 RICKY'S BLOG - Read Ricky's thoughts on his upcoming movies, visits to restaurants and round-headed friends. Week one hundred and five - February 2010 As you may have read I am being honoured at this year's World TV Festival in Banff, Canada. We've won a couple of Banff awards before for best sitcom (for The Office and Extras obviously) and I'm so glad we were nice about them in this little video. Week one hundred and four - February 2010 We finished Cemetery Junction today. Steve tried on the editor's hat. But then he kept it on for hours because people said it suited him. Don't be surprised if you start seeing Steve around town in an Orson Wells style fedora. Have a nice weekend. Song. The trailer seems to be doing its job in warning people that Cemetery Junction is a drama. If The Office is 80/20 comedy/drama and The Invention of Lying was 50/50, then Cemetery Junction is probably 20/80. (This is not an official rating. Please do not write to the Queen if you only find it 19% funny - or not funny at all. Many people don't find anything I've ever done funny. Yeh I know, crazy isn't it?) Here's the trailer with accompanying review. The show we're doing for SkyTV with Karl traveling the globe is looking great. He did some really great stuff in Egypt. I've honestly never seen his head look so fucking round and tired and gimp. Perfect. Nearly finished the film. Nearly finished plugging the DVD. Nearly finished the HBO animation. Nearly finished the final Guide to.. Just got to Start plugging the film. Start making the DVD. Start plugging the HBO animation. Annoy and bully Karl in private... "Gervais admits bullying..." "And he hates poor little blind babies..." "And The Office wasn't funny... and the blind baby thing..." song. Did an interview for these chaps. Oh, and the poster for Cemetery Junction is done. 
Did a photo shoot with David Bailey. (When I say "with" I mean he was largely taking the pictures, obviously.) I did a shoot with him a few years ago for American GQ and I'm glad to say he is still as mad as ever. In a good way obviously. He's really funny. He reminds me of Dudley Moore in his 'Derek and Clive' persona. Channel 4 had the world exclusive of the trailer for Cemetery Junction yesterday. If you missed it don't worry it's all over the internet by now. Here for example. Hope you like it. Week one hundred and three - January/February 2010 Amazing news. They found my mate's missing dog. Hooray and thank you. It must be devastating to lose a dog. Like losing a little friend. I remember when Robin ran away in Cardiff. I was beside myself. He turned up a few days later and said he couldn't stand the car journey back to London not being able to stop for a wee. Bad Boy Robin. Rules are rules. 
More junkets. Went for a run. Drank wine. Watched telly. I'm on The Jonathan Ross Radio Show tomorrow. Which is more than I can say for him. He's ill. (Get well soon.) David Tennant and Catherine Tate are standing in. Who? (Geddit?) This is nice. I love Gosling. If De Niro is the new Brando and Norton is the new De Niro, then Gosling is the new all of them. He's good and cool and a serious actor is the point I'm trying to make. Thank you. Have a nice weekend. Calling all New Yorkers. Please help. My friend's dog is missing and she's the love of his life. Search Manhattan. Thank you 
Did a day of online interviews today for the DVD. I didn't do too many so I could be selective, and it was actually good fun. Still going to do fewer and fewer interviews over the next year or so. Then I'm going to give up talking all together. (Cue cheers from the haters.) We're recording the Guide to The Earth at the weekend. I'm afraid this will be the last Guide ever and maybe the last audiobook period. (We might do some exclusively for the animated TV series and release the uncut version afterwards.) We don't want to just milk it for all it's worth and out-stay our welcome. (Cue haters again - saying, "Too late.") It's been a while since I played you a song. This made me laugh out loud at a couple of points. One of these guys looks like he's had too many scotch eggs. Did loads of interviews today. I have no more things to say to anyone ever. I think after these junkets for the DVD, the animation, and Cemetery Junction I may do very very few interviews. I'd love to say NO interviews, but that's a bit impractical in my line of work. I'm not moaning, I promise, it's just that it seems I do an awful lot. There's always the audiobooks and the blog if you really miss me talking bollocks. Hope you enjoyed The Guide To The Human Body. [iTunes UK link] | [iTunes Rest of World link] No really. Because if you didn't like it I'm never doing anything ever again. Back in London. The DVD for The Invention of Lying had a great week. Thank you to the people of America who bought or rented it. The bonus features seem to be going down well too... Pop Matters Just Press Play It's out in The UK on Feb 1st. Here's one of the ads going out soon... 
