Hollywood eyes record $10 billion in Box Office in 2009

Hollywood eyeing more than $10 billion this year as audiences flocked to theaters during the recession. According to The Hollywood Reporter, so far moviegoers had snapped up $9.67 billion worth of tickets at domestic — U.S. and Canadian — box offices through Tuesday, said tracking firm Hollywood.com Box Office.

“The global economy is taking a major hit, and when these conglomerates that own movie studios are having a tough time, it’s at least one bright spot in the equation,” said Paul Dergarabedian, president of Hollywood.com Box Office. “People are still, in 2009, going to the movies in big numbers.”

Surprise hits have included Paramount Pictures’ “Paranormal Activity” raking in $107 million. Warner Bros. put out two unexpected smashes, “The Hangover” ($277 million) and “The Blind Side” ($131 million and still counting.)