The term "development hell" is a term we hear. all the time in Hollywood. It's the excuse we get from our friends when we ask about the great script we read, the great movie or series they were working on, and occasionally the great lead role one of our up-and-coming actor friends has booked. It comes with a shrug, a look of embarrassment, and an awkward silence. It's a legendary obstacle that ties up great writers, actors, and producers for years, wasting time and money while destroying reputations. It's something you can avoid, and it's something you can get out of, but you have to understand what it is and why it exists in order to do that.—Nancy Fulton