We wondered in Briefs how long it would take San Francisco 49er's cornerback Chris Culliver to issue a non-apology, and it was mere hours. Honestly, it's not a bad apology, until his media relations rep adds "Chris is very apologetic for any harm caused to anyone. His intent was not that at all. He is one who celebrates the differences of others. All of this was just a big mistake. It was interpreted wrong." Meanwhile, the 49er's have issued a statement condemning the remarks and saying they've spoken with Culliver.
Meanwhile, 49ers like Delaine Walker and Brian Jennings expressed support for former teammate Kwame Harris, who was arrested following an altercation with his ex-boyfriend, and they have no issue with him being gay. "That's him. If that's what he's into, that's what he's into. I can't judge a person for how he feels. Things happen. He was a great player.
Meanwhile, 49ers like Delaine Walker and Brian Jennings expressed support for former teammate Kwame Harris, who was arrested following an altercation with his ex-boyfriend, and they have no issue with him being gay. "That's him. If that's what he's into, that's what he's into. I can't judge a person for how he feels. Things happen. He was a great player.
- 1/31/2013
- by lostinmiami
- The Backlot
Walt Disney Studios have officially released details on the eagerly awaited Muppets sequel, to be entitled The Muppets…Again! Currently shooting in London for a March 21st 2014 release, the film is once again by directed by James Bobin, who helmed the 2011 film. This time round Bobin is also filling co-writing duties, penning the screenplay with Nicholas Stoller. Jason Segel, who wrote The Muppets with Stoller is not back for the sequel, this time the human co-stars include Ricky Gervais (as evil villain Constantine’s sidekick), Tina Fey (as a Russian prison guard), and Ty Burrell (as an Interpol agent). Check out the pics and press release/synopsis below for full details…
Now who do I bribe to get on to the set?
The filmmaking team behind 2011’s celebrated film ’The Muppets’ reunites as Disney’s ’The Muppets … Again!’ kicked off production last week in London. The all-new global Muppets adventure welcomes Ricky Gervais,...
Now who do I bribe to get on to the set?
The filmmaking team behind 2011’s celebrated film ’The Muppets’ reunites as Disney’s ’The Muppets … Again!’ kicked off production last week in London. The all-new global Muppets adventure welcomes Ricky Gervais,...
- 1/31/2013
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Ricky Gervais's first full series of Derek began with a respectable audience last night.
The Channel 4 care home sitcom, also starring Karl Pilkington and Kerry Godliman, was watched by 1.44m (7.7%) and 207,000 on +1.
> Read Digital Spy's first review of Ricky Gervais's Derek here
Despite being 400,000 short of last April's pilot, Channel 4 has said that Derek scored 31% above the usual Wednesday 10pm slot average and won the battle in the 16-34 viewer market.
The broadcaster's 9pm offering of One Born Every Minute pulled in 1.18m (5.1%) and 390k on timeshift, prior to which Gok's Style Secrets climbed to 1.18m (5.4%) at 8pm (+1: 122k).
Excluding the soaps, Midsomer Murders was the day's most-watched broadcast with 5.64m (23.6%) for ITV (+1: 272k) between 8pm and 10pm, while Food Inspectors (3.52m/15.2%) and David Attenborough's Africa (5.03m/20.6%) aired on BBC One.
Over on BBC Two, The Hairy Bikers returned with their 'Everyday Gourmet' entertaining...
The Channel 4 care home sitcom, also starring Karl Pilkington and Kerry Godliman, was watched by 1.44m (7.7%) and 207,000 on +1.
> Read Digital Spy's first review of Ricky Gervais's Derek here
Despite being 400,000 short of last April's pilot, Channel 4 has said that Derek scored 31% above the usual Wednesday 10pm slot average and won the battle in the 16-34 viewer market.
The broadcaster's 9pm offering of One Born Every Minute pulled in 1.18m (5.1%) and 390k on timeshift, prior to which Gok's Style Secrets climbed to 1.18m (5.4%) at 8pm (+1: 122k).
Excluding the soaps, Midsomer Murders was the day's most-watched broadcast with 5.64m (23.6%) for ITV (+1: 272k) between 8pm and 10pm, while Food Inspectors (3.52m/15.2%) and David Attenborough's Africa (5.03m/20.6%) aired on BBC One.
Over on BBC Two, The Hairy Bikers returned with their 'Everyday Gourmet' entertaining...
- 1/31/2013
- Digital Spy
Ricky Gervais's first full series of Derek began with a respectable audience last night. The Channel 4 care home sitcom, also starring Karl Pilkington and Kerry Godliman, was watched by 1.44m (7.7%) and 207,000 on +1. > Read Digital Spy's first review of Ricky Gervais's Derek here
Despite being 400,000 short of last April's pilot, Channel 4 has said that Derek scored 31% above the usual Wednesday 10pm slot average and won the battle in the 16-34 viewer market. The broadcaster's 9pm offering of One Born Every Minute pulled in 1.18m (5.1%) and 390k on timeshift, prior to which Gok's Style Secrets climbed to 1.18m (5.4%) at 8pm (+1: 122k). Excluding the soaps, Midsomer (more)...
Despite being 400,000 short of last April's pilot, Channel 4 has said that Derek scored 31% above the usual Wednesday 10pm slot average and won the battle in the 16-34 viewer market. The broadcaster's 9pm offering of One Born Every Minute pulled in 1.18m (5.1%) and 390k on timeshift, prior to which Gok's Style Secrets climbed to 1.18m (5.4%) at 8pm (+1: 122k). Excluding the soaps, Midsomer (more)...
- 1/31/2013
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Stephen Merchant has defended Ricky Gervais's Channel 4 comedy Derek, claiming that there are people in the industry who are determined to take down the comedian.
Merchant, who worked with Gervais on The Office and Extras, said that any "outrage" about the care home sitcom was an inevitable result of his friend's huge success.
