Awards tipped British film tops UK and Irish box office Momentum Pictures records its biggest ever opening weekend 10 January 2011, London, UK – Momentum Pictures, an Alliance Films company, is pleased to announce that THE KING’S SPEECH grossed £3,530,000 in its opening weekend in the UK from 395 cinemas. The British drama starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter and directed by Tom Hooper was the number one film at the UK and Irish box office with a screen average of £8,885. Since its UK premiere at the London Film Festival in October, THE KING’S SPEECH has received strong critical support and global awards recognition as well as enthusiastic word of mouth from festivals and preview audiences. Xavier Marchand, President of Momentum Pictures, an Alliance Films company, commented, “The response from UK audiences to THE KING’S SPEECH has been incredible. This is British film making at its finest and that has not gone unrecognised by British cinemagoers. Momentum has been involved with THE KING’S SPEECH from early on and this weekend is the culmination of over a year’s hard work and great passion for the film.” Hamish Moseley, VP Theatrical Sales for Momentum Pictures, added, “THE KINGS SPEECH has united audiences across the UK. The appetite to see the film immediately has been immense and cinemas are unanimously reporting sold out screens, spontaneous applause and standing ovations. In terms of comparison openings, THE KING’S SPEECH really is in a league of its own.” Momentum Pictures developed and co-financed THE KING’S SPEECH as part of their ‘first-look’ deal with Iain Canning and Emile Sherman’s independent production company See-Saw Films. THE KING’S SPEECH marks the debut release in the relationship. “As producers, we are overwhelmed by the UK box office result this weekend,” said producer Iain Canning of See-Saw Films. “We always hoped that THE KING’S SPEECH would connect with a wide audience and so it is wonderful to see that the film’s themes of overcoming our fears and finding your own voice have struck a cord with audiences as a way to combat the January blues - we couldn't be happier.” Based on the true story of Queen Elizabeth II's father THE KING’S SPEECH is the fascinating, moving and often humorous story of the personal relationship that developed between England’s reluctant King George VI, plagued by a nervous stammer, and his irreverent Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue. Jan Constantine has teamed up with ‘The King’s Speech’, the film that the whole of Hollywood is talking about! With an all-star cast including Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter and releasing in cinemas on January 7, we are delighted to be able to offer some very exclusive prizes. Jan Constantine has teamed up with ‘The King’s Speech’, the film that the whole of Hollywood is talking about! With an all-star cast including Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter and releasing in cinemas on January 7, we are delighted to be able to offer some very exclusive prizes. Jan Constantine has officially teamed up with ‘The King’s Speech’ and are delighted to be able to offer some very exclusive prizes. The competition that is running online and in stores across the UK will allow one lucky winner to bag themselves a royal Windsor Castle weekend fit for a king! The lucky winner will receive a luxury two night break at the 4* Mercure Windsor Castle Hotel, including breakfast, access to Royal Windsor Castle, access to the state apartments and passes to St George’s Chapel. To top it off the winner will receive entry to the world’s most famous dolls house and enjoy traditional English afternoon tea in the Castle Hotel. Jan has also designed two limited edition, ‘Proud to be British – Bertie’, mini cushions. There are just 50 available to buy at £56.50 each and can be purchased from www.janconstantine.com. Images: www.picselect.com