Pinewood confident over sales

Film studios firm Pinewood Shepperton has said it was on track to meet market hopes on annual sales despite first-half revenues running below last year - reports The Press Association.

Pinewood, whose studios produced blockbusters such as the James Bond series and the Dark Knight, said film revenues will fall mainly the second half of the year.

Sales for the first half - from January 1 to June 4 - were below the comparable period in 2008, Pinewood added.

The Buckinghamshire-based firm said it is was placed and looked to the future with "confidence" although it will keep a close eye on costs in the current difficult climate.

But it also hinted that the end could be in sight for a damaging battle between US studios and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).

The company said the result of a ballot on the negotiations was due on June 9 and the national board of directors of SAG has recommended members accept the deal.

Pinewood said an agreement would enable US film producers to plan for production with "more certainty".

Last year it warned that the negotiations caused concerns over the timing and level of film activity.

Despite the cuts in UK broadcasters' programme investment, Pinewood said demand for television services had continued to be stable.

It said it is well placed to offer "cost effective" options in response to "increasing pressure on production budgets".

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