© WENN
© Channel 4
"I feel like the knives are out for Ricky whatever he does," Merchant told Shortlist.
"It's happened to every successful performer in this country. Stephen Fry was targeted a while back - he was much loved in the days of Fry & Laurie, then he became 'Mr Know-It-All' and now he's a national treasure. It seems to be standard practice.
"People assume Ricky's agenda is how to shock people, but it's not. He explores areas that are uncomfortable, but never with the intention of just giggling in the corner like a schoolboy."
Watch...
Merchant, who worked with Gervais on The Office and Extras, said that any "outrage" about the care home sitcom was an inevitable result of his friend's huge success.
© WENN
© Channel 4
"I feel like the knives are out for Ricky whatever he does," Merchant told Shortlist.
"It's happened to every successful performer in this country. Stephen Fry was targeted a while back - he was much loved in the days of Fry & Laurie, then he became 'Mr Know-It-All' and now he's a national treasure. It seems to be standard practice.
"People assume Ricky's agenda is how to shock people, but it's not. He explores areas that are uncomfortable, but never with the intention of just giggling in the corner like a schoolboy."
Watch...
- 1/31/2013
- Digital Spy
Stephen Merchant has defended Ricky Gervais's Channel 4 comedy Derek, claiming that there are people in the industry who are determined to take down the comedian. Merchant, who worked with Gervais on The Office and Extras, said that any "outrage" about the care home sitcom was an inevitable result of his friend's huge success. "I feel like the knives are out for Ricky whatever he does," Merchant told Shortlist. "It's happened to every successful performer in this country. Stephen Fry was targeted a while back - he was much loved in the days of Fry & Laurie, then he became 'Mr Know-It-All' (more)...
- 1/31/2013
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Ricky Gervais has been answering the constant question regarding Derek- “is it a drama or a comedy?”- with the response “it is what you think it is- what’s your life like, a drama with funny bits in it, or a comedy with dramatic bits?”. To me, so far the series seems to be a very sweet, beautifully realised little drama with the odd bit of humour- this is not some backhanded compliment, if anything it’s real praise.
Tonight’s opener isn’t earth-shatteringly amazing, but it shouldn’t be. Gervais has a job of introducing the uninitiated to this intimate little world he has created. Nothing much happens, and there aren’t any truly heart-wrenching moments that will make you cry, or jokes that will make you howl with laughter, but that is the point- real life isn’t like that.
Something...
Ricky Gervais has been answering the constant question regarding Derek- “is it a drama or a comedy?”- with the response “it is what you think it is- what’s your life like, a drama with funny bits in it, or a comedy with dramatic bits?”. To me, so far the series seems to be a very sweet, beautifully realised little drama with the odd bit of humour- this is not some backhanded compliment, if anything it’s real praise.
Tonight’s opener isn’t earth-shatteringly amazing, but it shouldn’t be. Gervais has a job of introducing the uninitiated to this intimate little world he has created. Nothing much happens, and there aren’t any truly heart-wrenching moments that will make you cry, or jokes that will make you howl with laughter, but that is the point- real life isn’t like that.
Something...
- 1/31/2013
- by Oscar Harding
- Obsessed with Film
Talking about the concept of "offensive comedy" last week, the incredibly likeable Last Leg comic Adam Hills pointed out that the most important thing with comedy is "where it all comes from".
"It's a very vague system of measurement, but it's about whether it comes from a good place," said Hills. It seems a reasonable and fair assessment of a touchy subject that has a habit of escalating thanks to Daily Mail hysteria.
© Channel 4
This brings us around to Ricky Gervais's latest sitcom Derek. A show based around a selection of people on the fringes of society working in a care home. The debate about whether Derek is offensive or potentially hurtful to disabled people is one that hasn't gone away since the pilot aired last year on Channel 4.
Few shows have ever had so much written about them with so little material actually airing.
Tonight's first...
"It's a very vague system of measurement, but it's about whether it comes from a good place," said Hills. It seems a reasonable and fair assessment of a touchy subject that has a habit of escalating thanks to Daily Mail hysteria.
© Channel 4
This brings us around to Ricky Gervais's latest sitcom Derek. A show based around a selection of people on the fringes of society working in a care home. The debate about whether Derek is offensive or potentially hurtful to disabled people is one that hasn't gone away since the pilot aired last year on Channel 4.
Few shows have ever had so much written about them with so little material actually airing.
Tonight's first...
- 1/30/2013
- Digital Spy
Talking about the concept of "offensive comedy" last week, the incredibly likeable Last Leg comic Adam Hills pointed out that the most important thing with comedy is "where it all comes from". "It's a very vague system of measurement, but it's about whether it comes from a good place," said Hills. It seems a reasonable and fair assessment of a touchy subject that has a habit of escalating thanks to Daily Mail hysteria. This brings us around to Ricky Gervais's latest sitcom Derek. A show based around a selection of people on the fringes of society working in a care home. The debate about whether Derek is offensive or potentially hurtful to disabled people is one that hasn't gone away since the pilot aired last year on Channel 4. Few shows have ever had so much written about them with so little material actually (more)...
- 1/30/2013
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Burbank, Calif. (January 30, 2013) – The filmmaking team behind 2011’s celebrated film The Muppets reunites as Disney’s The Muppets … Again! kicked off production last week in London. The all-new global Muppets adventure welcomes Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey to the mayhem, along with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Walter and rest of the Muppets. The film is directed by James Bobin (Flight of the Conchords, Da Ali G Show), who was just nominated for a BAFTA for The Muppets (Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer), and produced by the Academy Award®-nominated team of David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman (The Fighter, The Proposal). With a screenplay by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller (The Five-Year Engagement), who is also executive producer with John Scotti, The Muppets … Again! will feature music from Academy Award®-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords), who won an Oscar® for best original...
