AMC goes from zombies to killings with Cold Case and Burn Notice producers

AMC announced today that it has ordered a pilot and series order for a project that was formerly known as The Killing, from Cold Case writer and executive producer Veena Sud, who has also signed on to serve as the showrunner for the series, which is currently untitled. Set in Seattle, the series formerly known as The Killing, is based on a wildly successful Danish television series Forbrydelsen and centers on the murder of a young girl and the subsequent police investigation.

Fox Television Studios is producing the remake series, which is being executive produced by Mikkel Bondesen (Burn Notice). AMC first announced the pilot order in January 2010 with Patty Jenkins (Monster) directing the pilot. Production on season one starts this fall in Vancouver with 13 one-hour episodes, and is slated to premiere on AMC in 2011.

Todays announcement marks the fifth original series for AMC, including popular cult favorites Mad Men and Breaking Bad, along with newcomer Rubicon, the high-concept espionage thriller that started a few Sundays ago, and the highly anticipated The Walking Dead, based on the horror comic by Robert Kirkman.

“We are thrilled to be moving forward with this stunning piece of television. It is a crime drama, but it is also a gripping character based story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The storytelling is completely compelling, and the show is visually breathtaking. Veena, Patty, Fuse, FTVS and the cast did a phenomenal job of bringing it to life.” said AMCs Joel Stillerman.

“Ever since Mikkel Bondesen brought us this remarkable Danish mini-series, we were determined to bring it to American television, said Fox Television Studios’ David Madden. “We are so proud to be working with AMC and our extraordinary cast on this very special series.”

As Sarah, Mireille Enos (Big Love) portrays the lead homicide detective that investigates the death of Rosie Larsen. Other previously announced cast include: Billy Campbell (Once and Again, Enough) as Darren Richmond, Seattles City Council President, running for Mayor; Michelle Forbes (True Blood) as Mitch Larsen, the victims mother; Joel Kinnaman (Snabba Cash) as Stephen Holder, an ex-narc cop who joins the homicide division in the investigation to find Rosie Larsens killer; and Brent Sexton (W., In the Valley of Elah) as Stan Larsen, the victims father.

The series ties together three distinct stories around a single murder including the detectives assigned to the case, the victims grieving family and the suspects. The story also explores local politics as it follows politicians connected to the case. As it unfolds, it becomes clear that there are no accidents; everyone has a secret, and while the characters think theyve moved on, their past isnt done with them.

Joel Stillerman and Susie Fitzgerald oversee development and production for AMC, which is the only network in television history to win three consecutive Golden Globe awards for best dramatic series for Mad Men (2008, 2009, 2010). The first two seasons of Breaking Bad awarded the outstanding lead actor Emmy award to Bryan Cranston for his portrayal of lead character Walt White. Rubicon, a conspiracy thriller starring James Badge Dale (HBO’s The Pacific), premiered August 1st, and The Walking Dead premieres in October.

Visit the website for the original television series at www.dr.dk/forbrydelsen.