Although this is a very interesting, if exceptionally simple short documentary - it seems geared to mutual promotion rather than being a 'scoop' for Channel 4 as another commentator has written.
HBO were joint funding or distributing (they were certainly broadcasting) Gervais's series "Extras" (Gervais even points out a huge advert for it on his way to the interview) at the time and Channel 4 were broadcasting Curb Your Enthuisiasm - so it must of seemed a natural step to make a quick documentary with both leads exchanging notes. Gervais seems a little fawning and awkward next to David and rightfully so as Extras was essentially a tipping of the hat to Curb and had 'borrowed' many of it's techniques (using celebrities, awkward situations, the other side of TV making etc). It seems logical that HBO's backing helped Gervais acquire so many big Hollywood names to its fold - Ben Stiller (as himself) contributed to Curb and Extras.
An interesting insight into Larry David's real life but not nearly as interesting as Curb You Enthusiasm and no real depth is explored.
HBO were joint funding or distributing (they were certainly broadcasting) Gervais's series "Extras" (Gervais even points out a huge advert for it on his way to the interview) at the time and Channel 4 were broadcasting Curb Your Enthuisiasm - so it must of seemed a natural step to make a quick documentary with both leads exchanging notes. Gervais seems a little fawning and awkward next to David and rightfully so as Extras was essentially a tipping of the hat to Curb and had 'borrowed' many of it's techniques (using celebrities, awkward situations, the other side of TV making etc). It seems logical that HBO's backing helped Gervais acquire so many big Hollywood names to its fold - Ben Stiller (as himself) contributed to Curb and Extras.
An interesting insight into Larry David's real life but not nearly as interesting as Curb You Enthusiasm and no real depth is explored.