Digital cinema burns up Benelux B.O.

Theatrical revenue in Belgium to grow 30% by 2010

By ARCHIE THOMAS

LONDON -- Digital cinema is fuelling box office growth in the Benelux territories of Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg, according to cinema analyst Dodona Research, which also reported that theatrical admissions in Greece will rise 25% to 16.25 million in the next four years.

Dodona predicts a 30% growth in B.O. by 2010 in Belgium where 4% of screens are already digital. Leading exhib, Kinepolis, accounts for 45% of admissions and has pledged to give all 132 screens on its Belgium circuit a digital makeover by the end of 2007.

The digital revolution in Luxembourg is being led by Utopia Group, which operates 100 screens (30 are digital) in Benelux and France. Dodona predicts Luxembourg biz will surge by 46% to e11 million ($13.9 million) by 2010.

Box office growth in the Netherlands is also expected, but at a less radical rate due to slower multiplex development.

"Benelux is often overlooked due to its relatively small size. However, it has consistently proved to be an area where exhibitors are innovative, introducing new technologies," said Dodona's Katharine Wright.

The B.O. in Benelux, with a population of 27 million, was worth $346 million in 2005.

Meanwhile, growth in Greece is surging thanks to the 2004 Olympics when redevelopment reinvigorated parts of Athens, which are now being targeted by exhibitors, according to Dodona's Katharine Wright.

Growth is less predictable in Malta, where there are 1 million admissions a year. Tourists and students account for a big percentage of cinemagoers.

B.O. business in Cyprus is severely dented by rampant piracy, which local bizzers report is halving admissions.