About Ricky:
Ricky is well known for being in front of the camera, acting, going on shows and being a comedian. I did not know that he was a writer, Ricky spends a lot of time writing screenplays and directing.
His first credited role as a writer was for 'The 11 o' Clock show' in 1998. I found out that it was a couple of years later when he was recognised widely for his own show 'Meet Ricky Gervais' as he wrote the show and starred in it in 2000. The show only lasted a series of 6 episodes. Ricky went on to writing 'The Office' which became a success having 3 seasons until 2003 and returning in 2005. Ricky acted in the programme as the main character David Brent. The show is a mockumentary of the life of an office worker. He is known for his more recent work like 'Derek'. A comedy set in a nursing home styled as a mockumentary.
Starting out:
I did some research to find out how he started out writing. I found this video of Ricky explaining how he began writing of personal experience and witnessing others whilst he was at school.
When watching the video I heard some key words, one stood out which was 'write what you know'. Steve told us this in the workshops, you can't write a story if you don't know it. It sounds simple but hearing it from Steve and then hearing it from Ricky it really does show that you need to know your story!
Ricky talks about how he always got negative feedback from his teacher so to 'teach him a lesson' he wrote what he thought was a boring story of him witnessing his mum helping out one of the neighbours. His teacher liked the story and gave him an 'A'. "Proudest moment of my life" This is when Ricky learn't the art of storytelling, by using real life experience he was able to create a good story.
Listening to Ricky talk about this was very interesting as he thought it was boring but it was the way he described the story and made it work using expressive words, talking about what is being seen and heard etc. It made me think about my story and how I could improve my screenwriting. I know I had issues coming up with descriptions but it was my first draft. I know I need to rewrite my script and use more expressive words. When I get my feedback from Steve I will look at ways of improving it.
Screenwriting style:
Ricky is a comedian and likes to add humour to his work. His visual style when writing is mockumentary. Ricky likes to have 'real life' scenario but mock it and make it funny having sit-com as the genre. He wants the audience to relate to that story but also having big moments that people will remember. Ricky has a unique style to writing programmes.
Review:
I have watched some of Ricky's work such as 'The Ricky Gervais Show' and 'The Office'. I love sit-coms and any comedy on TV. Ricky has created very funny programmes and he acts in them really well. The programmes have won several awards including primetime Emmy and BAFTAs.
I don't think Ricky influences me on my project as I am not making a comedy or sit-com. His way of starting a story through witnessing and personal experience is something I want to try on future projects but as I have already got my idea and story set I want to continue the way it is. I enjoy Ricky's screenplays but I don't think I want to do it in his style.
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