- 1/30/2013
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
The filmmaking team behind 2011’s celebrated film “The Muppets” reunites as Disney’s The Muppets … Again! kicked off production last week in London. Due to hit the big screens on March 21, 2014, here’s your first look at the film (via EW.com).
The all-new global Muppets adventure welcomes Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey to the mayhem, along with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Walter and rest of the Muppets. The film is directed by James Bobin (“Flight of the Conchords,” “Da Ali G Show”), who was just nominated for a BAFTA for “The Muppets” (Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer), and produced by the Academy Award®-nominated team of David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman (“The Fighter,” “The Proposal”). With a screenplay by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller (“The Five-Year Engagement”), who is also executive producer with John Scotti, “The Muppets … Again!” will feature music from Academy...
The all-new global Muppets adventure welcomes Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey to the mayhem, along with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Walter and rest of the Muppets. The film is directed by James Bobin (“Flight of the Conchords,” “Da Ali G Show”), who was just nominated for a BAFTA for “The Muppets” (Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer), and produced by the Academy Award®-nominated team of David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman (“The Fighter,” “The Proposal”). With a screenplay by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller (“The Five-Year Engagement”), who is also executive producer with John Scotti, “The Muppets … Again!” will feature music from Academy...
- 1/30/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Muppets sequel is naturally a project we’ve been getting more and more excited about in recent months, with Ricky Gervais coming on board to lead the film at the end of last year. Disney have announced production has officially begun, and they’ve finally announced the sequel’s name: The Muppets … Again!
And not only that, they’ve released two brilliant first images to celebrate.
Gervais is joined by Ty Burrell (Modern Family) and Tina Fey (30 Rock), making for one of the best and likely most memorable leading casts for a comedy in recent years.
“Disney’s ‘The Muppets … Again!’ takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theatres in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World...
And not only that, they’ve released two brilliant first images to celebrate.
Gervais is joined by Ty Burrell (Modern Family) and Tina Fey (30 Rock), making for one of the best and likely most memorable leading casts for a comedy in recent years.
“Disney’s ‘The Muppets … Again!’ takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theatres in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World...
- 1/30/2013
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The filmmaking team behind 2011’s celebrated film “The Muppets” reunites as Disney’s “The Muppets … Again!” kicked off production last week in London. The all-new global Muppets adventure welcomes Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey to the mayhem, along with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Walter and rest of the Muppets. The film is directed by James Bobin (“Flight of the Conchords,” “Da Ali G Show”), who was just nominated for a BAFTA for “The Muppets” (Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer), and produced by the Academy Award®-nominated team of David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman (“The Fighter,” “The Proposal”).
With a screenplay by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller (“The Five-Year Engagement”), who is also executive producer with John Scotti, “The Muppets … Again!” will feature music from Academy Award®-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie (“Flight of the Conchords”), who won an Oscar® for best original song for “The Muppets...
With a screenplay by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller (“The Five-Year Engagement”), who is also executive producer with John Scotti, “The Muppets … Again!” will feature music from Academy Award®-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie (“Flight of the Conchords”), who won an Oscar® for best original song for “The Muppets...
- 1/30/2013
- by Kellvin Chavez
- LRMonline.com
Here's a couple of photos from the upcoming Muppets sequel giving us our first look at the film which has been titled, The Muppets... Again. The photos give us our first look at Ricky Gervais, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzy, and the rest of the gang gearing up for another fun adventure.
The photos come from EW, who also offers up some details on the film explaining that the Muppets are "enjoying a triumphant world tour, only to become tangled up with a criminal mastermind named Constantine, who is out to steal an enormous diamond—and who happens to be a dead ringer for Kermit." I enjoyed the first movie, and I hope this sequel ends up being just as entertaining. I don't see why it wouldn't, but you just never know.
The movie is set to be released in theaters on March 21st, 2014, and here's the press release with all...
The photos come from EW, who also offers up some details on the film explaining that the Muppets are "enjoying a triumphant world tour, only to become tangled up with a criminal mastermind named Constantine, who is out to steal an enormous diamond—and who happens to be a dead ringer for Kermit." I enjoyed the first movie, and I hope this sequel ends up being just as entertaining. I don't see why it wouldn't, but you just never know.
The movie is set to be released in theaters on March 21st, 2014, and here's the press release with all...
- 1/30/2013
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Ricky Gervais wishes he was more like his kind-hearted character Derek Noakes. While the fictional care worker - who he portrays in Channel 4 comedy 'Derek' - is ''odd-looking, scruffy and gets things wrong'', the 51-year-old comedy-drama actor insists he wants to be ''as good as'' his alter-ego because his thoughtfulness is more important than any of his other characteristics. He said: ''I wish I was more like Derek - as good as him. He is all of us at eight years old when we're not scared of what we say, when we're not scared of being uncool. ''Derek doesn't care.
- 1/30/2013
- Virgin Media - Celebrity
The first pictures of Ricky Gervais in The Muppets sequel have been revealed.
Disney's sequel - which will be titled The Muppets...Again! - is to feature the Derek star in the lead role, with Tina Fey, Ray Liotta and Modern Family's Ty Burrell among the supporting cast.
© Disney
The plot centres around the Muppet repertory company getting caught up with a diamond thief called Constantine - a doppelgänger for Kermit - while on their world tour.
Director James Bobin said of the sequel: "It's great to be back working with the Muppets, some of them even remember my name occasionally now. As for the movie, it's a tip of the hat to the old-school crime capers of the '60s, but featuring a frog, a pig, a bear and a dog - no panthers, even pink ones - along with the usual Muppet-y mix of mayhem, music and laughs.
Disney's sequel - which will be titled The Muppets...Again! - is to feature the Derek star in the lead role, with Tina Fey, Ray Liotta and Modern Family's Ty Burrell among the supporting cast.
© Disney
The plot centres around the Muppet repertory company getting caught up with a diamond thief called Constantine - a doppelgänger for Kermit - while on their world tour.
