02/12/2002

With 13.4 million admissions registered in October, an average of over 3 million per week, UK cinema admissions are set to exceed the Cinema Advertising Association’s (CAA) 2002 forecast of 174 million, with the year-end total now likely to hit the 176 million barrier.
The October figures were static with respect to the same period last year, but the January to October 2002 total of 142,5 million represents a 13 per cent increase on 2001. “It is great to be in such a strong position even before we enter the final quarter of 2002,” said Christine Costello, vice-president of the CAA which tracks film attendance in the UK for all cinemas accepting advertising.
These excellent figures were achieved thanks to the success of many US blockbusters released during the year; from Monsters Inc in February to Spiderman in the summer, and the surprise hit, My Big Fat Greek Wedding which grossed over £12m (Euros 18 million) in September and October. The November UK figures will be even more impressive as they’ll include the fantastic results of Harry Potter 2 which has grossed over £30m (Euros 45 million) so far and James Bond’s Die Another Day with a five-day opening gross of £9m (Euros 13.4 million), each film playing respectively on 827 and 1,275 screens.