THE HUNGER GAMES HEADING FOR CHINA

Lionsgate will take advantage of China’s recent relaxation of its quota for foreign films by remastering its hit film The Hunger Games for digital IMAX. In February China agreed to raise the limit of foreign films from 20 to 34, provided the additional 14 films are available in 3D or IMAX. Converting the movie to 3D would have involved a lengthy and costly process, but such is not the case with converting it to the IMAX format. In a statement, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-chairmen Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman said “We’re thrilled that we can introduce the film to the Chinese movie-going public in the premium IMAX format that celebrates its status as a special and memorable event.” The film has already grossed $400 million domestically and nearly $650 million overseas, but the limited IMAX distribution in China is not likely to lift its foreign gross significantly. It will be shown in only 67 IMAX theaters, virtually all the IMAX theaters that currently exist in the country.