Director James Bobin said of the sequel: "It's great to be back working with the Muppets, some of them even remember my name occasionally now. As for the movie, it's a tip of the hat to the old-school crime capers of the '60s, but featuring a frog, a pig, a bear and a dog - no panthers, even pink ones - along with the usual Muppet-y mix of mayhem, music and laughs.
- 1/30/2013
- Digital Spy
The first pictures of Ricky Gervais in The Muppets sequel have been revealed. Disney's sequel - which will be titled The Muppets...Again! - is to feature the Derek star in the lead role, with Tina Fey, Ray Liotta and Modern Family's Ty Burrell among the supporting cast. The plot centres around the Muppet repertory company getting caught up with a diamond thief called Constantine - a doppelgänger for Kermit - while on their world tour. Director James Bobin said of the sequel: "It's great to be back working with the Muppets, some of them even remember my name occasionally now. As for the movie, it's a tip of the hat to the old-school crime capers of the '60s, but featuring a frog, a pig, a bear and a dog - no panthers, even pink ones - along with the usual Muppet-y mix of mayhem, music and laughs.
- 1/30/2013
- by By Simon Reynolds
- Digital Spy
Ricky Gervais first piloted his new comedy (or is it?) 'Derek' last year in a one-off show for Channel 4.
Tonight (Wednesday 30 January) sees the series begin in full, and HuffPostUK has laid its mitts on some behind-the-scenes snaps from the gentle comedy/drama/ whatever you think it may be, set in a care home.
Ricky Gervais as Derek
Read HuffPostUK reviews 'Derek' - the pilot last year
Gervais, who has tasted extraordinary TV success with 'The Office' and 'Extras', wrote recently in a blog for Huffington Post UK that this is his "favourite thing he's ever worked on". He goes on...
It's a show about kindness. It's funny and sweet and deals with the real issues of everyday life. I don't think I've seen anything quite like it. The performance that Kerry Godliman gives as Hannah may be the finest piece of character acting I've seen.
Tonight (Wednesday 30 January) sees the series begin in full, and HuffPostUK has laid its mitts on some behind-the-scenes snaps from the gentle comedy/drama/ whatever you think it may be, set in a care home.
Ricky Gervais as Derek
Read HuffPostUK reviews 'Derek' - the pilot last year
Gervais, who has tasted extraordinary TV success with 'The Office' and 'Extras', wrote recently in a blog for Huffington Post UK that this is his "favourite thing he's ever worked on". He goes on...
It's a show about kindness. It's funny and sweet and deals with the real issues of everyday life. I don't think I've seen anything quite like it. The performance that Kerry Godliman gives as Hannah may be the finest piece of character acting I've seen.
- 1/30/2013
- by The Huffington Post UK
- Huffington Post
Ricky Gervais has hinted that he may try to get Karl Pilkington involved in his upcoming big screen project with The Muppets. Watch Ricky Gervais talking to Digital Spy about his Muppets movie below:
Gervais has been confirmed as the lead in the next Muppets movie. Modern Family's Ty Burrell will also star in the follow-up to Jason Segel and Amy Adams's recent The Muppets. When asked whether his longtime friend and collaborator Karl Pilkington may get a cameo in the film, Gervais suggested that his Derek co-star could work well alongside Muppet character Dr Bunsen Honeydew.
[Left: Dr Bunsen (more)...
Gervais has been confirmed as the lead in the next Muppets movie. Modern Family's Ty Burrell will also star in the follow-up to Jason Segel and Amy Adams's recent The Muppets. When asked whether his longtime friend and collaborator Karl Pilkington may get a cameo in the film, Gervais suggested that his Derek co-star could work well alongside Muppet character Dr Bunsen Honeydew.
[Left: Dr Bunsen (more)...
- 1/30/2013
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Ricky Gervais doesn't intend to upset people with his comedy. The comedian, writer and actor has insisted he doesn't intentionally load his TV shows with shock value amidst claims his latest sitcom 'Derek' - in which he plays a care home worker with child-like naivety - makes fun of people with mental disabilities. Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, he pleaded: 'I have never gone out to offend for the sake of it. It's too easy. I'm not a comedian who wants to be the most shocking cutting-edge person, upsetting people. I would rather people laughed at my stuff than got angry. 'I will take the gasps as well - if it is a gasp from something I mean or...
- 1/30/2013
- Monsters and Critics
Ricky Gervais doesn't intend to upset people with his comedy. The comedian, writer and actor has insisted he doesn't intentionally load his TV shows with shock value amidst claims his latest sitcom 'Derek' - in which he plays a care home worker with child-like naivety - makes fun of people with mental disabilities. Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, he pleaded: ''I have never gone out to offend for the sake of it. It's too easy. I'm not a comedian who wants to be the most shocking cutting-edge person, upsetting people. I would rather people laughed at my stuff than got angry. ''I...
- 1/30/2013
- Virgin Media - Celebrity
Ricky Gervais has hit back at his critics in an interview with Digital Spy about the first series of his Channel 4 sitcom Derek. Watch our interview with Ricky Gervais about Derek, Karl Pilkington and his critics below:
The comic insisted that he really didn't care about the controversy surrounding his latest project, which has come under scrutiny because of claims that the lead character Derek Noakes is making fun of disabled people. Gervais has always strongly denied the allegation that Derek is disabled and said last year: "Derek is a fictional character and is defined by his creator, me. "If I say I don't mean him to be disabled then that's it. A fictional doctor can't come along and prove me wrong. He's different. But then so are a lot of people." Speaking to Digital Spy about the debate (more)...
The comic insisted that he really didn't care about the controversy surrounding his latest project, which has come under scrutiny because of claims that the lead character Derek Noakes is making fun of disabled people. Gervais has always strongly denied the allegation that Derek is disabled and said last year: "Derek is a fictional character and is defined by his creator, me. "If I say I don't mean him to be disabled then that's it. A fictional doctor can't come along and prove me wrong. He's different. But then so are a lot of people." Speaking to Digital Spy about the debate (more)...