I'm sure you could have guessed what the ad might look like but it's not easy filling a blog every day. The Ricky Gervais Guide to The Human Body is out tomorrow. All three of us think it's the best one so far. It will be tough to beat so we wont try. The Guide to The Earth will be shit to balance things out. (We haven't recored it yet but you've got to have an aim haven't you?) Week one hundred and two - January 2010 Spent the day filming my cameo on Louis C.K.'s new show. Great fun. Jane went for a walk in Central Park when I was on set. Can't believe I missed this;  
We're are off for a drink now. It's our last night in town but I want to get back in time for the final Conan show. Wonder how far he'll go. Saw that one English journalist said that my stint at The Globes wasn't very "Edgy." No, it wasn't. Although I should remind him that I did make jokes about masturbation and alcoholism amongst other things, at 5pm on Network Television. That's like making those jokes on Blue Fucking Peter for Christ's sake. Hope that puts things in context. Next time I'll do some Holocaust routines. Oh no. I did that last year. Did a little thing for Cancer Awareness Week. It was based on 'things you wish you hadn't said'. The tickets for my London, New York and L.A. dates go on sale tomorrow. Sorry I couldn't do more dates in each city but my time is limited this year. I really don't know how I'm so busy. I seem to say no to so many things every day but I'm still doing 10 things at once. Karl is staying in all day waiting for a delivery. Unbelievable. Hope you liked the free sample of The Guide to the Human Body. What a strange childhood Karl had. The free taster for The Guide to the Human Body is up now [via podcast at iTunes] The Guide to The Future did great, probably due to all the mentions of Karl's head on US chat shows over the past week. Off to do an interview with The New York Times now. I will of course mention the head again. Mickey Rourke thinks I'm cool. I would never argue with him. I should take this opportunity to say what a good sport everyone was, by the way. I know some of the reports have said they were upset, but it's not true. I also continued to tease them after the show and they were all great about it. I've had such a nice reaction from everybody here in Manhattan. Just well-wishers everywhere saying they enjoyed the show. Maybe that's just New Yorkers. After all they are meant to welcome "huddled masses". And I look like a huddled mass most of the time. Just went running in Central Park. So good for the soul. In fact, New York in general is good for the soul. Spike Lee came up to us by our apartment and said hello. He lives across the street. He was very nice indeed. And a genius obviously. The Invention of Lying DVD sold about 70,000 copies in a couple of hours today. My shameless plug seems to have worked. Ha ha. In New York. Louis C.K. was on the flight from L.A. He showed me some of his new show he's filming at the moment. It looks brilliant. He really is a very funny fat ginger slob. I'm doing a cameo for him on Friday. It's a great scene. The DVD for The Invention of Lying is out today in the U.S. But you don't need to go out shopping... buy it here [amazon.com] 
Spoke to Ashton Kutcher at The Globes. He told me he's been getting grief on Twitter because of what I said on this blog about it being a bit undignified for adults. I pointed out that he is young and cool and I am 48. He seemed like a very nice chap. So that was The Golden Globes. Hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. I was worried about the Paul McCartney line but then he came backstage and hugged me and said he loved it, so that was OK. Never piss off a Beatle - rule 1. Off to New York, so I'll do a more in-depth report later. Week one hundred and one - January 2010 Launched The Ricky Gervais Show to the press of America yesterday. Also spoke at some length about how stupid Karl is on Ellen. I'll make him a megastar yet. And he's gonna fucking hate it. Off to write some jokes for The Globes now. Everybody loves angry Conan. He was great last night and it was so much fun to be part of the show. I'm recording Ellen today and doing the TCAs with Merch. That's a big press event with a theatre full of journalists asking questions about new shows. We are launching the HBO animation obviously. The clip they showed on Conan went down great by the way. And I got to say the immortal words, "head like a fucking orange". Hope they left that bit in. Hope you saw the little tour I'm putting together. If you're passing London, New York or L.A., pop along. I can't do do many dates in each place as I'm whizzing back and forth doing other things, so I hope you manage to get a ticket. (If you want one, obviously. If you don't want one you'd be mad to buy one.) Doing The Conan O'Brien Show tonight. Should be interesting. My aborted twittering made The New York Times. I know I didn't exactly try very hard but I have bigger fish to fry. (That's not a metaphor; I'm actually cooking a large haddock at the moment.) Oh, I'm doing a few more live dates too. Tickets go on sale Jan 22nd. Song. Week one hundred - January 2010 As you may know I've stopped with Twitter. I just don't get it I'm afraid. I'm sure it's fun as a networking device for teenagers but there's something a bit undignified about adults using it. Particularly celebrities who seem to be showing off by talking to each other in public. If I want to tell a friend, famous or otherwise what I had to eat this morning, I'll text them. And since I don't need to make new virtual friends, it seemed a bit pointless to be honest. I suppose it was meant to be a bit of a marketing tool for The Globes, but they are watched by 25 million people in America alone and maybe 300 million people world wide - tweeting about it would be a drop in the ocean. Also I've got the website and I don't have to restrict things to 140 characters. My tweeting was becoming like a tabloid version of this blog, and I couldn't even put important stuff like this up. 
Here's a lovely song. 
Did the mix or the score today at Abbey Road. Had my final fitting for my Ted Baker suit for The Globes. Luckily I am the same shape as I was before Christmas. Good job I spent one whole night throwing my guts up. There's a lesson there kids. Did about 25 interviews via satellite for US TV too today. Because you're in a room by yourself looking at an unmanned camera, you forget you're on telly. At one point the producer asked me to stop slouching as I was nearly out of shot. Starting on The Guide to The Earth tomorrow. I will be slouching throughout. song. 
How beautiful is that? Though I must admit I'm looking forward to a couple of days in California too. Then New York. Doesn't matter what the weather's like there - it's New York. I've written a few bits and pieces for The Globes and I'm really looking forward to it now. I'm doing Conan and Ellen while I'm in L.A. and the DVD of The Invention of Lying is released the week of The Globes, so well worth the trip. Song. Recorded all the orchestra bits for Cemetery Junction today in Abbey Road Studios. It's times like that when you pinch yourself. Had a final meeting about the poster too. Looking good. (Mainly because I'm very small and at the back.) 
(That's not the poster by the way.) Went for a run over the Heath. It may be one of the most beautiful places in the world in the snow. 
