26/05/2009

Audiences around the globe queued up to watch British films in 2008, resulting in $4.2 billion in box-office collections and 15% of the global market share, up from 12% in 2007. Top performers included Quantum of Solace [+see also:
trailer
making of
film profile], Slumdog Millionaire [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Danny Boyle
film profile], The Other Boleyn Girl [+see also:
trailer
film profile] and Mamma Mia! [+see also:
trailer
film profile].

UK Film Council CEO John Woodward said, “Global cinema audiences spent well over $4bn on British films last year – that’s a phenomenal achievement and is a measure of UK film’s vital contribution to the wider economy. Maintaining that level of commercial success is essential – encouraging inward investment, securing jobs, and boosting Britain’s reputation as a world leader in cultural excellence.”

UK Minister for Film Barbara Follett said, “British films have made a huge impact on the world stage in the past year and this is testament to the talent, drive and creativity of our film-makers and actors, spectacularly recognised by the awards successes of recent months. Film production remains a vital creative industry and the tax credit continues to bring in a high level of inward investment. The Government will do all it can to ensure that we continue to provide the funding, infrastructure and support needed to keep the UK at the forefront of the world film market.”

UK share of the US box office rose to 16% from 12% in 2007 and UK share of box office increased to 20% in Germany and 18% in Spain. In addition, 2008 saw the highest takings ever at the UK box office with $1.74bn, up 5% from 2007 with over 40m admissions. British films accounted for 31% of UK cinema takings in 2008. And, of the 200 top grossing films worldwide released between 2001 and 2007, 26 were British.