- 1/29/2013
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Derek star Kerry Godliman has called the controversy surrounding the Ricky Gervais comedy "an annoying distraction". Gervais has previously defended his new Channel 4 series from accusations that it makes fun of disabled people.
[Ricky Gervais and Karl Pilkington on the set of 'Derek'] "[The controversy is] an annoying distraction, because then it just ends up being about that, and then people aren't approaching it from a neutral starting point," Godliman, who plays care home manager Hannah, told TV Choice. "What I find interesting - and I think this may be true of all Ricky's work - is that everybody feels they have to have a very fixed opinion on it. It's (more)...
[Ricky Gervais and Karl Pilkington on the set of 'Derek'] "[The controversy is] an annoying distraction, because then it just ends up being about that, and then people aren't approaching it from a neutral starting point," Godliman, who plays care home manager Hannah, told TV Choice. "What I find interesting - and I think this may be true of all Ricky's work - is that everybody feels they have to have a very fixed opinion on it. It's (more)...
- 1/28/2013
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
Ricky Gervais has revealed that he finds using Twitter useful when he's writing and that it helped him finish his new Channel 4 comedy series Derek. The Office creator claimed that he used the social networking site as an editing tool and that it had aided him getting to the "essence of scenes". "These Derek episodes were coming in at 40 minutes and I was getting depressed thinking I couldn't get them down to 26 minutes," said Gervais. "The compression on Twitter made me start thinking about the words I don't need." Gervais has nearly 4 million followers on Twitter and said that he enjoyed having debates with people on (more)...
- 1/18/2013
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
News Simon Brew Jan 18, 2013
Shooting is set to start imminently on the new Muppets film, and Ricky Gervais has been chatting about it...
Production is due to start imminently on the follow-up to the massively successful return of The Muppets, with James Bobin back in the director’s chair. And as you more than likely already know, Ricky Gervais has signed up to play the human lead in the new movie.
Gervais’ appointment has been divisive certainly, but we’re big fans of his work particularly in Ghost Town and Cemetery Junction, and remain upbeat about the movie. As is Gervais, as he appeared on This Morning and talked about The Muppets 2.
"I'm in awe of The Muppets”, he said. “I've loved them for like 35 years. I actually can't wait, I'm really excited. I was there yesterday on set and honestly, I'm like an eight year old at Christmas.
Shooting is set to start imminently on the new Muppets film, and Ricky Gervais has been chatting about it...
Production is due to start imminently on the follow-up to the massively successful return of The Muppets, with James Bobin back in the director’s chair. And as you more than likely already know, Ricky Gervais has signed up to play the human lead in the new movie.
Gervais’ appointment has been divisive certainly, but we’re big fans of his work particularly in Ghost Town and Cemetery Junction, and remain upbeat about the movie. As is Gervais, as he appeared on This Morning and talked about The Muppets 2.
"I'm in awe of The Muppets”, he said. “I've loved them for like 35 years. I actually can't wait, I'm really excited. I was there yesterday on set and honestly, I'm like an eight year old at Christmas.
- 1/18/2013
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Ricky Gervais says 'Derek' is his ''favourite'' project he has ever worked on. The comedian embodies a retirement home worker on the Channel 4 show - which also stars his close friend and 'An Idiot Abroad' star Karl Pilkington - and Ricky is proud to leave behind his ironic approach to humour and play a role that's more ''sincere''. He explained: ''['Derek' is] my favourite thing I've ever done. I just love the character so much. I love all my characters but I literally love Derek. He's just perfect. ''And I've left behind that veil of irony in most stuff...
- 1/17/2013
- Virgin Media - Celebrity
Ricky Gervais has claimed that his new Channel 4 sitcom is his favourite project that he's ever produced, surpassing The Office and Extras. The care home-based comedy, which also stars Kerry Godliman and Karl Pilkington, returns for a full series later this month after a successful pilot in 2012. "For me, personally, it's my favourite thing I've ever created or worked on. I love Derek more than any other character. In fact, I wish I were more like him. I wish everyone was," wrote Gervais on his official blog. "It's a show about kindness. It's funny and sweet and deals with the real issues of everyday life. I don't think I've seen anything quite like it. The performance that Kerry Godliman gives as Hannah may be the finest piece of character acting I've seen." Talking about the controversy (more)...
- 1/17/2013
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Ricky Gervais has claimed that his Channel 4 comedy Derek is a return to the values he had on The Office. The comedian said that he hoped the new show would have a similar "pathos" and "weight" to that of his work with Stephen Merchant in the early '00s. Speaking in a Making of Derek film, Gervais said: "I've done a lot of media stuff with Extras and the Golden Globes and spoof things for Comic Relief. I sort of dealt in that, because it's irresistible to write about what you know. "I worked in an office for ten years, I wrote about it. I was in the media, I wrote about it. "The Office [had] a pathos and there was a weight to it. There were three-dimensional characters. [Derek] is a return to those Office values. Real people, real problems, and more so." He continued: "The (more)...
- 1/16/2013
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Channel 4 has released four new teaser clips from Ricky Gervais's sitcom Derek. Gervais created a pilot based around his comedy character Derek Noakes last year, and following the ratings success decided to move forward with a full series. Derek is based around Noakes's life as a worker at a nursing home, alongside care home boss Hannah (Kerry Godliman) and Derek's best friend and caretaker Dougie (Karl Pilkington). Speaking about the show, Gervais said: "Derek has evolved over the years. I've had him as a character for 10, 15 years. He was previously a funny little (more)...
- 1/16/2013
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
There's been minimum conversation about project plans for Eli Roth. Last I remember he was directing Russell Crowe in Harker, a story about Dracula. Ever since July I haven't heard a peep, until now.