Song. Another day of recording score. Full orchestra tomorrow. I might make Steve have a go on the tuba. Just for the photo opportunity. Did my first "tweet" all by myself. I may do another one tomorrow. So look forward to that. The trick is to confidently write banal self-obsessed things and assume the world wants to read them. I'm about to watch Celebrity Big Brother for inspiration. Two happy songs in a row. (Check out Merch getting down on Keyboards. He's even thrown away the specs.) Things seem to be back to normal. The shops are open, Karl is moaning about stuff and Steve has a cold. We spent the day in the studio, recording the score for Cemetery Junction. That's when dramatic scenes really start sending a chill down your spine. Or I could have just caught something off Steve. (I bet he was a sickly child. You could never feel sorry for a seven foot Tim Cratchet though could you?) A couple of weeks till The Golden Globes. No pressure. Here's another little trailer... The promos for the Ricky Gervais Show start next month too on HBO. It's on Channel 4 in March by the way. Only a few weeks after the US. Could be worse. We've also just found out that it's going to be sold around the rest of the world too. I know what you thinking... 'Wow. Things are going amazingly well and those audiobooks have turned out to be more money for old rope than any old rope has ever made before in the history of money or rope. Karl will have nothing to moan about ever again.' Yeh... I'm sure that will happen. Karl will never moan again. Definitely. Here's a happy little tune to cheer everyone up. Week ninety-nine - December 2009/January 2010 These guys know what they're talking about. Overlooked again. And still no Nobel Prize either. What do I have to do for Christ's sake? Here's another of my songs of the decade. A huge thank you to the wonderful Matt Holmes for this little mention of Cemetery Junction. We record the score next week and should have a trailer out too soon after that. Finished The Guide to the Human Body today. Best one so far I think. (Followed by Philosophy and Future). (Then English.) Oh fuck, another list... OK... 1. Human Body 2. Philosophy 3. Future 4. English 5. Arts 6. Law and Order 7. Society 8. Medicine 9. Natural History The reason why I've put Human Body at the top is because Karl tells 2 or 3 stories about his childhood that his parents reminded him of over Christmas. They are fucking mental. (The stories I mean, not his parents.) Anyway. Thanks for a great year and hope you had one too. Here's to 2010. (That's the Future)... out now. [iTunes UK] & [iTunes Rest of World] Another lovely list. As always I'm very flattered, but it's time to do a list without my shows in it. My list. I'd obviously like to put my shows in this list too but I may be accused of being biased. (Just assume they're there, if I'm being totally honest.) Ok. So...
Frequently answered questions in advance... Why no Simpsons? That's the best TV of the last 20 years so I thought I'd give everyone else a chance. Why are there hardly any British shows? I told you. I wasn't allowed to put The Office or Extras in. Why is your list all wrong and that? Because we like different things probably. Why isn't your list more like the list I would do? Because we like different things probably. Why have I noticed something about your list that makes you look pretentious/arrogant/inconsistent/insincere/something else you haven't covered? Because you have too much time on your hands. Were you being serious when you said you'd put your shows in this list if you were being honest? Sigh. Yes... yes... I really think The Office is the best song and TV show/film type thing of all time. Why are you even doing this list? To entertain myself/annoy people/entertain other people who like me annoying people. Why are you such a cunt? OK, Now you've got me. Happy New Year. So that was Christmas. Spent a couple of days with folks in the Reading area polishing my Berkshire accent for my next Hollywood movie. I think I ate about a week's worth of food and a month's worth of calories. I come from a background where fruit is something you take to people in hospital. Talking of hospital, I got a stomach bug of course. There are so many kids climbing all over you coughing in your face - little brats. I have lost count how many times I'm an uncle and great-uncle. About 30 I think. I spent most of Boxing Day night in the toilet. It was like the fucking Exorcist but from both ends. Here are the two newest sprogs. 
That's Faya. As you can see, I do quite a good impression of her. 
And this one is Starr. 
She does quite a good impression of me... Here's the family anthem. Hope you had a peaceful holiday. Hope you enjoy The Guide to the Future Hope God likes you and doesn't let anything bad happen ever. Or hope he does bad things if he doesn't like you. As long as he doesn't act randomly to be honest. Song. Week ninety-eight - December 2009 So kids, tonight's the night when a man in a sleigh, powered by reindeer visits every child in the world in one night. Only joking obviously. Remember when we all believed that impossible scenario? Silly. But we know that's not what Christmas is about now don't we. Christmas is about a child who was born of a virgin womb and who's father created the entire universe in six days about 5,000 years ago. Let's never stop believing that one. Anyway we're all going to die one day, forever, so be nice. You won't be rewarded in Heaven for being nice but you will be rewarded on earth probably. That's quite good too isn't it kids? Merry Christmas Karl and Suzanne came round for dinner. Everyone had pudding except me. I just couldn't. In all I ate nine sausages. I have no regrets. I'd do the same again. Me and another little round headed thing. The free podcast is up now on iTunes [iTunes link] There's also another little excerpt here at The Sun. The real thing will be up next week. Here's another song of the year. Did a little free podcast today to promote The Guide to The Future. We'll get that up in a few days. Thank you to The Times for declaring me television's "Face of the decade." 
Quite right. Here's one of my favourite songs of the year. Week ninety-seven - December 2009 Saw Karl Today. He has lost a little bit of weight but his head is still as round - if slightly smaller. It's really weird. His hair has grown too and is sticking up a bit so he looks like a little pre-primate type thing. I obviously told him all this immediately. He said it was good to be back. We are doing a little podcast this week to promote The Guide to the Future. (Out 29th December) This is artwork for the UK DVD of The Invention of Lying - Out Feb 1. 
As you can see, it's basically The Poster, (or one-sheet as we call it in the biz), but sort of zoomed in. I look happy; which is nice. Here is the list of bonus material by the way.
