QUICK TAKES - July 18, 2009

The “Transformers” sequel has become China’s biggest box office hit ever by earning $59 million, a publicist for the country’s leading state-run film company said Friday.

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” surpassed the 11-year-old record set by “Titanic,” said spokesman Weng Li at the China Film Group, one of the country’s two film importers. “Titanic” made about $43 million based on exchange rates in 1998, the year it was released.

“This is a tremendous achievement for the market in China and clearly shows that there is a strong growing demand for international films,” said Mike Ellis, Asia-Pacific managing director of the Motion Picture Assn. of America.