Literary adaptations drive record UK cinema takings
1st February 2012 - 12:33pm
The film adaptations of novels from the Harry Potter and Twilight series have contributed to UK cinema takings totalling more than GBP 1 billion for the first time ever, new statistics reveal.
According to the British Film Institute (BFI) data, GBP 1.04 billion was taken across the country's cinemas last year, with both takings and admissions increasing since 2010.
The most popular film by far in 2011 was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, which took a total of GBP 73.1 million, with multiple Oscar winner The King's Speech in second place after taking GBP 45.7 million.
The popularity of the film adaptations of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga was once again evident, as Breaking Dawn: Part 1 generated GBP 30.7 million, with the final instalment set for release later this year.
Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous character evidently remains as relevant as ever, as Sherlock Homes: A Game of Shadows took GBP 23.1 million in 2011 despite only being released on Boxing Day.
BFI director general Liz Bales said the record takings highlight that the film industry is in good shape.
'It's great to see film fans' enthusiasm for the fantastic creative output of the British film industry. The BFI figures provide further evidence that the overwhelming majority of people are willing to pay for film, TV and video content,' she added.
