Paramount Pictures International has picked up distribution rights to Nigel Cole’s British comedy We Want Sex for the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Produced by Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen for Number 9 Films, it is the second partnership between Number 9 and Paramount following last year’s adaptation of the Toby Young novel, How To Lose Friends And Alienate People.

Hanway Films, who is handling international sales, has also secured deals with ARP in France and Lucky Red in Italy.

Based on a true story, We Want Sex is about the 1968 strike at a Ford car factory that led to new legislation to ensure women received equal pay to men. It stars Sally Hawkins alongside Andrea Riseborough, Bob Hoskins, Daniel Mays, Geraldine James and Jaime Winstone.

The film, which is being backed by BBC Films, UK Film Council Premiere Fund, BMS Finance and Lip Sync Productions, has just finished shooting in Eastbourne.