A brand new trailer has just been released for the comedy written and directed by Ricky Gervais.

The Invention of Lying takes place in an alternate reality in which lying - even the concept of a lie - does not even exist. It's kind of like the exact opposite of Jim Carey's Liar Liar.

Everyone from politicians to advertisers, to the man and woman on the street speaks the truth and nothing but the truth with no thought of the consequences.

But when a down-on-his-luck loser named Mark (Ricky Gervais) suddenly develops the ability to lie, he finds that dishonesty has its rewards. In a world where every word is assumed to be the absolute truth, Mark easily lies his way to fame and fortune.

The film has a brilliant cast (including Tina Fey, Rob Lowe, Jason Bateman, Jonah Hill and Christopher Guest), so it will be interesting to see what the finished product is like. There's a good chance it will be better that Gervais' last film, Ghost Town, as he has co-written and co-directed this particular vehicle.

The Invention of Lying is due for release in the States this September. An Australian release date is yet to be confirmed.

Here's the trailer: