French distributor SND has picked up theatrical distribution rights to Alex De La Iglesia’s new Spanish-language dark comedy As Luck Would Have It, starring Salma Hayek, from the film’s producers.

Also, the film has sold to Pedro Leda’s company Ledafilms for distribution in Latin America and to Filmauro for distribution in Italy

The film is currently shooting in Cartagena, Spain and tells the story of an unemployed advertising executive, played by Jose Mota, who has a nasty fall, which attracts a lot of media attention and allows him to reunite with his wife (Hayek) and son and help support them financially as he lies dying.

The script was originally written in English by Randy Feldman and developed by former DC Comics president Jenette Kahn and ex Motion Picture Corp executive Adam Richman. De La Iglesia confirmed to ScreenDaily that the concept and story has remained much the same, but instead of being set in a building it is now set in a real Roman amphitheatre in Cartagena.

Renowned Spanish producer Andres Vicente Gomez is producing the film for Valencia’s TriVision and Madrid based Al Fresco Enterprises. French outfit La Fabrique 2, who worked with Iglesia on The Last Circus, is a financial co-production partner on the project, providing 20% equity. Major broadcasters TVE and Canal+ are also backers.

The film is also shooting in Madrid and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. No sales agent has yet been confirmed.