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British films break records

22/07/2006

Harry Potter has done his magic once again by helping British films break box office records.

According to figures released by the UK Film Council, British films had a record breaking year in 2005 with 600 million people worldwide flocking to see films such as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

Eight British films out of the 467 released in 2005 made it into the top 20 of the world's biggest grossing movies.

British cinemas were also big winners, reporting an increase in audiences despite cinemas in the US, Germany, Spain and France reporting a reduction in audience numbers. One-third of cinema-goers in the UK bought tickets to see home-made films.

Films shot in the UK, using British talent both in filming and production, and investing money in the UK are considered to be home made.

John Woodward, chief executive officer of the UK Film Council, said: "The figures show that the public love British films and 2005 was a great year for British films at the cinema with the largest slice of box office takings since records began.

"This British success story was replicated around the globe with over $3 billion (£1.6 billion) taken worldwide, a real achievement when you consider the slump that affected most other countries."

Figures from the council also showed that foreign language films have become popular with British audiences. Over 200 foreign language films were shown throughout 2005.

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