New web series in the works

Ricky Gervais is to teach foreigners how to speak English.

He has recorded and edited the pilot episode of the internet series, and says ‘it’s turned out great’.

Gervais will star with Karl Pilkington in the video episodes, which will have foreign subtitles to help the students understand what they are saying.

On his blog, Gervais added: ‘We hope to have it subtitled into as many languages as possible.

‘I'm going to put out the first one free as a taster then work out the best way to distribute. Might charge a small fee or get it sponsored.

‘Unlike the audio podcasts this actually costs quite a bit to make, but even if we charge it will still only be a couple of quid.

‘I'm thinking of making a clean version of the pilot available for download so people can put their own subtitles on it and repost it. You can do a Klingon version if you want…’

Gervais owns a production company with Pilkington and Stephen Merchant called RiSK, from their first initials.

Published: 30 Jul 2012