New Series in Development Based on the Comic Book Series by Robert Kirkman
Three-Time Academy Award Nominee Frank Darabont
Signs on as Writer, Director and Executive Producer
Gale Anne Hurd to Executive Produce
New York, New York – August 12, 2009 – In one of the largest development deals AMC has ever closed, the network announced today it has secured the rights to "The Walking Dead" as a new series in development. Based on the comic book series, written by Robert Kirkman, the comic has been in publication since October of 2003 and is published by Image Comics. Kirkman signed on to serve as an executive producer on the project and three-time Academy award nominee Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) has signed on to write, direct and executive produce. Gale Anne Hurd (The Terminator, Aliens, Armageddon, The Incredible Hulk), chairman of Valhalla Motion Pictures, has signed on to executive produce. David Alpert from Circle of Confusion has also signed on as executive producer. "The Walking Dead" is one of the most celebrated contemporary genre comics.
"Robert Kirkman has created a world in ’The Walking Dead’ with real characters, real human emotion, and great stories that paint a very smart, sophisticated, and layered picture. In that respect, this is the quintessential AMC version of a property like this, and I think that is what makes these books resonate for so many people," said Joel Stillerman, AMC’s SVP of original programming, production and digital content. "To have world class filmmakers like Frank Darabont and Gale Anne Hurd bring this to life here is brilliant. AMC strives to make shows that play like movies, and their visual and storytelling sensibility will fit perfectly with that creative approach."
"I am delighted to be working with Frank Darabont and AMC on this exciting project. Robert Kirkman has created an indelible world in ’The Walking Dead.’ We look forward to joining forces to bring his story to the screen," stated Gale Anne Hurd.
"The Walking Dead" tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. The story follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home. The comic goes on to explore the challenges of life in a world overrun by zombies who take a toll on the survivors, and sometimes the interpersonal conflicts present a greater danger to their continuing survival than the zombies that roam the country. Over time, the characters are changed by the constant exposure to death and some grow willing to do anything to survive.
About AMC
AMC – the most Emmy®-winning basic cable network of 2008 – reigns as the only basic cable network to win back-to-back Golden Globes® for Best Television Series – Drama and boasts a comprehensive library of the most entertaining movies of all time. Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade or creating acclaimed original productions, the AMC experience is an uncompromising celebration of great stories. AMC’s original stories include the Emmy® Award-winning dramas Mad Men and Breaking Bad, the upcoming miniseries The Prisoner and insightful non-scripted programming such as AMC Storymakers and AMC News. AMC further demonstrates its commitment to the art of storytelling with curated movie franchises like AMC Hollywood Icon and AMC Complete Collection. Available in more than 94 million homes (Source: Nielsen Media Research), AMC is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, which includes sister networks IFC, Sundance Channel and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms including on-air, online, on demand and mobile. AMC: Story Matters HereSM.