opportunity to see. The declining interest is evident in box office numbers. Two successful films in the art house genre last summer were "The Hurt Locker," which made $12 million, and "(500) Days of Summer," which earned around $29 million. According to entertainment attorney Steven Beer, there is a cautious approach towards dramas in the current market. Despite challenges such as lower box office returns and declining DVD sales, industry insiders believe that dramas can still attract fans and generate profits. The key lies in developing an appropriate production and marketing strategy that aligns with the current movie-going landscape. Effective marketing often involves grassroots campaigns that target specific audience groups, such as science and period drama enthusiasts for films like "Creation." To remain viable, production costs need to be reduced to accommodate the changing market conditions. Competition from other home entertainment options has contributed to the decrease in DVD sales, making it essential for the industry to adapt in order to succeed with these types of films. Tom Ortenberg, president of theatrical films at The Weinstein Co., emphasized the need for models to change in a difficult economic climate. Industry expert David Poland noted that the decrease in DVD sales has made distributors hesitant to invest in costly dramas, although there is still a demand for them. Distributors are being more selective in their choices, making it challenging for a film to have the same impact as "Slumdog" did at Toronto 2008. Tom Bernard, co-president of Sony Pictures Classics, acknowledged that buyers at Toronto 2009 are approaching the festival with caution compared to previous years.