AMC’s Next Original Series is From Writer and Executive Producer Veena Sud
Mireille Enos, Billy Campbell, Michelle Forbes, Joel Kinnaman and Brent Sexton to Star
New York, NY – December 2, 2010 – AMC begins production today in Vancouver on the network’s next original series, "The Killing." From writer, executive producer and series’ showrunner Veena Sud ("Cold Case"), "The Killing" is based on the wildly successful Danish television series "Forbrydelsen." It tells the story of the murder of a young girl in Seattle and the subsequent police investigation. Produced by Fox Television Studios, it is executive produced by Mikkel Bondesen ("Burn Notice") for Fuse Entertainment. Fuse’s Kristen Campo co-produces. Season one consists of thirteen, one-hour episodes and is slated to premiere in March 2011.
"’The Killing’ marks the first foray into a crime mystery genre for AMC. We were drawn to the project immediately after viewing the original format. Veena’s adaptation has everything we loved about the original and more – it is compelling and addictive storytelling," said Susie Fitzgerald, AMC’s SVP of scripted development and current programming. "We could also not be more impressed with the level of talent that we have working on it from our amazing cast and crew to our dedicated partners at FTVS and Fuse."
David Madden, President of Fox TV Studios, added, "From the moment Mikkel Bondesen brought us the Danish series, we knew ’The Killing’ was something special, and that we would need the trifecta of exceptional writer/showrunner, which we found in Veena Sud, a breakout cast, and a creatively driven, forward-thinking network to give this project the life it deserves in the US. We are thrilled to roll cameras on ’The Killing’ and look forward to its airing on AMC."
"The Killing" ties together three distinct stories around a single murder including the detectives assigned to the case, the victim’s grieving family and the suspects. Set in Seattle, the story also explores local politics as it follows politicians connected to the case. As the series unfolds, it becomes clear that there are no accidents; everyone has a secret, and while the characters think they’ve moved on, their past isn’t done with them.
"The Killing" stars Mireille Enos ("Big Love") as Sarah Linden, who is the lead homicide detective that investigates the death of Rosie Larsen. Other castings include: Billy Campbell ("Once and Again," Enough) as Darren Richmond, Seattle’s City Council President, running for Mayor; Michelle Forbes ("True Blood") as Mitch Larsen, Rosie’s mother; Joel Kinnaman (Snabba Cash) as Stephen Holder, an ex-narc cop who joins the homicide division in the investigation to find Rosie Larsen’s killer; and Brent Sexton (W., In the Valley of Elah) as Stan Larsen, Rosie’s father.
AMC’s Joel Stillerman, senior vice president of original programming, production and digital content and Susie Fitzgerald, senior vice president of scripted development and current programming, oversee development and production for the network.
Today’s announcement follows AMC’s recent greenlight of a second season of "The Walking Dead." The series premiered on the network October 31 and reigns as the biggest series debut in cable’s history among Adults 18-49, with 4.2 million tuning in*. Based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics, the series tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse.
*Source: Nielsen Media Research. Live + 3 data
About AMC
AMC reigns as the only cable network in history to ever win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series three years in a row, as well as the Golden Globe® Award for Best Television Series – Drama for three consecutive years. Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade or creating acclaimed original programming, 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, and entertaining non-scripted programming such as 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 96 million homes (Source: Nielsen Media Research), AMC is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, which includes sister networks IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv and Wedding Central. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile. AMC: Story Matters HereSM.
About Fox Television Studios
Fox Television Studios develops and produces programming for major U.S. broadcast and cable networks, and international broadcasters, including the hit shows Burn Notice and White Collar (USA); The Good Guys (FOX), starring Emmy®-winner Bradley Whitford and Colin Hanks; and The Glades (A&E), currently in production on its second season. In addition to AMC’s The Killing, the studio is in production on Lights Out for FX, also set to premiere in 2011. Pilots include Outlaw Country for FX, Three Inches for SyFy, and Wild Card and The Over/Under for USA. On the alternative side, series include the hit reality shows The Girls Next Door, Kendra, and Holly’s World, for E!, as well as the upcoming comedy series The Jamie Foxx Project (untitled) starring Affion Crockett for FOX.