Lights, camera checkbook

Re “How do a bestselling novel, an Academy Award-winning screenwriter, a pair of Hollywood hotties and a No. 1 opening at the box office add up to $78 million of red ink?” April 15

I find it interesting that some of the items that were frowned on in the “Sahara” production budget are the very same things that allow filming to take place in our city.

While it is true that “bribe” is a bad choice of words, it is the one that most accurately describes what has become accepted practice to facilitate on-location filming in almost every part of town.

The numbers cited in your report are but a small percentage compared to the sums one has to pay to certain individuals in our neighborhoods for the privilege of allowing the industry synonymous with this town to continue to function.

DIANA LARA

Los Angeles