Participant Productions, the Los Angeles based entertainment company founded in 2004 by eBay pioneer and philanthropist Jeff Skoll, has acquired North American rights and taken an equity stake in the upcoming film, "Fast Food Nation" from HanWay Films, which is handling international sales, it was announced today by Participant Productions President Ricky Strauss.

Recorded Picture Company production, produced by Jeremy Thomas and Malcolm McLaren, FAST FOOD NATION is directed by Richard Linklater and written by Eric Schlosser and Linklater. The film is inspired by Schlosser’s bestseller "Fast Food Nation." Jeff Skoll will serve as executive producer. The film is scheduled to begin production this fall. Currently, Participant is co-producing, with Warner Bros, "Syriana," written and directed by Stephen Gaghan and starring George Clooney and Matt Damon, and Untitled Niki Caro Project, directed by Niki Caro (Whalerider) and starring Charlize Theron.