The extras have a running time of 52 minutes. If you're in America the DVD artwork is basically the same as the US poster and is out on 19th Jan. Went for a run over Hampstead Heath in the snow. It was tough and took me a bit longer than usual but strangely invigorating. Have you seen Rocky 4? It was like that. Fucking cold though. Even the most dedicated homosexuals can't be wanking each other off in this weather. As you know I've always liked The Jonas Brothers. Discerning with great taste. I saw Up In The Air last night and can confirm that it is indeed a fantastic film. That other film Nick Jonas mentioned is also brilliant. Karl gets back from Egypt today. One down, six to go. Here's one of his favourite songs with a story. Did an interview with Entertainment Weekly today about The Golden Globes. Karl featured quite heavily even though he has nothing to do with it. The Ricky Gervais Show debuts on HBO a month after The Globes. I think it could be bigger than Extras. Big words. Well to Karl they're big words. All words are quite big to Karl though. He makes up at least three new words in The Guide to the Future (out 29th Dec). It's my joint favourite with Guide to Philosophy by the way. Talking of favourites... Another couple of lists of the decade. [Newser.com] and [The Times] Song So that's the end of my little mini tour for this year. More dates next year, including America and London. I might have to do bigger venues than I'd normally like doing as I've only got a limited amount of days available due to filming and other commitments. Stay tuned. Had a meeting about The Globes. It seems slightly surreal that I'm hosting such an immense event. I can't even read an autocue. Luckily I've told them I wont be using one and they're fine with that. They seem to be fine with anything actually. Even more surreal. I wonder how far I can go and still have a career after? Song. Last night of Brighton tonight. As I was in the area I did a bit of Christmas shopping in the beautiful village of Petworth. (I bought Petworth actually. I'm having it made into a drive-through Nando's. That'll teach them for living in such a picturesque place. It even snowed a bit.) Nearly Christmas. Happy Birthday Jesus. This is good news. It's a great show and will make a perfect pairing for us. Well done HBO. Happy Birthday Jesus. I know what Jesus would love for his Birthday actually. He'd like all the children of Great Britain (as he still calls it) to have a Flanimals Pop-Up Book. [Available at Amazon.co.uk]  Happy Birthday Jesus So the nominations for The Golden Globes were announced today. Now I can start thinking about who to take the piss out of. Not Marty obviously. Or Clint. You never know. They might call one day. Saw the latest version of the trailer today for Cemetery Junction. Loved it. They've done a fantastic job. It's a whole 2 minutes of just me. (Don't worry. I'm joking. There's only a few seconds of my fat face. The rest is wonderful.) Song. (Sorry for playing two Bowie tracks in a row but I just remembered how fucking great he is.) Spent the day in the grade making the film look all lovely and that, then wizz'd down to Brighton Arena. Lovely gig. It's a great town too. Sorry, city. (They beat Reading to that one. No hard feelings.) The US mag 'People' is flying over tonight to interview me tomorrow for a piece about the Golden Globes. Americans love the seaside. We all do. In my rush today I forgot my toothbrush and my slippers. The hotel got me a toothbrush but I was too embarrassed to ask for slippers. I told Jane who sent me a photo of them saying that now was her chance to throw them away because they smell. All slippers smell after a few years. You don't throw them out just because they smell. That rule only applies to grandparents.  Can you tell I've got a cat? Song. Week ninety-six - December 2009 Stayed in and watched TV. Nothing more to add. Song. Back in London. Catching up with TV. Le Restaurant, le Fighter Ultimate, et Dexteur. Spoke to Karl today on the phone. I was crying with laughter as he told of "the weirdest day of me life." The 6O Minutes special I did goes out this Sunday on CBS. They're expecting about 15 million viewers. I'd have dressed up if I'd known that. I'll dress up for The Globes. When it's about 90 Degrees.  Song. We have a new leader. The last night of Blackpool just overtook Sheffield as the greatest audience so far. Amazing. Spoke to Karl today. He's having trouble sleeping. Egypt is a bit noisy apparently. If you're in a shit hotel that your mate Ricky picked for you that is. Ha Ha. A bloke offered to suck his cock today in a toilet. Brilliant. He'll love this experience in years to come. I genuinely believe that. Also, I wouldn't do this if I didn't think he will triumph somehow in the end. He's one of the strongest people around. (A round... etc) Here's a little song for Karl.  Karl is the one on the right. [BBC News - Karl lands his own travel show] Wonder if he's missing Ollie? She bit him the night before he left. Ha Ha.  It's not at the bottom, it's not at the top... Another song. Did a photoshoot and interview today for Live magazine to promote The Invention of Lying DVD in the UK. Good fun. I told the journalist to make me sound articulate and the photographer not to be afraid to airbrush. That's so much easier than reading books and loosing weight. Off to Blackpool tomorrow. This is fantastic...
