Warner Bros Pictures International (WBPI) has passed the $1bn mark in total international box office takings in less than five months, a record for the studio.
The division put its impressive early-2010 showing down to the success of Sherlock Holmes, which has taken $262m outside North America this year (and $314m internationally overall), Clash of the Titans, which has grossed more than $313m internationally, and other releases including Valentine’s Day, Invictus and The Blind Side.
Potential blockbusters due for release by WBPI over the rest of this year include Sex and the City 2,Inception, Due Date, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Hereafter.
“This is a wonderful benchmark and is truly a testament to our global marketing teams, who continue to find powerful and innovative ways to reach moviegoers of every taste,” said Sue Kroll, president, worldwide marketing, Warner Bros Pictures in a statement. “Their hard work and ingenuity is further buoyed by the wonderful films we have on our slate, as well as the appeal and draw of our terrific actors and filmmakers.”
Added Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, president, international distribution, Warner Bros Pictures: “This benchmark speaks to the strength and diversity of the line-up and our incredible team’s contributions, here and around the world. 2010 promises to be an extraordinary year internationally for exhibition and distribution alike. With so much great product to come, as well as strong admissions growth fuelled by the ongoing expansion of 3D offerings and venues, it’s an exciting time for our business.”
This is the tenth consecutive year in which WBPI, market leader in five of the past nine years, has grossed more than $1b overseas. The division was the first to hit the $2 billion mark twice, in 2004 and 2007.
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