Paramount Pictures International Crosses $2 Billion Box Office Mark

LONDON -- Paramount Pictures International (PPI), has announced that it has become has become the first studio to cross the $2 billion mark at the international box office in 2011.

According to the studio, it reached the benchmark in record time, just 50 days after passing $1 billion on June 10.

The feat marks the second calendar year in which Paramount has grossed $2 billion at the international box office, achieving the mark on Saturday July 30, five months earlier than their prior record for a calendar year in 2008.

The news comes just one week after Paramount’s 3D blockbuster Transformers: Dark Of The Moon became the first ever Paramount-produced title to cross $500 million at the international box office; as well as becoming PPI’s highest grossing international release of all-time.

The studio's successes have included Kung Fu Panda 2, which currently has an international gross of $447.3m as well as Thor ($267.4 m). Rango, Little Fockers and True Grit.

Captain America currently has an international total of $53.9 million after its first weekend.

“Our team has made creating a best-in-class international operation a cornerstone of our business,” said Paramount Pictures chairman & CEO Brad Grey. “I’m grateful for everyone’s hard work across the globe that helped us achieve this milestone once again.”

“We are delighted to hit the $2 billion threshold so quickly this year,” said PPI president Andrew Cripps. “Credit has to go to the fantastic films we have had to release this year as well as the talented marketing and distribution teams working on Paramount films around the world.”

Films still to  be released in 2011 include Cowboys And Aliens, Paranormal Activity 3 and The Adventures Of Tintin.