'Transformers' could earn record China box office

BEIJING (AP) — The latest "Transformers" movie that heavily features Chinese locations, actors and products has so far earned almost as much in China as in the United States. It has been helped by a record number of screenings for a foreign movie.

 

"Transformers: Age of Extinction" has made an estimated $149 million in the U.S. and $134 million in China, the world's respective first and second biggest movie markets, according to the box office tracking website Box Office Mojo.

 

It was released on the same day in both markets and director Michael Bay's film heavily courted the Chinese audience.

 

Hou Tao, vice president of entertainment consultancy EntGroup, said Sunday that "Transformers" is on course to beat "Avatar" as the biggest earner at the Chinese box office. "Avatar" earned $218 million.