‘Gump’ in the Red

* Re “ ‘Gump’ a Smash but Still in the Red, Paramount Says,” May 24:

It isn’t surprising that Paramount, after making millions on “Forrest Gump,” is showing a net loss instead of gain. This sounds so familiar that no one could possibly believe the studio hasn’t made money. The biggest shame is that Hollywood is still treating the writer like a lower-class citizen. Winston Groom deserves major credit and major fees.

If star Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis will eventually make $30 million to $40 million, how is it that Groom only rates $350,000? Without a good story there is no worthwhile movie. It’s time Hollywood acknowledged the hand that feeds it--the writer!

MARY-ANNE REED

Ojai

* Let me see if I understand this; Paramount Pictures produces a product that brings in seven times more than what the product originally cost but is still in the red for more than the cost? Assuming their accounting practices are legitimate, something that any sane person should seriously doubt, why would they bother staying in the film business?

SCOTT GOVENAR

Venice

* The jugglers and the clowns who do the books for the putatively impecunious baseball owners have taken their show on the road. They are presently performing their astounding feats of numerical legerdemain for Paramount Pictures.

MARK B. LIFLAND

Santa Monica