Cinema Attendance In Europe 2006 Report Presented At Cannes

Updated information on cinema-going in Europe in 2006 in the MEDIA Salles Newsletter ‘European Cinema Journal’ was presented during the Cannes Film Festival.
At the MEDIA Salles gathering for cinema professionals and journalists, the President of the Association, Jens Rykær, said: "We are happy that 2006 has seen an increase in audiences in European cinemas and that in several countries Europe’s films have obtained significant market shares. These results are a source of satisfaction for MEDIA Salles, which has been committed to raising the visibility of European films and promoting cinema-going in cinemas all over Europe for 15 years, through its information, promotion and training initiatives."
The trend of cinema-going in 2006 was commented on by Elisabetta Brunella, Secretary General of MEDIA Salles, and Mike Vickers, Treasurer.
Scientific Consultant for the ‘European Cinema Yearbook’ Dr Joachim Ph. Wolff explaining the analysis, reported that the reasons for the drop in spectators in 2005, was due mainly to the lower appeal of mainstream films.
"In the 25 countries belonging to the European Union in 2006, audiences have experienced an average growth rate of 3.5%, rising from 893.0 million to 924.1 million.
"The 18 countries of Western Europe for which figures are already available show an average increase in ticket sales of around 2.4%. A good sign for the future, though not measuring up to expectations, if we consider that in various countries the first half of the year was characterised by a two-figure increase. But the improvement nevertheless took place: from 862.2 milion to 882.9 million admissions. Two of the continent’s five big markets were mainly responsible for contributing to this," he said.
www.mediasalles.it/ecjourn.htm
(DS)