Welcome to Hard Times

Your article (“Snapshots of Hollywood’s Hard Times,” by Robert Welkos and Stuart Silverstein, Feb. 2) has only increased my anger at how the greedy big-business types ruined Hollywood in the ‘80s and are now punishing talented people in the industry--and their audiences--for their own mistakes.

These CEOs cannot grasp the real reason why Hollywood is in such trouble. They only look at the numbers and feel they have to cut costs and reduce staffs. But the people they have hired and the people who buy the product know: The magic is gone. The people who head the studios and TV networks have forgotten that entertainment is about creativity and imagination.

The recession only revealed the rotting core of Hollywood. When more people had more money, it wasn’t a risk to go to the movies. Now, however, because there are more lousy films than good ones, filmgoing is off. The Depression proved that people would go to see films during bad times if the films are good.

Right now, Hollywood desperately needs some bold risk-takers, people who will bring back the excitement.

TAMMY SMITH

Santee