An exclusive Q&A with Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais was kind enough to answer a few questions despite his full schedule, which I appreciate - a bit of a teaser for projects to come. Enjoy.

As 'Derek' comes to an end, what can we expect from the series special?

RG: Well I wouldn't spoil it for you by giving away any specific story lines but we'll get to see some resolution to everyone's story. The pursuit of happiness and the struggle for good in a harsh world is still the main theme I guess. The question is, does everyone find it. Oh, and I promise no one dies. 

Now that a David Brent mockumentary is confirmed, will we finally see him get a happy ending?

RG: It's hard to give Brent a happy ending as he's not sure himself what he really wants. We'll have fun trying to watch him find out though. Basically, He's been sold a lie. That fame will sort everything out. He's not a bad person. He just confuses popularity for respect. As viewers we're laughing at his blind spot. We're laughing at the huge difference between how he sees himself and the actual harsh reality of how he really is. This is what is both tragic and funny. If he was real we would have to be ashamed of ourselves for loving his struggle. But he's not so laugh away. And there's songs! 

Should fans suspect an album, a worldwide tour or both to follow his big screen debut?

RG: As it's a rockumentary there will certainly be a soundtrack album. And gigging with Foregone Conclusion is so much fun. So, yes. Both. 

Aside from 'Derek' and Brent have you got any ideas for a future TV series in mind?

RG: There's usually a backlog of half baked ideas floating around in the back of my mind but I never know if they will be TV, movie or stand up routines until closer to the time. The fun thing about ideas is they just sort of happen and there's nothing you can do about it. 
Between all you've got going on is it too much to presume you've got time for a new stand up tour? 
RG: I would love to do another live tour. I've got about 20 pages of notes I've been making over the past 3 or 4 years, but stand up always seems to be pushed to the back of the cue when films and TV pop up. The next couple of years is already full so the earliest it would be is 2016. I hope I'm still alive.

BBC Films Press Release

Multi award winning comedy actor, writer & director Ricky Gervais is developing a brand new movie, based on his creation David Brent, the focus of his global hit series, The Office.
'Life on the Road' is currently being developed with BBC Films and goes in to production in 2015.

We find out what Brent is doing now and what’s happened in the last 15 years since his redundancy from his beloved Wernham Hogg.

He’s a sales rep now, selling cleaning products up and down the country, but has never really given up on his dream of being a rock star.
Brent is followed on his self-financed UK tour. He thinks it’ll be like Scorsese filming the Rolling Stones, but it turns out to be a “Where are they now?” documentary.

He has to take a few weeks off work and cash in a couple of pensions, because the session musicians in the band are costing him more than he’s getting in ticket sales. Tragic.

The movie will be filmed in the UK but due to its global appeal will be distributed worldwide.

The Office is the most successful British Comedy of all time, shown in over 100 countries with remakes in 8, including US, Chile and most recently the Czech Republic.

Ricky Gervais Twitter Q&A with @GoldDerby

GD: Hey @rickygervais - you ready to rock and Emmy roll with @goldderby?

RG: Bring it on.

GD: What's more important, winning the Emmy or beating Louis CK?

RG: Haha. I love Louis but he sweats way too much in a Tuxedo. No one wants to see that on stage at such a prestigious event.

GD: So true. You never sweat it. What's more important, winning the Emmy or world peace?

RG: World peace. Definitely world peace. (I'll DM you the real answer)

GD: In 2007 you staged Best Actor upset, triggering 4,291 Hollywood heart attacks. You're aiming for how many this year?

RG: Haha. Yeah there were a lot of raised eyebrows that night. (Well there would have been if they hadn't all had so much Botox.)

GD: You also won Best Comedy Series in 2006 as producer of the US 'The Office'. Were 'Curb', 'Scrubs' and '2.5 Men' sore losers?

RG: Even I don't remember that. I think you know way too much about award shows. (I bet Larry didn't even turn up.)

GD: Our editors pick you to win now for two reasons: 1) You're sexy. 2) Your episode entry (brilliant!). Why episode 6, season 2 of 'Derek'?

RG: I think it's the most stand alone episode with a bit of everything. Comedy, tragedy and heart. Sexy indeed...

GD: Were you tempted to have Derek's date go awry? So sweet to see it be happy. She sees Derek's charm and goodness, so we do too.

RG: I love my characters so I always try to give them eventual joy. Derek deserves happiness and I can make sure he gets it. :)

GD: Derek's inspiring speech at the end should be etched in marble. Sums up who he is and who we SHOULD be. Hard for you to write?

RG: Writing and acting like Derek is like life: Just be kind and everything turns out OK. I'm thinking of just being him full time. :)

GD: Ah, sweet idea! What are your future plans for the 'Derek' series?

RG: Probably the same as The Office and Extras: Two seasons and a special. Lazy.

GD: Not lazy. Sounds right. If you win an Emmy will you: 1) Give poignant speech? 2) Trash the joint like a frathouse bash?

RG: I will trash the place,  but I'll do it crying and thanking god. Multi tasking.

GD: GREAT! Greatest perk of your career! Last question: Is it ever OK to kill for an Emmy?

RG:  Is it okay for a lion to kill if it's protecting its baby? (It's getting weird now. Thanks for the chat.)

GD: Thanks for chatting with us Ricky! Have FUN on Augest 25th at Nokia Theater.