Brighter picture at Pinewood

PINEWOOD Shepperton today said the filming of three blockbusters at its facilities west of London had pushed first-half profits slightly beyond City expectations.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Intimidation Game and the fourth Harry Potter film helped push turnover up 10.3% to £20.4m and underlying operating profits up to £6.7m, up 15.8%.

he soundtracks for summer spectaculars Troy and Thunderbirds were also mixed at Pinewood.

The strong results will cheer the company's many new shareholders who helped make its float in May one of the most successful of the year so far.

Exceptional costs of £5.9m mostly relating to the listing and new debt and equity issues left pre-tax profits at £1.6m.

Pinewood will announce its maiden dividend with full-year results.