HARRY POTTER - FROM DARK KNIGHT TO SLUMDOG -- A GOOD YEAR FOR U.K. FLICKS

FROM DARK KNIGHT TO SLUMDOG -- A GOOD YEAR FOR U.K. FLICKS

Ignoring the worldwide economic downturn, the British film industry is showing remarkable strength, according to a new study by the U.K. Film Council and reported today (Friday) in Britain's Guardian newspaper. The study shows that in 2008, British-produced films accounted for $4.2 billion of the worldwide box office -- representing 15 percent of the total. The trend is expected to continue this year -- as already demonstrated with the record-breaking launch of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince -- and in 2010 with the next Potter sequel, Deathly Hallows Part One. During the first half of 2009, spending on British film production amounted to $873 million, versus $593 million during the comparable period a year ago.

17/07/2009