The Walking Dead Spin-Off Pilot Episode Commissioned

Source: Zap 2 It

It transpires that the dead just keep on walking - who could've guessed?
AMC have today announced the commissioning of a pilot episode of a long-rumoured spin-off from their hit fantasy drama The Walking Dead. Currently lacking an official title, the project will be headed up by Dave Erickson and produced by the likes of Gale Ann Hurd and Robert Kirkman (the former of whom assisted in the creation of the 2010 run of the mother show and the latter of whom penned the original Walking Dead comic-book from which the TV universe is derived).

If nothing else, the immense success of The Walking Dead could offer the production team of its first spin-off series the confidence and therefore momentum required to create another instant hit. Details on the new show's narrative and key players were far and few between in AMC's initial press release, but we've nonetheless compiled the main comments provided by its key execs below:

• CHARLIE COLLIER (AMC PRESIDENT) ON THE PROGRAMME'S PREMISE - "Almost from the beginning of The Walking Dead [...], fans have been curious about what is going on in the zombie apocalypse in other parts of the world. [AMC], along with Robert, Gale, David [Alpert, another producer] and now Dave [Erickson], are all proceeding with extreme care [...] to ensure that we [offer] something truly compelling, engaging and distinct."
• ROBERT KIRKMAN ON THE APPEAL OF A SPIN-OFF - "There are many corners of The Waling 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."

Keep it locked at On-Screen in the coming weeks for further details on the first The Walking Dead TV spin-off's production and broadcast schedule (filming on the pilot is apparently due to commence in Winter 2014, but we'll keep you posted when more specific info arrives), not to mention its purportedly "distinct" and "compelling" standalone narrative.