Britain's entertainment biz going strong

LONDON, July 1 (UPI) -- Britain's entertainment business is reportedly going strong, even with the country on "critical" national terror threat alert.

"I've worked here for over 15 years and, in my experience, the Brits are generally resilient," said Timothy Richards, the chief executive officer of Vue Entertainment.

"We've been here before with the IRA problems in the late '80s and early -90s," said Richards, who insists "people will still come out. They do not want to let the terrorists win."

The President of Paramount Pictures International, Andrew Cripps, agreed.

"Unfortunately, British audiences are used to terror threats," said Cripps.

"'Shrek the Third' did $8.8 million on Saturday which was over projections" he said -- suggesting that "perhaps audiences need to laugh. If there is any adverse impact, it is likely to be on the more serious fare."