SLOWDOWN AT SONY

It could have been worse.

Even as Sony Corp. was projecting a companywide operating loss for its year ending March 31, the Tokyo-based firm’s Hollywood studios were generating dramatic sales increases.

The numbers: Filmed entertainment brought sales of $112.5 million for the quarter ending Dec. 31-an increase of 65.4% over the corresponding period a year earlier. Sony’s total television, movie and record sales for the period rose 25.2%

But can the studios keep performing in 1992?

The answer hinges largely on the success of the films Columbia Pictures and TriStar Picturesare releasing this year. Sony also would get a lift if one of its nominated 1991 releases-such as Columbia’s “Bugsy” or “Prince of Tides”-wins an Academy Award.

“It feels like they’ve spent a lot of money and gotten several good projects, “ said Kenneth Turan, a film critic for The Times. “But you can never know what’s going to pay off.”

On Columbia and TriStar’s 1992 release schedules: “Radio Flyer:” A film about child abuse. “Gladiator:” An urban-based action film. “Basic Instinct:” Perhaps the most controversial film of 1992, an erotic thriller starring Michael Douglas and Karen Stone. “A League of Their Own:” The story of a woman’s baseball team, directed by Penny Marshall. “Dracula:” The classic horror story, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. “A Few Good Men:” Features two bankable stars, Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise. “Age of Innocence:” Directed by Martin Scorsese. “Mr. Saturday Night:” Stars Billy Crystal, who also directs.

In television, Sony also will continue to be the leading producer and distributor of half-hour situation comedies, according to Pete Wilke, a company spokesman.

Net earnings, years ending March 31 (millions of dollars)

1988: $294

1989: $580

1990: $822

1991: $935

1992: $984*

* Includes one-time, $492 million gain from sale of Sony Music Entertainment stock.

Source: Sony Corp.