AMC has given greenlights to two drama pilots, “The Walking Dead” and “The Killing.”
“Walking Dead” is based on the comicbook series about survivors of a zombie apocalypse by Robert Kirkman. Frank Darabont penned the adaptation and is onboard to direct. Gale Anne Hurd of Valhalla Motion Pictures and David Alpert of Circle of Confusion will exec produce with Darabont and Kirkman.
“Walking Dead” revolves around a group of survivors, led by a police officer, who travel the country in search of a safe home.
Working with people like Frank Darabont and Gale Anne Hurd is the right way in for us to deliver a project of distinction in this genre,” AMC prexy Charlie Collier said.
“The Killing,” from Fox Television Studios, is based on the popular Danish TV series “Forbrydelsen.” Veena Sud (“Cold Case”) wrote the pilot and will exec produce; “Burn Notice’s” Mikkel Bondesen is also exec producing.
“Killing” is described as a crime drama that turns on the murder of a young girl and the investigation that ensues. Story is told from the perspective of a femme investigator “who cares more for the dead than for the living,” said Joel Stillerman, AMC senior veep of programming, production and original content. It’s focused on the character but has touches of psychological horror pics a la “Silence of the Lambs,” he said.
