Global film box office takings fell nine per cent in 2005, though industry bodies remain positive.

The Motion Picture Association of America added that just four films took more than $300m (£172m) outside the US – seven did in 2004.

Chief executive Dan Glickman said things will improve in 2006 thanks to a run of blockbuster sequels and animations, however. He also predicted international sales will grow by 12% by 2011 due to emerging markets in China and Russia.

The decline comes after a 24% increase in 2004, continued Glickman, and 50% growth in the last decade. He blamed 2005's fall on slumps in key markets such as Germany and Japan.

The industry boss also suggested cinema owners should pressurise governments to enforce piracy laws. He blamed 90% of illegal bootlegs on camcorder filming by cinema-goers. He explained: "For all our efforts to combat it, we have yet to come up with a foolproof solution to the problem."