Song. Apparently they've put me in Who's Who. I'm sure they asked me a few years ago but I couldn't be bothered to fill out the form that listed my hobbies. I still haven't done that so I've no idea what my entry says. Still, very nice of them. Thank you Who. Did an interview with a very nice chap from The Hollywood Reporter. It was about being the host of The Golden Globes but I managed to mention Karl. Karl is in Egypt at the moment. All will become clear very soon. Here's another funny little bald chap. Tune. Week ninety-five - December 2009 Filmed loads of stuff for HBO on-air trails today. Karl was, of course, amazing. Annoyed, confused, underwhelmed, reluctant, idiotic, but very funny. Here's his first time on camera. This was fun too. What a song. Last night in Sheffield. Three great days. Back to London tomorrow. We are recording some on-air promos for HBO. Me, Karl and Steve, in a room with three cameras. Can't wait. I think the details of the UK broadcaster for The Ricky Gervais Show are released tomorrow. Then we are selling it around the rest of the world. Karl wont be able to hide. I seem to have started a random 'clips from The Office I'd forgotten about' thread. And here's a song too. 2 out of 2 for Sheffield. Another lovely crowd. [Review in The Star] I'm planning some more US dates for next spring by the way. I've got to make 500 million people around the world laugh at the Globes next though. Then I've got to do another set of junckets for The Invention of Lying DVD around the world. Then I've got to launch The Ricky Gervais Show around the world. Then i've got to release Cemetery Junction around the world. Its going really well. Obviously. But do you know what? I miss just sitting in a room near my house trying to make Steve laugh the laughter of hate. Here's a song. OK. We have a new leader. Sheffield was the best crowd so far. I enjoyed every single second of the gig. The actual venue may have had something to do with it as I think it is perfect for comedy and the atmosphere was lovely, but for what ever reason, it's my favourite gig on this tour. Maybe it's that Christmas feeling. I was thinking back trying to decide my favourite on the Fame tour and I think it's probably Sheffield or Britsol. Manchester and Brighton were great but arenas never feel as warm as Victorian theatres. I think Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin were best on Politics. Am I boring you? I thought you liked nerdy lists? Oh fuck you then. Filming some trailers tomorrow for NBC. Stuff for the Golden Globes. I love the fact that the biggest TV network in the US has had to fly to Sheffield. They can buy some cutlery. Guide to Law and Order number 1 audiobook in the world. Thank you. Here's a tune. Week ninety-four - November 2009 "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..." Felt a bit wintery today in sunny Hampstead, Still lovely though. 
Spent most of the day in the edit. Very close to locking picture as they say. Then I'll relax for a couple of hours. 
Will have the trailer in two or three weeks too. Don't forget to download the new audiobook tomorrow by the way - [iTunes UK link] | [iTunes rest of world link] Talking of forgetting - I didn't play a song yesterday. This should make up for it. Finished of The Guide to The Future on Saturday. Karl was really on form as everything we love about him came together - fascination mixed with ignorance. We also started The Human Body but we didn't get a lot done as we got carried away with The Future. It's a really good one. Karl and Suzanne came round for dinner after. (A lovely roast, followed by apple pie and custard.) He loves his pudding. 
I think I could get him fat just by delivering him a cake every day. The only reason he is thin is because he forgets to get stuff in the house so he runs out of food. In fact, that's a funny idea. I'll buy him pudding every time I see him. Oh God, how round would his fucking head look then? This round maybe? 
Ring any bells? 
Anyway, Karl wont get that well-fed when he's in Egypt for two weeks next month. Or Peru. Or Jordan. Or any of the other countries Steve and I are sending him to for the new TV show I told you about. We've made sure of it. Got some fantastic news about the animation being shown in the UK too. Can't tell you about it yet as we haven't crossed my eyes and dotted my teeth. Oh hold on... 
What can I say? I get bored backstage. I do a soundcheck, eat, deal with fan mail, then the old iPhone kicks in. Birmingham is great. Thanks to all the lovely people who came and laughed. Went to an art gallery today. Think these must be ancestors of Jedward. 
Hope you liked the free sample of Law and Order [download it here on iTunes]. The full audiobook is out next Tuesday. It's got one of my favourite ever bits on it. At the end Karl does a of role play. He is fucking useless at it obviously. And a huge 'thank you' to everyone who bought The Guide to Society [available on iTunes UK here] and [rest of the world here]. It's done nearly a quarter of a million sales already. Karl is celebrating with more DIY. Not long till he starts in B&Q now. Here's a lovely tune for you all. 1st night in Birmingham Arena was great. I used screens this time so people at the back could see the full horror of my fat face. Doing a photo shoot today for the RSPCA. This is my modeling partner, Casper. 
Look at his little face. No "hair and makeup". No special lighting. Always perfect. Song. Save the planet. [Visit the Cool Earth website] The guys from the charity took this picture when they were in the Peruvian rain forrest. 
How cool is that? Well I was impressed anyway. Bet he'd love the pop-up book. [Amazon link] If you've either gone to the Cool Earth website or bought a book I'll play you a lovely song. Bought Steve lunch for his birthday. I said, "have as much pasta as you want." He loved it. Had a great marketing meeting about Cemetery Junction. We might even have a trailer by Christmas. 
Song. Did some filming for our Karl Pilkington TV project. Can't tell you much about it I'm afraid. It's not top secret, just not much to tell you yet. Then I did Paul O'Grady. (Oh grow up.) I was plugging these little fellas... 
Tune. Week ninety-three - November 2009 Did an interview for The L.A. Times about hosting The Golden Globes. It gets 25 million viewers in America alone and 500 million worldwide. Oh fuck! After the interview I started drinking wine and writing jokes. Nothing like fear to make you work. And drink. I created this chap when I was sober. So... 
Buy Flanimals Pop Up for your niece or nephew and change their destiny. [Amazon link] I'll play you a tune while you decide. His second best song of all time. His best was a co-write. From the Day of The Bletchling... 
Order Flanimals Pop Up [on Amazon]. Go on. You'll love it. This is nice. We're going to see lots of top 10s of the year, and the decade, over the next few weeks. Maybe I'll do that as a thread too. Lets kick off with my top 10 favourite numbers; 1. 5 2. 10 3. 2 4. 7 5. 4 6. 3 7. 1 8. 9 9. 8 10. 6 Boy do I hate 6. (Please don't try to read too much into this list as it's a joke you fucking mongs.) Here's a song My last night in Bournemouth. Favourite gig so far. Either the crowds are getting better or I am. Had a conference call about the DVD release of The Invention Of Lying. 19th Jan in The US, 1st Feb UK. Thanks for asking. Flanimals... 
