UK on course for record box office in 2012

Despite the presence of big sporting events this summer, the UK box office is on course to set a new record in 2012 according to the Film Distributors’ Association (FDA).

UK cinema box office receipts crossed the £1bn threshold this week and are currently running 1% ahead of the same point in 2011, with the likes of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and Jack Reacher to come as well as the continued success of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 and Skyfall.

The year’s biggest hit has been Skyfall with over £83m to date and it contributed to the year’s best week (w/c Oct 26) thanks to its mighty £37.2m opening week. The week of the Diamond Jubilee double bank holiday (w/c June 1) is currently the second best week of 2012.

As of Nov 9, UK film distributors have invested more than £300m to release 567 new titles this year, almost as many titles as were released in the entire of 2011 (577). Five of the year’s top ten have been released in 2D and 3D, with the biggest 3D hit being Marvel Avengers Assemble at £51.9m. Currently, 39 films have been released in 3D in 2012, compared to 47 released in the whole of 2011.

Lord (David) Puttnam CBE, FDA president, commented:  “UK cinema is ending 2012 in barnstorming style. The box office is heading for a new record with every chance the momentum will be maintained well into the New Year. Audiences craving cutting-edge entertainment over the holiday season need look no further than their local cinemas.”