Ealing Metro has struck a multi-territory deal with Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) on Michael Winterbottom’s Bailout to star Jack Black [pictured].

The Sony deal covers North America, South America, Australia, South Africa and Scandinavia and was negotiated by Will Machin for Ealing Metro with Tana Evans, Vice President Acquisitions & Distribution, and Michael Helfand, Executive Vice President, Business Affairs for SPWA.

The film is adapted from Jess Walter’s novel The Financial Lives Of The Poets.

Producers are Michael Besman (About Schmidt), Revolution’s Melissa Parmenter, Jack Black and Pryanka Mattoo.
The film is a production of Revolution Films, Ballyhoo and Electric Dynamite.

Will Machin, Head of Ealing Metro said: “We’re delighted to partner with Sony on this film. They share our enthusiasm for the project and our excitement at the pairing of Michael and Jack in this smart commercial comedy.”

The comedy is now set to shoot starting in January 2012 in the US. Further cast, which Ealing Metro tips as “additional US comedy stars” will be announced soon.

Black plays a man down on his luck as he loses his job and is about to lose his home when he thinks his wife is having an affair.

Ealing Metro’s slate also includes sports feature Fast Girls, Iain Softley’s Trap For Cinderella, and Very Good Girls to star Dakota Fanning and Elizabeth Olsen.