Tom Cruise sets up page on Russian social network
Tom Cruise sets up page on social network Vkontakte in bid to woo Russian-speaking fans
This screen shot provided by the Russian social network Vkontakte shows a page set up by Hollywood star Tom Cruise. Tom Cruise has become the first Hollywood star to set up a page on the Russian social network Vkontakte. The "Top Gun" actor's page appeared Friday, announced by a message on Twitter saying "See you there!" in Russian. His profile picture is a poster for his new film "Oblivion," which comes out in Russia on April 11, two weeks before it opens in the U.S. (AP Photo/Vkontakte)
MOSCOW (AP) -- Tom Cruise has become the first Hollywood star to set up a page on the popular Russian social network Vkontakte.
The "Mission Impossible" actor's page appeared Friday, announced by a message on Twitter saying "See you there!" in Russian.
His profile picture is a poster for his new science fiction film "Oblivion," which comes out in Russia on April 11, two weeks before it opens in the U.S.
Cruise's page is a sign of Russia's increasing box office clout. Box office income rose 8 percent last year to $1.3 billion, the ninth-highest in the world, and is expected to grow 9 percent this year.
Vkontakte, which means "In Contact," dominates the Russian social media market with more than 40 million users — about 10 times as many as use Facebook.
