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In July 2006 it was reported in the Hollywood Reporter that BBC Films was considering a feature length version of The Office for cinematic release.[2]
Comparison of UK and US versionsAll of the core elements of the UK series were brought over to the US version. Both are structured as mockumentaries, without laugh tracks. Both are set in the offices of a paper supply company, with a boss whose high opinion of his own managerial skills (and his sense of humour) are not shared by his employees. Both feature an irritating "assistant to the regional manager" and two characters, an in-house sales representative and a receptionist, who are good friends with an apparent chemistry between them that hints to the viewers that their relationship could go beyond friendship if the receptionist were not already engaged. The first episode of the first season of the American 'Office' was almost an exact adaptation of the first episode of the British version. The characters have different names, are played by different actors, and behave slightly differently. There is more obscene and sexual language in the British version. Starting with episode 2 in season 1 of the American version, the producers started making original episodes.
Each episode of the British version is about 29 minutes, as opposed to 20 to 22 minutes for the US version. This is due to the lack of commercials on the BBC version versus the network US version with commercials. A January 2006 Los Angeles Times article commented briefly on some of the changes that the producers of the US version have introduced as the show has developed. NBC's entertainment president Kevin Reilly, whose support kept it on the air during a period of dismal initial ratings, characterized the differences in the characters this way: "I think Americans need a little bit more hope than the British." Reilly was talking about such differences as making the boss be a bit more competent, and plots that are slightly more upbeat, with humour less cruel.[citation needed] The temporary employee in the American version, played by B.J. Novak, has much more of a presence than the equivalent role in the British version, played by Oliver Chris. In the British program, this character is only present in the secondary cast for the first six episodes. In contrast, the American temp is billed as the fifth lead character of the show. On the other hand, however, Michael Scott's friend Todd Packer plays a minor role in the American version, compared to his counterpart in the British series Chris Finch, who has quite a large role. Novak began the series as a writer as well as an actor, but by the second season was billed as "co-producer". Novak's character, Ryan Howard, was made a permanent employee in the third season. The British version focused on a few main characters, mainly David, Tim, Dawn, and Gareth. The American version includes several characters that have no obvious counterpart in the British version, such as Angela, Oscar, Creed, Stanley, and Phyllis. This may be because, while the British show had a short run (twelve episodes and one holiday special), the American program will have many more episodes in accordance with the standard American sitcom format of 22 episodes per season and multiple seasons. Thus the American program requires more characters to serve as material for more storylines. Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
In the commentary on the DVD release of the second season (second series) on BBC it is mentioned that Gervais' character was made less evil and more silly as he slowly gets into more and more trouble and eventually finds himself out of work and without prospects, and in this state begins to pathetically beg for his job back, promising to change his ways. A parallel change can be seen in Carell's character in the second season. He displays his ability to close deals (though this was hinted at in the premiere of the first season), he is seen flirting with his real estate agent, and he actually gets his corporate boss "into bed." The encounter between Michael and his female boss Jan is a source of speculation during the majority of the second season until she confirms what actually happened that night to Jim in the season finale, "Casino Night." He is depicted as less vain and self-centered, but more incompetent at social interaction in the real world. A couple of redeeming features emerge as he gets along with the daughter of Toby, a coworker whom Michael despises, at work during a "Take Your Daughter to Work Day". Character counterparts
Key awards wonSelected major awards won only
References
See also
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