Danny Boyle's 'Slumdog Millionaire' Has Successful US Opening

Fox Searchlight released the award-winning 'Slumdog Millionaire' in North America this weekend, grossing an estimated $360,066 from 10 screens with a $36,006 screen average.
This represents the highest opening average for a speciality picture this year, out-grossing 'Changeling' in 15 theatres (a screen average of $32,601) and Rachel Getting Married' in 9 theatres (an average of $32,597).
'Slumdog Millionaire' will expand this coming Friday to 10 other US markets, as well as expanding to further screens through New York and LA. It is released by Pathe in the UK on January 9, 2009.
International sales are being handled by Pathe International, who have to date sold the film to over 40 territories. The film's international roll-out begins with the Italian release on December 5 (Lucky Red), followed by the Australian release on December 26 (Icon).
The film sees British actor Dev Patel (from Channel 4's 'Skins' play Jamal Malik, an 18-year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, who is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India's 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?'. Arrested on suspicion of cheating, he tells the police the incredible story of his life on the streets, and of the girl he loved and lost. But what is a kid with no interest in money doing on the show? And how is it he knows all the answers!?
Directed by Danny Boyle ('Trainspotting', '28 Days Later') and written by Simon Beaufoy ('The Full Monty', the project was initiated at Film4 who co-developed and co-financed the film with UK production company Celador Films.
Pathé acquired worldwide rights (excluding North America) at script stage. The film is produced by Celador's Christian Colson. Film4's Tessa Ross and Celador Films' Paul Smith act as Executive Producers. Francois Ivernel and Cameron McCracken of Pathé act as Co-Executive Producers.
(KMcA)