WITH a P&A budget that represents close to 30% of the film’s overall budget, Ginger Snaps’ opening weekend figures were somewhat disappointing to distributor TVA International.

Given the publicity blast that cost the distrib $1 million, the $4.5-million film, which opened the weekend of May 11-13 on 84 screens across Canada, grossed an unexpected $150,000 – good for Canadian film standards, not so good in light of the marketing push, says Dan Lyon, VP of distribution for TVA.

After its second weekend, May 18-21, the film grossed $110,000, totaling upwards of $325,000 in Canada.

‘We’re happy, but we’re not ecstatic,’ says Lyon. ‘The numbers are below our projections, but still a respectable performance.’

Ginger Snaps, a coming-of-age teen werewolf tale, was written by Karen Walton, directed by John Fawcett (The Boys Club), produced by Steve Hoban & Karen Lee Hall, and stars Emily Perkins and Katherine Isabelle.

Lions Gate is handling international sales on the film, which has been sold to most territories. The U.S. distribution rights were held by Blockbuster, which in turn struck a revenue-sharing deal with Artisan for theatrical release in the U.S.

Artisan has yet to commit to a U.S. release date, waiting first to see how the film performs at home.