Ricky Gervais explains why he ditched theaters for Netflix to release his new movie
Netflix
Gervais recently talked to Business Insider about his release strategy for "David Brent: Life on the Road," his new musical mockumentary that follows the plight of his David Brent character from the UK's "The Office" as he self-finances a last-ditch attempt to become a touring rock star.
Though "Life on the Road" premiered in theaters this summer in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, Gervais orchestrated a deal with Netflix to release the film exclusively on the streaming service in all other countries on February 10, 2017.
He said he pushed for the film to be on Netflix, which previously put out his series "Derek," because of how dismal the prospects of an indie film's theatrical success can be nowadays, even for one featuring Hollywood stars.
"It's a lot of work, a lot of advertisement, and a lot of money you've got to make back with a sort of cult film in the cinema," Gervais said. "It's a very dangerous game. And everyone was telling me, 'Oh, it will do really well.' But I didn't hesitate because there are people that are bigger stars than me bombing at the box office every day.
"It was actually a studio film, and it had distribution," he continued. "But I persuaded Netflix to come along and buy everyone out, like a rich uncle."
Tristan Fewings/Getty
"More people will see it than in the cinema," he said. "If you think about it, if a film takes $100 million at the box office, 10 million people went to see it. Netflix has 75 million subscribers. They might as well watch it, and they don't have to watch it that weekend either. They could watch it in a year."
In "Life on the Road," David Brent tours with a session band called Foregone Conclusion. In real life, Gervais and the group have played sold-out shows in Europe, performing songs from the film's soundtrack, which has a humorous accompanying songbook out Tuesday.
Gervais feels that the impending Netflix premiere and its potentially vast reach will allow him to take his David Brent shows to the US and around the world.
"It's great artistically, and it makes great business sense," he said of taking the film to Netflix. "And it will allow us to play gigs over there. I can't recommend it enough."
Buy "The David Brent Songbook" on Amazon (out November 8).
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- JNK India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Indian Army unveils selfie point at Hombotingla Pass ahead of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas
- JNK India IPO allotment date
- JioCinema New Plans
- Realme Narzo 70 Launched
- Apple Let Loose event
- Elon Musk Apology
- RIL cash flows
- Charlie Munger
- Feedbank IPO allotment
- Tata IPO allotment
- Most generous retirement plans
- Broadcom lays off
- Cibil Score vs Cibil Report
- Birla and Bajaj in top Richest
- Nestle Sept 2023 report
- India Equity Market