From book 1 ['Flanimals' at Amazon] Song. Fangs very much. Second night in Bournemouth. Lovely again. Spent the day with Steve and our editor Valerio. We moved the edit to my hotel so we didn't waste time while I'm on tour. Nice. I felt like a president. "Move it here!" Flanimals... 
From Flanimals of The Deep. [available on Amazon] Song... I've been playing a lot of rock and folk lately. That's my thing I suppose. But this is good too kids. Bournemouth. Lovely. Flanimals. 
From The Day of The Bletchling. [available on Amazon] Song. Went to see Louis C.K. at The Bloomsbury Theatre on Saturday. He came round first and had a game of golf, had something to eat, and came with us to the gig. So casual. We got there about 10 minutes before he walked on stage. He was absolutely great. Fat, bald, ginger slob. Spent the day in the edit. Nearly there. (I keep thinking that. It takes fucking ages.) Did another doodle for charity. I used to get in trouble for doodling at school. Now it seems it saves the world. 
Ah, New York... Off to Bournemouth tomorrow. Now, more flanimals... (good name for a book that) [here it is on Amazon] 
Remember, this new thread is to make you buy the pop-up book. It's not just for your amusement for Christ's sake. Buy it from Waterstones maybe. This is my favourite song these fellas ever did. Week ninety-two - November 2009 Hope you like the new "Flanimals Retrospective" thread. The Grommomulunt was first seen in the second book of the series by the way - More Flanimals [available on Amazon]. As was this poor thing.. 
This one first appeared in Flanimals of the Deep - the third book. [available on Amazon] It won an award you know. 
Here's a tune. As I'm not doing any signings or promotion for the Flanimals Pop Up book, [here it is on Amazon] I thought I might do a flanimal of the day on this blog. Let's kick of with this one. 
That little fella needs some bones. Last night in Karl's home town. It were brilliant. Did Real Radio and the Granada local news programme too while I was here. Both good fun. What a lovely city. Don't know what The Smiths were moaning about. Love this guy. Second night in Manchester and another fantastic crowd. Had quite a productive day too. Started work on some ideas for The Golden Globes (long way off but quite a big gig). Started work and completed a pizza. before... 
after... 
Song. I'll take it. First night of Manchester tonight. Favourite gig so far. Here's a cheerful little ditty. Did some NBC idents for The Golden Globes. The show gets about 25 million viewers across America. Jesus! (Note to self. Don't blaspheme on air you dopey fucker. Or swear. So don't get drunk in case. Just a small one to steady the nerves....Oh shit.... God I'm a cunt.) Did a doodle for a charity auction for The Redwings Sanctuary. They wanted a doodle of a horse or donkey. I did a donkey because years ago we adopted one called Blossom. 
It's not badly drawn. How's that for a segue? A strange thing happened today. Karl was happy with something. He was raving about the HBO animation. He actually said it was his "favourite animation ever." I was taken aback. He wants to do a second season and he even said he would do some American TV to promote it. I have honestly never heard him talk about anything in such a good light (except Munchies). He was even enthusing about the new guides. Weird. Thank you to everyone who downloaded The Ricky Gervais Guide to Society. It is number one everywhere and looks like it will be the most downloaded so far. We have now sold 4 million audiobooks. Maybe that's why Karl is happy. The next one is Law and Order (Dec 1), then The Future (Dec 29) the last two in the series will be The Human Body and The Earth by the way. Found this. This was back in the day when Karl was moaning about not charging for the podcasts. He got his wish. Anything for a little Manc twat. Here's a song. Week ninety-one - November 2009 Spent a week in New York where I went to fine restaurants with friends, visited museums, ran in Central Park, bought some art and played Carnegie Hall... you get the point; I had a great time. When I got back to England I watched X Factor and saw an interesting pop sensation called John and Edward being encouraged by Louis "Flat Eric" Walsh. What the fuck is going on? We used to rule the world. Heading to London soon, then continuing the Science tour. Ipswich, New York, Manchester... You know how it is. Here's my Letterman appearance by the way... Part 1 and Part 2 And here's a song. Played Carnegie Hall. It was an amazing experience of course, but my favourite bit was doing the encore with Elmo. We sang New York, New York. As you do. All I need to do now before I die is work with this guy. Carnegie Hall tonight. Wish me luck. No, break my legs in Macbeth or something. This fella did his bit last night. Did the first warm-up for the Carnegie Hall gig. It wasn't like a warm-up because the crowd was so fucking amazing. So a huge thank you if you were there. Another one tonight then the real thing. Popped in to see Louis C.K. on the first day of production of his new TV series. I'm doing a little cameo on it. It's really funny. But he is fat and bald and ginger. I think this internet radio show is getting Neil Young heavy. Oh well. The Ricky Gervais Guide to Society is available now. [iTunes UK link] - [iTunes Rest of World link] Hope you like it. Or not. Hating it is just as good as long as you buy it. Did Letterman last night and he showed the world premiere of a clip of the animation. It was a pre-record so I hope they leave it in when it goes out on 6th November. I also dissed Karl quite a bit and quoted some of his most stupid statements. if you're a regular listener to the audiobooks you would have heard it all before, but remember I'm trying to bring the dim-witted Manc to a wider audience which will in turn bring him much pain and frustration. So be patient, it's all worth it. Here's another classic. Looks like Karl's made an effort. 
