Indie pics picking up B.O. steam

'Billy Elliot,' 'Best in Show' see increase

By CARL DIORIO

Brit drama "Billy Elliot," from Universal Focus and Working Title, saw a 14% B.O. climb from the previous weekend over three days, despite shedding three locations to 494.

Another steady comer among specialty pics is Warner Bros.' "Best in Show," which enjoyed a 21% gain (to $900,000) over three days in 58 fewer locations (350). And Paramount Classics' "You Can Count on Me" was up 76% at $530,000 over three days for a specialty niche-leading playdate average of $10,000.

"We're pretty stoked," Par Classics spokeswoman Eden Rosenfelt said.

Fox Searchlight was feeling good about its Geoffrey Rush starrer "Quills," which had a five-day bow of $314,200 in five cities and nine locations. Marquis de Sade biopic is prepping for expanded release.

"We're off and running," Searchlight distrib prexy Steve Giulula said.

There are no wide releases opening next weekend, with three wide bows set for the following weekend and a whopping five for Christmas week.