Young people aged 15 to 24 are the most likely age group to go to the cinema. Fifty per cent of this age group reported attending the cinema once a month or more in Great Britain in 2002 compared with 17 per cent of those aged 35 and over.

The growth in cinema attendance has also occurred among children. In 2002 around a third on 4 to 14 year olds went to the cinema at least once a month. Of these, almost a tenth were accompanied by a grandparent, and over two thirds had been with a friend their own age. Over half of 15 to 34 year olds and two thirds of those aged 35 and over who went to the cinema once a month or more went with a partner or spouse.

Of the top 20 films at the UK box office in 2002, 13 were US productions (including Monsters Inc and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones), five were co-productions involving the UK (including Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, About A Boy, and Bend It Like Beckham), and two were co-productions between the US and other countries (Lord of the Rings: Two Towers and Scooby Doo).

Cinema has long faced competition from television as a source of entertainment. Around 85 per cent of adults watch television everyday. Men are more likely than women to watch factual programmes (89 per cent compared with 79 per cent). Women are more likely than men to watch drama (88 per cent compared with 73 per cent).

As well as cultural activities, film and television are global industries. In 2002, total exports of services by the film and television industries were £1,766 million, an increase of 2 per cent on 2001. Total imports were £1,938 million, an increase of 14 per cent on the previous year. The overall affect has been an increase in the net deficit to £173 million in 2002.

Forty-nine per cent of the film industry exports were to the USA, while 66 per cent of its imports were from the USA. In comparison, nearly 40 per cent of film companies’ exports and 31 per cent of their imports were to and from Europe respectively.