Vancouver: For fiscal year 1998 (ended Aug. 31), Vidatron Entertainment Group of Vancouver posted a 36% increase in revenue to $32.5 million. In 1997, the company grossed $23.6 million.

Net earnings for the year were $1.8 million ($0.27 per share) compared to a loss for the prior year of $1.2 million or ($0.26 per share). The prior year loss was due to one-time charges of $2.6 million.

Also in the year-end report, shareholder equity improved 94% to $17.7 million and working capital increased 40% to $5.9 million.

During the year, Vidatron delivered episodes of Dead Man’s Gun, which is distributed by Buena Vista Television, airs on Showtime Networks and ChumCity, and was renewed for a second 22-episode season by mgm.

Vidatron also delivered eight of 22 episodes of new series First Wave, which is distributed internationally by Pearson Television International and airs nationally on chum’s Space: The Imagination Station and eight other regional networks.

These two series together will generate 30 hours of programming in the first and second quarters of 1999.