In case you didn't know, Netflix has been releasing authentic material like House of Cards and Derek by Ricky Gervais. Now Roth is getting in on the action. His newest series Hemlock Grove is slated to release in April and will present all episodes in the collection.
In case you didn't know, Netflix has been releasing authentic material like House of Cards and Derek by Ricky Gervais. Now Roth is getting in on the action. His newest series Hemlock Grove is slated to release in April and will present all episodes in the collection.
- 1/14/2013
- by Keyra Jallah
- GetTheBigPicture.net
It's shaping up to be a big year for Netflix when it comes to expanding their line-up of original content. In addition to the new season of Arrested Development, David Fincher's House of Cards, Jenji Kohan's Orange is the New Black, and Ricky Gervais' Derek, one of the other new shows that Netflix will be launching in 2013 is Hemlock Grove. Produced by Eli Roth, it is a horror series that revolves around a murder mystery in a small town. It would appear that werewolves and/or some other supernatural creatures are involved and it bears more than a passing resemblance to True Blood. The show stars Famke Janssen and Dougray Scott and it debuts on April 19th; check out the official trailer after the jump and let us know what you think.
For More Daily Movie Goodness, Visit Filmjunk.Com!
For More Daily Movie Goodness, Visit Filmjunk.Com!
- 1/11/2013
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
While the reunited cast and cretor of "Arrested Development" were the big stars of Netflix's TCA panel this week, the company was also in Pasadena to present two more of its upcoming original series -- Ricky Gervais' "Derek," which Netflix acquired from Channel 4, and "Hemlock Grove," a supernatural thriller/horror drama from Eli Roth and Brian McGreevy. Read More: The New Season of 'Arrested Development' Is Going To Be Way More Experimental Than It Was on TV Gervais showed up to talk about and defend "Derek," a series that's already drawn some negative attention for its depiction of the mentally disabled even before its pilot aired in the U.K. back in April. Gervais plays the title character, a naive, childlike and not terribly bright man who works in a home for the elderly alongside his friend and roommate Dougie (Karl Pilkington, star of Gervais' "An Idiot Abroad...
- 1/10/2013
- by Alison Willmore
- Indiewire
Ricky Gervais will not be attending Sunday's Golden Globe awards. The Derek star hosted the last three Golden Globes ceremonies, generating increasing controversy with each appearance. He has been replaced this year by first-time Golden Globe Award hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Gervais was in attendance on Wednesday (January 9) at the TCAs, where he revealed that his Muppets sequel shooting schedule is preventing him from attending the Globes. "I've got to fly back. I start filming the new Muppet movie next week," (more)...
- 1/10/2013
- by By Justin Harp
- Digital Spy
Ricky Gervais may have enjoyed being the "most feared man in Hollywood" when he notoriously offended many as a the host of the Golden Globes, but he insists that his new sitcom Derek, set in a nursing home, is "sweeter" than his usual fare.
Derek, an original series to premiere on Netflix sometime this year, won't target the elderly with Gervais' sardonic wit. The show's humor doesn't lie in mocking them, but rather in taking jabs at the callous outside world and its marginalization of the elderly. It's certainly not an obvious topic for humor, but Gervais hopes that viewers will give the show a chance.
"I think there's risk of people not watching it because of assumptions that it was cruel," he said at Netflix's winter TV previews on Wednesday. "There's risk that they don't get it. Or that they get it and don't like it. ... I haven't felt...
Derek, an original series to premiere on Netflix sometime this year, won't target the elderly with Gervais' sardonic wit. The show's humor doesn't lie in mocking them, but rather in taking jabs at the callous outside world and its marginalization of the elderly. It's certainly not an obvious topic for humor, but Gervais hopes that viewers will give the show a chance.
"I think there's risk of people not watching it because of assumptions that it was cruel," he said at Netflix's winter TV previews on Wednesday. "There's risk that they don't get it. Or that they get it and don't like it. ... I haven't felt...
- 1/10/2013
- by Hanh Nguyen
- TVGuide - Breaking News
In Ricky Gervais’ latest series, Derek, he plays a man who works in a nursing home who speaks with an impediment and seems slow. It will premiere on Netflix in the late spring or early summer, but ever since it first premiered in the U.K. earlier this year, it’s been engulfed in controversy over its portrayal of people with intellectual disabilities. Gervais was on hand for a press conference Wednesday and when the comedian was asked about the risk and reward of tackling potentially sensitive material, he said that “the risk in my work is being missed.” Gervais said he made the pilot available to critics earlier this week “because there were so many assumptions… that it was cruel.” The comedian has already gone on record to explain that Derek is different but not disabled, explaining to reporters at TCA that “Derek is innocent. He’s child-like in...
- 1/9/2013
- by Denise Martin
- Vulture
Mitchell Hurwitz's critically beloved "Arrested Development" will make its improbable return from beyond the grave in May of this year, Netflix confirmed today at the TCA Winter Press Tour in Pasadena. The panel for the show, which followed presentations from the company's other upcoming series, Ricky Gervais' "Derek" and Eli Roth's "Hemlock Grove," was quite possibly the most anticipated of the two-week press event, at which Netflix was making its first appearance. "Arrested Development" creator Mitchell Hurwitz was in attendance, along with cast members Jeffrey Tambor, Will Arnett, Jessica Walter, Jason Bateman, Alia Shawkat, Portia de Rossi and Michael Cera, for a session that revealed that the new season of the comedy would be more experimental than even hardcore fans would expect. Read More: First Trailer for Eli Roth's Netflix Horror Series 'Hemlock Grove' For one thing, Bateman...
- 1/9/2013
- by Alison Willmore
- Indiewire
"The Office" mastermind Ricky Gervais came to press tour to talk to journalists about "Derek," his new "bittersweet comedy drama" for NetFlix. The show is a mockumentary following the misfit Derek as he works at an underfunded senior living facility. Fans of the more acid "The Office" and "Extras" may be taken aback by the poignancy of the new show, a shift the star noted. "There's some more dramatic moments than 'The Office' or 'Extras,' maybe, and probably more, it's sweeter… [it] still has the existentialism of 'The Office,' but here it's not about being 30 [years old], it's about being...
