Becker sees bumpy future
Low grossers and economic crisis promise hard times
"It is now apparent that the group may realize an operating loss for this half year and this could result in an overall operating loss for the full 12 months," the company said in a statement.
For many years, Becker's bread and butter has been sale of TV programs to Asia and pacts with regional broadcasters to produce gameshows and other fare, most significantly a 10-year deal with Indonesia's RCTI.
A string of disappointing releases for Becker's REP Oz releasing banner include "Mimic," the Russell Crowe-Youki Kudoh starrer "Heaven's Burning," "An American Werewolf in Paris" and "Primary Colors."
Measures to reduce Becker's reliance on Oz box office receipts and Asian ventures include a joint venture with Oz-based global exhib Hoyts to form a national arthouse chain Down Under. The pact provides for some of Oz's best-known arthouse cinema brands to sell 50% of their interests to a joint venture company.
Becker contributes its Dendy Cinema chain, while Hoyts contributes arthouse screens in Sydney and Brisbane. Half-interests in Perth's Luna, Melbourne's Longford and Adelaide's Nova Cinemas will also be brought into the web.
