Movie ticket sales in China top US for first time

Movie ticket sales in China topped sales in North America’s movie industry for the first time on record, according to several industry trackers.

Lighthouse, a Chinese movie industry data tracker, recorded China’s box office receipts at $2.02 billion this year, ahead of Box Office Mojo’s North America record of $1.94 billion but slightly behind ComScore’s North America tally of $2.1 billion, The Washington Post reported.

“This is the first time in history,” said Lighthouse in a post on its Weibo social media account.

“What’s even more worthy of pride is that 85 percent of these movies are domestically made,” the company added. “Go Chinese movies!”

While some records indicated China has yet to surpass North American ticket sales, all trends agreed that China is heading towards a clear economic lead next year, as the country’s growing middle class appears to be watching more movies as the country recovers from its COVID-19 pandemic.

China, which underwent the first coronavirus pandemic, announced Monday its economy grew 4.9 percent in the third quarter from one year ago.

The country imposed stricter pandemic measures when theaters reopened in July, requiring movie-goers to allow at least two seats of space between attendees.

Now, theaters are 75 percent open and allow for more occupants, though theater officials still maintain safety precautions such as requiring face coverings and compulsory temperature checks.

Before the coronavirus’s advent earlier this year, China was expected to surpass North American movie ticket sales due to the country’s growing middle class and rising entertainment infrastructure.

Ticket sales in China surged this month during the country’s “Golden Week” holiday. However, sales fell short of 2019 records, a tally from the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television reported.

China has been meticulous in handling the COVID-19 pandemic this year, making all attempts to stamp out the virus before severe outbreaks affect the bulk of its population.

In the eastern port city Qingdao, authorities ordered 9 million residents to be tested this month following the discovery of 12 new cases.