An exclusive Q&A with Ricky Gervais

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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