Behind the Scenes: Making of The Office UK

The cast of The Office UK sitting in their office set, with Ricky Gervais as David Brent in the center

The Office UK, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, revolutionized the sitcom genre with its mockumentary style and cringe-inducing humor. Let's dive into some fascinating facts and anecdotes from the production of this groundbreaking series.

1. The Birth of David Brent

Ricky Gervais' iconic character, David Brent, wasn't born overnight. Gervais had been developing the character for years, starting with a short film called 'Seedy Boss' that he made while working at a real office job. This early incarnation laid the foundation for the cringeworthy yet oddly sympathetic manager we all know and love.

2. Improvisation and Realism

While the show had a scscriptt, much of the dialogue was improvised. The actors were encouraged to ad-lib and react naturally to situations, which contributed to the show's realistic feel. This approach was particularly effective in scenes featuring Mackenzie Crook as Gareth, whose deadpan delivery often left his co-stars struggling to keep a straight face.

Behind-the-scenes photo of Ricky Gervais and Martin Freeman laughing between takes on The Office UK set

3. The Real Slough

The show's setting of Slough was chosen for its reputation as a rather dull, industrial town. However, the exterior shots of Wernham Hogg were actually filmed at a real office building in Teddington, London. The production team went to great lengths to make the office look as authentically bland and soul-crushing as possible.

4. Limited Run by Design

Unlike many successful shows that run for numerous seasons, The Office UK was intentionally limited to just two series and a Christmas special. Gervais and Merchant believed in the principle of "leave them wanting more" and felt that the story had reached its natural conclusion.

5. The Documentary Crew

One of the most intriguing aspects of the show was the presence of the unseen documentary crew. The characters would often glance at the camera, breaking the fourth wall. This technique, while not entirely new, was used to great effect in The Office, influencing many future mockumentary-style shows.

A film crew setting up cameras and lights in The Office UK set, with actors in the background

6. Critical Reception and Ratings

Initially, The Office received mixed reviews and modest ratings. However, word of mouth and critical reappraisal soon turned it into a cult hit. By the time the second series aired, it had become a bona fide phenomenon, winning numerous awards including Golden Globes and BAFTAs.

7. The Legacy

The Office UK's influence on television comedy cannot be overstated. It spawned numerous international adaptations, with the US version becoming a massive hit in its own right. The show's unique blend of cringe comedy, pathos, and realism has inspired countless imitators and remains a benchmark for quality television.

The Office UK may have only run for 14 episodes, but its impact on television and popular culture has been immense. Its behind-the-scenes stories are as fascinating as the show itself, revealing the careful craftsmanship and innovative spirit that went into creating this modern classic.