Written by David Lewis on Aug 4, 2009. Posted in Production News

UK stats published

British films banked USD4.2 billion worldwide last year, according to the latest statistics published by the UK Film Council.

Based on box office revenues, almost one in six film viewings at the cinema around the world last year was of a British film, equalling 15% of the global box office and accumulating USD4.2 billion in ticket sales, nearly a billion dollars more than in 2007.

The Dark Knight was the best performing UK qualifying film at the worldwide box office, earning almost USD1 billion, whilst in Europe the top British film was the UK/USA production Mamma Mia!, which attracted more than 34 million admissions.

Compiled by the UK Film Council's Research and Statistics Unit, the Statistical Yearbook presents the most comprehensive picture of film in the UK and the performance of British films abroad during 2008.

John Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council, said: "Billions at the box office and billions back to the UK economy – these are big numbers which underline the value of the UK film industry and the strength of our cultural talent. They also highlight just how important it is that we build on the many hard-won achievements and continue to invest in the long-term future of British film."