3. AMC Orders Pilot For The Walking Dead Companion Series
Earlier this year we heard that AMC was looking into expanding their incredibly popular series The Walking Dead through spin-offs, and this week they took the necessary steps to make it a reality. It's a bit surprising that it's taken them this long to do so, but according to Coming Soon, they've greenlit a pilot for a companion series. The only problem is, we have absolutely no idea what it's about, when it takes place in the story, or how it ties into The Walking Dead. We do know some of the behind-the-scenes info, though, as Sons of Anarchy producer Dave Erickson will be the executive producer and showrunner, while Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, and David Alpert from The Walking Dead will help executive produce as well. The show will apparently give fans the chance to "explore what is going on in the zombie apocalypse in other parts of the world." Check out the official press release here:
AMC announced today that it has ordered a pilot episode of a companion series for The Walking Dead. The Walking Dead, which premiered on AMC in October, 2010, has been the #1 program on television among adults 18-49 for the last two years. Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert from The Walking Dead are also executive producers of the new project which, like the original, is being produced by AMC Studios. Dave Erickson (Marco Polo, Sons of Anarchy), who co-created and co-wrote the pilot with Kirkman, will serve as an executive producer and showrunner. Almost from the beginning of The Walking Dead on AMC, fans have been curious about what is going on in the zombie apocalypse in other parts of the world. In fact, beyond requests for zombie cameos, its the question I get asked the most, said AMC President Charlie Collier. Obviously, we all take our stewardship of the original franchise incredibly seriously and we, along with Robert, Gale, David and now Dave, are all proceeding with extreme care in order to ensure that we are offering fans something truly compelling, engaging and distinct. Were thrilled to be taking this next step with these remarkable partners. There are many corners of The Walking Dead universe that remain unseen in the shadows. Being given the opportunity to shine a light into those corners and see what lurks out there is an absolute thrill. I know the fans are anxious to hear what Dave and I have been cooking up for this new universe of The Walking Dead, and Im happy to be one step closer to sharing it with them, said Kirkman. Ive been fortunate to have collaborated with both Robert and AMC on past projects and Im thrilled to join them again, along with Gale and David, to build upon The Walking Deads already epic narrative, said Erickson. The pilot is scheduled for production in late 2014. No additional details are being provided about the location and/or casting for the pilot at this time. The highly-anticipated fifth season of The Walking Dead returns to AMC on October 12. The Walking Dead is based on the comic book series created and written by Robert Kirkman and published by Skybound, Kirkmans imprint at Image Comics.
James is a 24 year old writer and filmmaker living in Portland, OR. He attended college for graphic design and writes for various sources on the web about film, television, and entertainment.
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