Three European independentfilm outfits - Germany's Constantin and the UK's Civilian Content and Metrodome- unveiled positive financial results for 2004 this morning (March 30).

Leading German producer anddistributor Constantin Film announced 2004 net profits of $9.1m (Euros 7m) onrevenues of $319.8m (Euros 246.9m). This compared with a net loss of $12.8m(Euros 9.9m) in 2003 on revenues of $148.04m (Euros 114.3m).

Constantin's results were boosted by the exceptional box office performance of Dreamship Surprise - Period 1 and Downfall. Between them, the films chalked up Euros 81m at the German box office.

UK production and salescombine Civilian Content announced a pre-tax profit of $1.5m (£771,000) for the12 months ended 31 December 2004 on revenues of $7.3m (£3.9m). This compareswith a net loss of $2.3m (£1.2m) on revenues of $4.5m (£2.4m) in 2003.

In a statement, Civiliansaid that having rationalised its core activities it was now "actively seekingthe acquisition of complimentary businesses."

Managing director Chris Autysaid: The company is currently focusing its attention in two areas: the furtherdevelopment of new project financing structures (in regard to which theChancellor's recent budget statement has been broadly positive), and corporateopportunities in the wider media environment, including UK distribution."

Meanwhile UK distributorMetrodome Group announced a 2004 net profit of $451,000 (£240,000) on revenuesof $10.7m (£5.7m). This compares with a 2003 loss of $207,000 (£110,000) onrevenues of $9.2m (£4.9m). The highlight of the year for Metrodome was thetheatrical and DVD release of Monster, whose star, Charlize Theron, wonthe 2004 Oscar for best actress. The film became Metrodome's biggest-ever boxoffice success.

The film took $4.9 (£2.6m)at the box office generating Metrodome theatrical revenue of over $1.3m(£700,000). Metrodome said that it had sold over 90,000 copies of the MonsterDVD generating another $1.5m (£800,000) in revenue.

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