Story Categories: Film, Finance, Internet, Japan,

   In addition to replacing more than half of its board of directors, Pia plans to cut nearly one third of its staff -- about 100 employees. It also plans to expand its Internet and other business opportunities through a tie-up with Toppan, a major printer with interests in Web publishing and other media.

   Pia is also seeking a capital injection, but whether it will come from Toppan or another partner has yet to be announced.

   For the last fiscal year, ending on March 31, 2008, Pia reported a 2% drop in sales, to Y98.1 billion  ($934 million), and $23.8 million loss arising from the troubled introduction of a new ticket sales system. That compares with a profit of $1.8 million the previous fiscal year. Pia's operating loss amounted to $12.4 million.

   For the current fiscal year, ending in March 2009, Pia is predicting a total loss of $24.3 million, with the looming possibility of liabilities outweighing assets unless it gets its financial house in order.