Sherlock Special Enjoys Global Cinema Success

The 90 minute Victorian special was released in more than 6,000 screens in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, and has already been seen by over five million people in these countries to date. It took number one spots in Hong Kong and South Korea for English language releases and for its Chinese premiere on 4th January, it was the No. 1 English language release at the box office for four days, (4th to 7th January inclusive).  In South Korea, Sherlock over took Star Wars: The Force Awakens in its opening week and outsold the franchise 4 to 1. 

In China its box office revenue has exceeded $19 million whilst in South Korea, it has taken over $7 million. 

In the US, following its premiere on PBS/Masterpiece, BBC Worldwide North America (BBCWNA) held limited release cinema events on over 750 screens in the U.S. (January 5and 6) and in Canada (January 4 and 6).  In the US the cinema event had the highest gross per-screen average out of the top 10 films of all nationwide releases, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and ranked No. 5 in the box office overall.  The theatrical events grossed $2.7million in North America.

In Australia, the special grossed over Aus$750k from its limited theatrical release on January 2nd and 3rd.  The cinema screenings supported the premiere on streaming service STAN where it is fast becoming one of its most watched shows. 

In Europe, the special was screened in 86 cinemas in Poland, with 37,000 fans enjoying the one-night event on January 7th and in Russia it was top of the box office on its 4th January debut based on per screen average with ticket sale revenues at 4.3 million roubles that day despite having premiered on network television three days previously.  

In the UK, the show received a very limited screening in select cinemas whilst being simulcast on BBC One.  A total of 18,600 fans enjoyed the special on the big screen across 127 cinemas nationwide.

Sally de St Croix, Head of Drama Brands, BBC Worldwide comments: “The intention was always to give Sherlock: The Abominable Bride a limited release to amplify the TV moment and create a piece of event cinema for fans to enjoy.  We never expected it to outshine major Hollywood franchises at the box office and couldn’t be more thrilled with the results.”

Sue Vertue of Hartswood Films and producer of Sherlock adds: “Thank you to all the fans around the world that have enjoyed our special episode.  I’m pleased to say that preparations for Series 4 are well underway…the game continues…”

Sherlock is licensed to over 225 territories globally and The Abominable Bride is still to transmit across many international TV networks. It has been screened in cinemas in over 20 countries to date.

Sherlock is written and created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, and inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock is produced by Sue Vertue and the executive producers are Beryl Vertue, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat for Hartswood Films, Bethan Jones for BBC Cymru Wales, and Rebecca Eaton for Masterpiece. 

For more information, please contact:

Reetu Kabra: BBC Worldwide Communications:

Reetu.Kabra@bbc.com / 020 8433 2980

NOTES TO EDITORS

About BBC Worldwide
BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).  Its vision is to build the BBC’s brands, audiences, commercial returns and reputation across the world.  This is achieved through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values.  The business also champions British creativity globally.

In 2014/15, BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £138.6m and headline sales of £1,001.8m and returned a record £226.5m to the BBC. For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review website:

http://www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview

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