Friends of ‘Friends’ and Foes of ‘Friends’

I have just read Brian Lowry’s “Friends” column (“They’re Being Paid $4.5 Million Per Episode . . . I Could’ve Gotten ‘Em Wholesale!,” May 23). While I am an avid fan of the show, I wholeheartedly agree with his point of view. The salaries are outrageous and have gotten out of hand, much the same as with sports players.

It is too bad that Lowry is not at the helm; his approach might work wonders. The inner workings of the deal making might be a bit more complicated than the public knows, but someone needs to stand up to these actors and say, “No.” Friends can always make new friends. . . .

ALAN J. COHEN

Santa Monica

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My goodness, Lowry is wonderfully clever. The way in which he pilloried the stars of “Friends” goes a long way toward perpetuating the myth that actors who manage to succeed are selfish, arrogant money grabbers who exist only to take advantage of the benevolent producers who have raised them from the ranks of the homeless.

Perhaps Lowry should spend a few weeks in the shoes of some well-established performers who find themselves at the mercy of producers who refuse to honor their established salaries and continue to offer scale with a take-it-or-leave-it attitude.

When actors are in a position to command substantial salaries, the producers are always in a financial position to pay with comfort. When an executive producer of a TV series draws $75,000 per show for an occasional, token appearance at his office, the picture becomes a little bit clearer. Keep in mind the audience is not interested in the producers. It is the actors who keep the show on the air.

RON SOBLE

Mission Hills

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Lowry forgot to mention the necessity for high salaries for these crybabies to compensate them for last-minute script changes causing rehearsal to run late. Imagine having to cancel dinner reservations and being forced to stay in Beverly Hills for the night instead of Malibu!

I’ve been a crew member in the TV industry for 25 years and I’ve heard it all--Lowry speaks the truth. Every studio executive in Hollywood could obtain some common sense from him.

THOMAS A. HOERBER

North Hills

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I am David Schwimmer’s agent of 12 years. I am sorry Brian Lowry was not a part of this history-making negotiation.

I have been a talent agent for 16 years and I do understand the economics of the television business. All six cast members of “Friends,” the most successful sitcom in television history, deserve every penny they got. If Lowry wants it better explained to him someday, he should give me a call. All of us involved are very grateful that his input was not required in this very lucrative deal.

Brian should stick to journalism; he does it so well.

LESLIE SIEBERT

Vice President, the Gersh Agency

Beverly Hills