ZOMBIES DID KILLER BUSINESS FOR VIACOM

Underlining the importance of the overseas box office, Viacom reported today (Thursday) that its filmed entertainment unit’s revenue increased 11 percent in the company’s fourth quarter, largely due to the success of Paramount’s Brad Pitt starrer World War Z. The film grossed $540 million worldwide, but nearly two-thirds of that amount came from overseas ticket sales. Revenue at Viacom’s cable networks, which include MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, and Comedy Central, was up 7 percent in the quarter. In a statement, Viacom Executive Chairman Sumner Redstone said, “Viacom’s outstanding performance proved once again the broad global demand for our valuable content. Looking forward, our world-class brands are perfectly positioned to build on this performance and achieve even greater success.”