- 1/9/2013
- by Liane Bonin Starr
- Hitfix
Ray Richmond is contributing to Deadline’s TCA coverage. After serving as its controversial, take-no-prisoners host the past three years, Ricky Gervais is going to have to miss the Golden Globes this Sunday, he told critics during a TCA promo for his latest original comedy series, Derek, on Netflix. “I honestly enjoyed the last three Golden Globes immensely,” he said. “To be the most feared man in Hollywood for three hours is such fun.” Responding to the fact his insults of the gathered stars became such a huge deal, he maintained that the experience ultimately had little impact on his life and career. “That was such a tiny part of my life,” he said. “I literally treated it as three hours’ work. But usually you have to murder someone to get that many column inches. The next day, I’d forgotten about it and was writing new series and new standup.
- 1/9/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Netflix will be bringing the reunited "Arrested Development" as well as Ricky Gervais' "Derek" and Eli Roth's "Hemlock Grove" to the TCA press tour today in its first-ever panel, but the former's creator Mitchell Hurwitz is already teasing details about what the new season of the series will look like. Apparently -- pretty different from how it looked on television. "Contractually, we couldn't use all the characters in every episode; they were not free to do as much television as they want," Hurwitz told USA Today. While the season's still scheduled to run 13-14 episodes (expanded from the original 10), "the show will look very different," more of a "very, very complex puzzle," with each episode focusing on a single character and only Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) appearing in all of them. "We're not jumping from one thing to another; you're staying with one character... The...
- 1/9/2013
- by Alison Willmore
- Indiewire
Anything Ricky Gervais does on television is usually something to get excited about, but with Derek, this is his full-fledged return to a series in which he's the star. After The Office and Extras, his next project will be Derek, the story of a simple man who works in an old folks' home. In any [...]
New Look at Ricky Gervais's Show Derek...
New Look at Ricky Gervais's Show Derek...
- 12/28/2012
- by Paul
- TVovermind.com
By Carson Blackwelder
Television Contributor
Every Friday, Rachel recaps the week’s major TV-related news, announcements and gossip! This week, Carson fills in.
***
Top Stories
• CBS’s How I Met Your Mother will return for a ninth season, ensuring that the sitcom will definitely overstay its already wavering welcome.
• The question as to whether or not Dan Stevens will return for the fourth season of Masterpiece Theatre’s Downton Abbey has been answered.
• AMC continues its dismal relationships with showrunners as The Walking Dead’s Glen Mazzara got the boot. This means that the zombie drama will be getting its third showrunner within four seasons — that’s a lot of creative disconnect.
• ABC shelved the rest of Vanessa Williams and Terry O’Quinn’s canceled 666 Park Avenue until summer and is filling in the extra hour on Sunday with new episodes of Happy Endings and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.
Television Contributor
Every Friday, Rachel recaps the week’s major TV-related news, announcements and gossip! This week, Carson fills in.
***
Top Stories
• CBS’s How I Met Your Mother will return for a ninth season, ensuring that the sitcom will definitely overstay its already wavering welcome.
• The question as to whether or not Dan Stevens will return for the fourth season of Masterpiece Theatre’s Downton Abbey has been answered.
• AMC continues its dismal relationships with showrunners as The Walking Dead’s Glen Mazzara got the boot. This means that the zombie drama will be getting its third showrunner within four seasons — that’s a lot of creative disconnect.
• ABC shelved the rest of Vanessa Williams and Terry O’Quinn’s canceled 666 Park Avenue until summer and is filling in the extra hour on Sunday with new episodes of Happy Endings and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.
- 12/28/2012
- by Carson Blackwelder
- Scott Feinberg
Ricky Gervais's comedy-drama Derek has had a trailer for its first full run released. After the success of the show's pilot episode earlier this year, Gervais went ahead with a full-scale series. The three-minute teaser clip shows Gervais reprising his role as Derek Noakes, a middle-aged man who works in a nursing home. Gervais's comedy is shot in a mockumentary style, a format which he previously used in hit series The (more)...
- 12/26/2012
- by By Charlotte Grant-West
- Digital Spy
Ricky Gervais is back, and it has nothing to do with the Golden Globes or torturing his friend Karl (for the most part, anyway). The creator of The Office and Extras is returning with a new series called Derek, in which he plays a slow-but-sweet nursing home employee named Derek Noakes. Joining him in the show is his best friend (and the put-upon star of their reality series, An Idiot Abroad) Karl Pilkington, who plays another employee of the old age home. Story: Ricky Gervais Wages Twitter Battle With Christian Fundamentalists Derek premiered as a special last
read more...
read more...
- 12/24/2012
- by Jordan Zakarin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"Derek," Ricky Gervais' newest comedy, has released a first look trailer. The series, which will air on Channel 4 in the UK and on Netflix in the Us, features Gervais as Derek, a man who lives in a nursing home. Gervais wrote, directed and stars in the comedy.
"Netflix is the future," Gervais said in a statement in September. "TV habits have already changed drastically over the last 10 years and this is the next phase. People want their favourite shows on demand whether they are homegrown or not. As an artist you want the fruits of you labour to be seen by the largest number of people possible without having to compromise the product. This deal gave me the freedom and the huge potential viewers of the internet but the production values of film and TV. They also made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Come on, an artist gotta eat man.
"Netflix is the future," Gervais said in a statement in September. "TV habits have already changed drastically over the last 10 years and this is the next phase. People want their favourite shows on demand whether they are homegrown or not. As an artist you want the fruits of you labour to be seen by the largest number of people possible without having to compromise the product. This deal gave me the freedom and the huge potential viewers of the internet but the production values of film and TV. They also made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Come on, an artist gotta eat man.
