Ricky Gervais Only Works For Eight Minutes At A Time When Writing

Ricky Gervais says he can only work for eight minutes at a time when he's writing a script.

The comedian was discussing his approach for the new series of After Life, and revealed that he tries not to overthink it.

Speaking about how he works, Gervais said he's quite relaxed about things these days, but while it might not seem like a lot of time to devote to his art, it pays off in the long run.

The 59-year-old said: "I potter around, I have more than one thing on the go, so my attention span can be eight minutes at a time.

"I look at it like this - if I am writing a script and I have got six months to write, I only have to come up with a couple of minutes a day.

"That couple of minutes on screen is an afternoon's filming. And because I am writing it for me to direct it everything is a bit quicker."

Netflix

Gervais went on to say that he's enjoying his new approach to writing.

He said: "It has sort of been a revelation. I am very relaxed now about everything I do."

Adding: "Often my laziness has been mistaken for integrity."

Over the years, the writer has gained quite the army of fans, with millions tuning into is TV shows and movies.

But while Gervais enjoys his success, he believes that calls for him to be knighted should be saved for NHS staff and charity workers.

A fan on Twitter recently praised the Office creator for his 24 Emmy nominations.

Responding to the post on Twitter, Gervais then joked: "Still no f***ing knighthood."

PA

But with a certain number of people not getting that he was kidding, Gervais then added: "It seems some people think I really want a knighthood.

"I'm joking. Those sort of honours should go to nurses, carers and charity workers. Not idiots like me who are already over rewarded. (Unless I can wear armour and carry a sword, in which case I'm interested)."

But despite his aversion to being honoured, lots of his fans said he deserved it.

Commenting on the post, one user said: "You absolutely deserve one. Aside from the entertainment you provide, your shows like After Life really emotionally support people. Also, your animal activism is amazing."

Another put: "I think After Life helps loads of people in difficult times, so that's worthy of knighthood."

Topics: Entertainment, Funny, UK Entertainment, Netflix, Ricky Gervais

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

@SmithersDom