U.S. Cinema Earnings Break Records

North American box office earnings hit a record high in 2007 – despite the
Hollywood writers strike and ongoing economic concerns.

In the U.S. and Canada, theaters took in more than $9.6 billion (#4.8
billion), climbing 5.4 per cent from the previous year (06), due in part to
increased ticket prices throughout the continent.

Dan Glickman, a chairman for the Motion Picture Association Of America
(MPAA), says, “Once again, diverse, quality films and the timeless allure of
the movie house proved a winning combination with consumers around the world.”

Worldwide ticket sales also rose, taking in an all-time high of $26.7 billion
(#13.4 billion) – up 4.7 per cent on 2006.

(PAW/WNWCCB/TN)