At this time of year it's fair to say that he's got a head like a fucking pumpkin. Here's a corker. Week ninety - October/November 2009 In New York. Last night was Halloween. Everyone was dressed in weird costumes. But then it rained so everyone was dressed up in weird costumes trying to hail cabs. Hilarious. It's the New York marathon today. I have decided, like with Halloween, not to join in but just watch. Doing my 14th Letterman tomorrow. They asked me to host it once when Dave was on holiday. I couldn't do it but I thought it was an honour. Then again, maybe they only asked because I know the building so well. Here's a tune. Happy Halloween. Spent the day in the edit. We've got a cut we really like. I said to Steve we should decide what our next project is. He said we should maybe finish the film first. Once again, the sober yin to my raging yang. (That's a Mr Burns quote by the way. I haven't gone all new age.) Saw the finished first episode of the HBO animation. It's fucking great. I can't wait to get it out there as this could really turn Karl's life into a living hell. Not the usual reason someone wants their work to be a global success, sure. Don't forget the new audiobook is available from Tuesday. Can't stop playing this. Dear blog readers, do me a favour. Thousands of people are reading this blog, and I bet many of them run websites and do blogs of their own. Or post messages on iTunes and YouTube and Twitter. Please mention the round-headed one. This is your mission. Get everyone in the world to listen to one of the podcasts or audiobooks. Karl got recognized today and it really stressed him out. More of that please. I'll leave it in your capable hands. Thanks. This song is for you. Last night in Ipswich tonight and it's been great. I was walking along an ancient country road today eating the last of the blackberries, like a little druid. After tonight the next gigs are in New York. Crikey! The free teaser for The Ricky Gervais Guide to Society is up by the way. [iTunes link] Hope you like it enough to purchase the full 50 minutes. Hope you like this too. 
You may have heard I'm hosting The Globes. Should be interesting. It's live too. (Evil laugh.)
Ipswich was one of the best crowds yet. Or maybe I was better. (I doubt that, and it wouldn't be fair on the people who saw me last week either.) Just finished the notes on the animatic for episode 11 of the HBO show. We're getting close. The first episode will be finished in a couple of weeks hopefully. We might even be able to show an exclusive clip on Letterman. Here's a classic as they say. So the clocks went back; extra hour in bed and Christmas approaching. I get another day off then. Week eighty-nine - October 2009 Worked on the music for Cemetery Junction today. So much fun. This is our romantic male lead Freddie, played by Christian Cooke. I play his dad in the movie. We flipped a coin to decide who would play which role obviously. 
I am pointing out a green bug by the way. Luckily insects look the same now as they did in the 70s. Talking of the seventies. A day off. But... must... play... record... Spent the day in the edit. This is our bad boy hero, Bruce, played by future star Tom Hughes. 
He just pipped me at the post for the role. 
Now a song that's featured in The Invention of Lying. Beautiful. Back in London. Been for a run on the heath (kept to the path) and had a little work out in the gym. Too many pizzas and sandwiches on tour. Who wants salad before or after a gig eh? I'm really enjoying the stand-up though. I actually look forward to the show now. I was never nervous before but I was always glad when it was over. Now I actually enjoy my time on stage. 
Ipswich next, then off to New York to headline The Comedy Festival at Carnegie Hall. Now I'm nervous. Quick, play a record. So that was Newcastle. The weather was cold but the people were warm. Ah. Here is a contender for one of the most beautiful songs ever written. This is Galveston performed by its composer Jimmy Webb. I never appreciated the weight of the song until I heard this version. It's about a soldier away at war and missing his home. I played this a lot when my dad died. Don't know why. Maybe it's because he was a soldier once. It was hard for me to imagine him as that. Or even him as a young man actually. Or maybe it's just because it makes me cry. And that's good. Peace. 
Went for a run along the beach. There was no one around because it was cold and windy and pouring with rain. It was great. And so is this. Peace 
I have nothing to tell that is as interesting as this song. It's beautiful. I am well by the way. Thanks for asking. 
Off to Newcastle. Don't worry I've packed a jumper. I had packed some coal too, but someone told me that was a bit pointless. I'm doing my 14th Letterman appearance in a few weeks and HBO are trying to set a start date for the animation in time to announce it on the show. We know it will be January or February but I should be able to be more specific very soon. Started planning the Carnegie Hall gig. Same deal as Out of England 1 - mainly the new UK show but with a couple of "greatest hits" that haven't been released in America. Although I've still got to be a bit careful as some routines have had a million hits on YouTube. This show is about 95% brand new stuff though. Talking of greatest hits... let's go all the way back... This is the moment I realized I now have to do publicity for the film coming out in Australia, the Middle East, parts of Asia, South America and the rest of Europe. Junkets are a bit of a chore as it is, but with even a slight language barrier they are exhausting. I wish I spoke Australian. 
