ENG-1992 — Page 361

COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

Film Industry

Despite the popularity of video clubs and the widespread ownership of video cassette recorders, cinema-going remained a popular leisure activity. Attendance in 1992 totalled 47 million, compared with 51 million in 1991. The number of cinemas increased from 166 in 1991 to 175 in 1992. Mini-cinemas, have replaced large cinemas and have proved popular to cinema-goers.

While imported films continued to be popular, good quality local films were still the favourities. During the year, locally-produced films totalled 376 (including 11 co- productions) compared with 211 (including four co-productions) in 1991. Action films and comedies continued to dominate the market. The biggest box-office hits for the year included Justice My Foot, which grossed $49.9 million. All's Well Ends Well ($49.0 million), Royal Tramp ($40.9 million) and Royal Tramp II ($36.6 million).

Films are classified into three categories: approved for exhibition to persons of any age (Category I); to be advertised as not suitable for children (Category II); and to be exhibited only to people aged 18 years or above (Category III). Classification standards are based on the result of regular surveys of community views. A statutory panel of advisers, comprising about 200 members drawn from a wide cross-section of the community, assists in the classification process.

During the year 1 186 films intended for public exhibition were submitted for classi- fication compared with 1 337 in 1991. Of these, 232 were classified Category I (with no excisions); 485 Category II (36 with excisions); and 469 Category III (322 with excisions). A total of 3 350 items including video tapes, slides and laser discs were exempted from classification.

"

307