Russians to remake The Office

The new comedy will go out on Channel One, the most watched channel in Russia, under a deal with BBC Worldwide.

Channel One will make 24 half-hour episodes with their affiliated production company Red Square.

Under the supervision of BBC Worldwide’s executive producer Duncan Cooper, the Russian broadcaster has the right to develop new storylines beyond Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s original 13 scripts, in order to extend the run of the series.

BBC Worldwide’s Ben Donald said: ‘This is the first scripted format we have licensed to Russia and marks another breakthrough for our business in the country. Russia is an important territory for us.

‘We are obviously very eager to hear about the cast members, including who will be the David Brentski of Russia, and the location of their “Slough”.’

Gervais wrote on his blog: ‘I can't wait for production to start.’

As well as the hit NBC version in America, BBC Worldwide has also licensed local versions of The Office to France and Canada. The most recent is set to air in Chile next month with Manuel, a Latino David Brent, at the helm.

The original version has sold to over 70 countries around the world cementing its position as one of the most popular comedies to come out of the UK.

Published: 24 Jul 2008