Culver City, CA (November 3, 2011) – Ealing Metro has struck a multi-territory deal with Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) on Michael Winterbottom’s (Trishna, The Trip, 24 Hour Party People) eagerly anticipated comedy BAILOUT starring Jack Black (School of Rock). The deal includes North America, South America, Australia, South Africa and Scandinavia and was negotiated by Will Machin for Ealing Metro along with Tana Evans, Vice President Acquisitions & Distribution, and Michael Helfand, Executive Vice President, Business Affairs for SPWA.

Helmed by Winterbottom and based on Jess Walter’s acclaimed novel The Financial Lives of the Poets, BAILOUT is produced by Michael Besman (About Schmidt), Melissa Parmenter (Trishna) Jack Black and Pryanka Mattoo.. It is a Revolution Films/Ballyhoo, Inc./Electric Dynamite Production and is slated to start shooting January, 2012, in the US. The Ealing Metro team expects to announce additional U.S. comedy stars for key roles in the near future.

Matt Prior (Jack Black) wakes up to find himself jobless, in serious debt, convinced his wife is having an affair and six days away from losing his home. BAILOUT is a heartfelt comedy about a down on his luck guy who will go to hysterical measures in order to take his life back.

Commenting on the deal, 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.”