Finished The Ricky Gervais Guide to Law and Order today. We also did a little teaser for Society with a little 5 minute clip. (out 2nd Nov) Oh, and we started on the Guide to The Future. I literally laughed till my head hurt at Karl's predictions for the evolution of man. Talking of Hurt... (I'm just like a real DJ.) Ricky's Blog continues with Week Eighty-eight here ... |
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Cemetery Junction Stars in Vanity Fair Here's an article from Vanity Fair focussing on the young leads, Read the article (opens in a new window). |
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Going down well down under The Invention of Lying rolls on around the world. Two reviews from the anitopodes... Echo News and Stuff NZ. |
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Invention of Lying opens in New Zealand 26 Nov The NZ Herald chats with Ricky about the movie and more. Read here. |
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Spectator takes a look at Ricky's new movie The American Spectator reviews The Invention of Lying. Read here. |
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Film 4 Give Film Four... Stars. Here's the review... Read here. |
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Results are in at Cinema Verdict The Invention of Lying reviewed... Read here. |
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Chicago Tribune talks to Ricky Review and a chat durng lunchbreak during filming of The Invention of Lying. Read here. |
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Daily Express Expresses Opinion The Express reviews The Invention of Lying. Read here. |
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Invention of Lying Review In Birmingham's Sunday Mercury... Read here. |
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"The Invention of Lying is a Landmark Comedy" So says First Showing.net. Read here. |
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The Seattle PI asks... ...What's So Great About Ricky Gervais? Read here. |
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Sky News talk to Ricky... ...about The Invention of Lying. Read here. |
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Ricky on the World Wide Welsh Wales Online reviews The Invention of Lying. Read here. |
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New post in New York Post The New York Post's PopWrap section offers 5 truths about 'Invention of Lying' Read here. |
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Ricky's T4 Takeover Ricky becomes guest presenter on Channel 4's T4 this week. Watch some sneak peeks here. |
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Ricky on Film 2009 Jonathan Ross and Ricky talk properly and sensibly. Watch here. |
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Read all about it. The Evening Standard review of The Invention of Lying is online. Read here. |
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Daily Record Review Scotland's Daily Record considers The Invention of Lying. Read here. |
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Ricky talks to USA Today There's a big interview and a review of the movie. Read here. |
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Esteemed Critic's Critique The revered Roger Ebert pronounces on The Invention of Lying. Read here. |
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Just In Time. The venerable TIME magazine presents its opinion of Ricky's new movie. Read here. |
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Guardian Review... The Guardian reviews The Invention of Lying. Read here. |
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Invention of Lying - New Review Cinema Blend offer their appraisal of Ricky's new movie. Read here. |
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Entertainment Weekly's Verdict EW.com review of The Invention of Lying is online now. Read here. |
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The Mirror reflects on The Invention of Lying Their review is online now... Read here. |
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Tall Tales in The Times The Times talks to Ricky about The Invention of Lying during filming... Read here. |
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BS in Boston The Boston Globe looks at The Invention of Lying... Read here. |
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Whoppers in Wapping Ricky tells The Sun why it's good to lie... Read here. |
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Ricky talks to the Wall Street Journal The Wall Street Journal gives a thorough analysis of Ricky's carreer to date... Read here. |
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Interview in The Telegraph Ricky talks about The Invention Of Lying while at the premiere in Toronto. Read here. |
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New York Magazine Review The Invention of Lying comes under the scrutiny of New York magazine's movie critic... Read here. |
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Invention of Lying Review Round-up The Guardian has a summary of Ricky's new film's critical reception. Read here. |
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The Invention of Lying - in review Here are the first reviews of The Invention of Lying. It's in cinemas from October 2nd. Boxoffice HitFix The Hollywood Reporter Variety |
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Australia's Daily Telegraph visits Cemetery Junction Ricky chats with an antipodean reporter on set in Shepperton Studios. Read the article here. |
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Exclusive Invention of Lying Clips As publicity starts rolling for The Invention of Lying's opeing on October 2nd, film entertainment web sites HitFix and Total Film have exclusive clips on show. |
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Rotten Tomatoes Set Visit The esteemed movie review website talks to Ricky and Stephen down at the studio during the filming of Cemetery Junction. Read the article here. |
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Cemetery Junction Exclusive The Times Online goes behind the scenes for an exclusive first look at Ricky's new movie. Watch here. |
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The Invention of Lying - Review. "Imagine going to greet your blind date at their apartment and being told immediately upon the door opening how disappointing they find you..." Read on here... |
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Ain't It Cool News Talks to Ricky and Steve The influential film review web site has a major interview with Ricky and Steve about Cemetery Junction. Read the article here. |
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Ricky and Steve chat to Entertainment Weekly The popular US magazine got on the phone to talk about Cemetery Junction. Read the interview here. |
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Shortlist Magazine visits Cemetery Junction Here's a location report from the set of Cemetery Junction. Read the article here. |
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| Ricky and Steve report from the set of Cemetery Junction |
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Ricky lets The Sun in at Cemetery Junction Britain's favourite tabloid paid a visit to Cemetery Junction to probe Ricky about his new movie. Here's the article. |
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Time Out at Cemetery Junction London's Time Out magazine visited Ricky and Steve on set at Cemetery Junction recently. Here's the article. |
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| Sky News vists Ricky on the set of Cemetery Junction... |
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Cemetery Junction - First Teaser Trailer Online Ricky and Stephen introduce a revered cast member. |
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Total Film on Ricky's Reading Roots and how his upbringing has influenced Cemetery Junction. Read the article here. |
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Empire Magazine talks to Ricky about Cemetery Junction and get some early indications of what the film will be like. Read the article here. |
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The Invention Of Lying - First Trailer Online Watch the first trailer for Ricky's first film as writer and director - The Invention Of Lying. (UK and US versions) |
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Interview in The Big Issue Ricky talks about stand-up and Cemetery Junction... Read it here. |
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Filming Starts on Cemetery Junction Ricky's next movie, and his first film collaborating with Stephen Merchant, has begun filming in London. Ricky stars alongside Ralph Fiennes and Emily Watson. Read more about Cemetery Junction in the press release. |
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