- 12/24/2012
- by Chris Harnick
- Huffington Post
Sometimes it seems like England gets all the cool stuff — The Beatles, texting, Downton Abbey — just a little bit earlier. Back in April, the UK got a glimpse of Ricky Gervais’ new series Derek when a pilot episode aired on England’s Channel 4. Written and directed by Gervais, the mockumentary-style comedy about a nursing home caretaker drew mixed reviews and no small amount of criticism for Gervais’ portrayal of a learning disabled character. Still, the boundary-pushing project got a 2013 series order from Channel 4 and was preemptively picked up by Netflix for Gervais’ Us fans — who can finally get...
- 12/23/2012
- by Adam Markovitz
- EW - Inside TV
Ricky Gervais will reportedly host an upcoming Saturday Night Live. The Derek actor revealed on his blog that he has agreed to helm the NBC sketch comedy series for the very first time next year. " promised the SNL lot that I'd host next year. I've been invited to do it so many times but I was never available," Gervais wrote. He continued: "I'm going to do it next year whether it coincides with me plugging something or not. It might even be better if I don't have to restrict it to jokes about the movie or (more)...
- 11/13/2012
- by By Justin Harp
- Digital Spy
Arriving in theatres in the UK and Ireland tomorrow, The Knot sees Noel Clarke (Kidulthood, Storage 24) starring alongside an excellent cast, headed up by Mena Suvari (American Pie), Matthew McNulty (Misfits), and Talulah Riley (Pride & Prejudice).
Jesse Lawrence is making his feature directorial debut, and ahead of the film’s release, three inter-linked red-band trailers have been released to give you a taste of what to expect.
“Soulmates Alexandra (Talulah Riley) and Jeremy (Matthew McNulty) are getting married. At least that’s the plan. Unfortunately for them, nonchalant best man Peter (Noel Clarke), bridesmaid Sarah (Mena Suvari) and an army of naysayers haven’t heard they’re meant to be together. Can missing bridesmaids, crashed cars, a trip to A&E, and a delivery of pigs testicles stand in the way of true love?”
Clarke has reteamed with Davie Fairbanks (Storage 24) and Geoff Carino (Licks) for the script,...
Jesse Lawrence is making his feature directorial debut, and ahead of the film’s release, three inter-linked red-band trailers have been released to give you a taste of what to expect.
“Soulmates Alexandra (Talulah Riley) and Jeremy (Matthew McNulty) are getting married. At least that’s the plan. Unfortunately for them, nonchalant best man Peter (Noel Clarke), bridesmaid Sarah (Mena Suvari) and an army of naysayers haven’t heard they’re meant to be together. Can missing bridesmaids, crashed cars, a trip to A&E, and a delivery of pigs testicles stand in the way of true love?”
Clarke has reteamed with Davie Fairbanks (Storage 24) and Geoff Carino (Licks) for the script,...
- 10/4/2012
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
By Rachel Bennett
Television Editor & Columnist
Every Friday, Rachel recaps the week’s major TV-related news, announcements and gossip!
* * *
Top Stories
• The Primetime Creative Arts Emmys were held this past Saturday, and HBO’s Games of Thrones took home six statues, the most of the night.
• President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will appear on ABC’s The View next Tuesday. The announcement came a day after it was revealed Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann Romney, would be on the talk show in October.
• ABC has landed the first interview with Victim 1 of the Jerry Sandusky trial. It is not yet known when the interview with the young man, whose sexual abuse allegations in 2009 led to the arrest and conviction of the former Penn State assistant football coach, will air.
• The search is finally over: Rapper Nicki Minaj and country star Keith Urban will...
Television Editor & Columnist
Every Friday, Rachel recaps the week’s major TV-related news, announcements and gossip!
* * *
Top Stories
• The Primetime Creative Arts Emmys were held this past Saturday, and HBO’s Games of Thrones took home six statues, the most of the night.
• President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will appear on ABC’s The View next Tuesday. The announcement came a day after it was revealed Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann Romney, would be on the talk show in October.
• ABC has landed the first interview with Victim 1 of the Jerry Sandusky trial. It is not yet known when the interview with the young man, whose sexual abuse allegations in 2009 led to the arrest and conviction of the former Penn State assistant football coach, will air.
• The search is finally over: Rapper Nicki Minaj and country star Keith Urban will...
- 9/21/2012
- by Rachel Bennett
- Scott Feinberg
Netflix is continuing to expand their library of original content this week as they have reportedly picked up the U.S. rights to the new Ricky Gervais series Derek to be released sometime next year. The show will join Lilyhammer, David Fincher's House of Cards, Eli Roth's Hemlock Grove, Jenji Kohan's Orange is the New Black and the fourth season of Arrested Development as exclusive programming that will only be available through Netflix in the U.S. (Derek will still be available via Channel 4 in the U.K.). Here is what Gervais had to say about the announcement: "Netflix is the future. TV habits have already changed drastically over the last 10 years and this is the next phase. People want their favorite shows on demand whether they are homegrown or not... As an artist you want the fruits of your labor to be seen by the largest...
- 9/20/2012
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
Derek, the title character played by Ricky Gervais in "The Office" creator's newest series, is a 49-year-old man who works in a home for the elderly, hunts autographs in his spare time with his friend Kev (David Earl) and is naive, simple and possibly mentally disabled. When the pilot for the dramedy aired in the UK on April 12th of this year, some accused the show of making fun of disabled people, leading Gervais to defend his work by saying of the character that he "never considered him disabled" but instead thought of him as a "funny little nerd." He's cleverer than Father Dougal in Father Ted. He's not as weird as Mr Bean, he's more aware than Baldrick... It's crazy, just make your own minds up. He's got a little hobby on the margins of society, they are a little bit different which I have liked to celebrate. I never shy away from that.
- 9/20/2012
- by Alison Willmore
- Indiewire
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.