This Side of the Truth

This is a film that Ricky co-wrote and will co-direct with Matt Robinson. It marks his first foray into screenwriting and film directing. He will also play the lead role. Shooting begins in spring 2008.

"This Side of the Truth" is set in a contemporary world where no one has ever lied. Gervais will play a performer who tells the first lie and harnesses its power for personal gain.

"My character works in the film industry, where actors are really readers who tell completely factual stories," Gervais said. "My character's a loser who's about to lose his job, and who's lumbering through the 1300s. All he's got to work with is the Black Death. But once he lies and pretends he's found lost stories, he becomes the greatest storyteller in the world."