Transformers International Sales Gets Small Boost From Relaxed Rules

     Beijing - In the first half of 2014, eight Hollywood films debuted in China the same day they opened in the United States, compared with just three in the first half of 2013.  "Transformer's":  Age of  Extinction", one of those "day-and-date releases, looks to be on pace to shatter China's all-time box office record, which is held by "Avatar."  China's box office grew more than 22% in the first half of 2014 to $2.2 billion.  United States titles such as "Transformers" helped imports (motion pictures produced in the United States) take more than 50% of ticket sales in the world's second -biggest movie market, China.  Rance Pow, president of Artisian Gateway, says Hollywood studios are having increased success at securing permission to simultaneously release their movies in the United States and China.  The balance between imported motion pictures and domestic productions is closely watched in China, where the government limits the number of foreign films shown in the country each year, release dates are controlled by the state-run China Film Group.  So far, 34 imported films have been shown in China in 2014.  The motion picture calendar for the next few months shows no major Hollywood picture titles on tap to be released in the Chinese film market.  "Striking a balance on box office remains important.  They're trying to allow in the best foreign content but not allow it to dominate," said Chen Shaofeng, deputy director of the Institute for Cultural Industries at Peking University.  Chen predicted that regulators will try to keep imported motion picture restrictions in place for the "forseeable future," said restrictions could be eased.  "If domestic films don't keep pace and stay competitive,"  he said, authorities "may allow more foreign content into the county to allow box office to continue to grow".  See also, www.paramountpictures.com.