AMC Picks Up Crime Thriller Television Series 'The Killing'

AMC Television has officially announced that they have made a full series order for the ilot that was formerly known as The Killing, from writer and executive producer Veena Sud (Cold Case). They have also passed along the first production photo from the yet-to-be-officially titled crime thriller series. Read the full press release after the jump.

AMC PICKS UP NEXT ORIGINAL SERIES

Untitled Project from Veena Sud,

Formerly Known As The Killing

Mireille Enos (Big Love) to Star

New York, NY August 11, 2010 – AMC announced today a full series order for the pilot that was formerly known as The Killing, from writer and executive producer Veena Sud (Cold Case). Sud has signed on to also serve as the showrunner for the series, which is currently untitled. Set in Seattle, the series is based on the wildly successful Danish television series Forbrydelsen and tells the story of the murder of a young girl and the subsequent police investigation. Produced by Fox Television Studios, it is executive produced by Mikkel Bondesen (Burn Notice) for Fuse Entertainment. Fuses Kristen Campo co-produces. AMC first announced the pilot order in January 2010 with Patty Jenkins (Monster) directing the pilot. Production on the series begins this fall in Vancouver and season one consists of 13, one-hour episodes. The series is slated to premiere in 2011 on AMC.

Todays announcement marks the fifth original series greenlight for AMC. The first four were Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Rubicon and The Walking Dead.

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 Joel Stillerman, AMCs senior vice president of original programming, production and digital content.

"Ever since Mikkel Bondesen brought us this remarkable Danish mini-series, we were determined to bring it to American television, said David Madden, Executive Vice President, Fox Television Studios. "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 castings 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.

AMCs 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.

AMC, which recently received 26 Emmy nominations, is the only network in television history to win three consecutive Golden Globe awards for best dramatic series for Mad Men (2008, 2009, 2010). Now in its fourth season, the series is garnering its highest ratings to date. 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 (HBOs The Pacific), premiered August 1st. The Walking Dead premieres in October.

About AMC

AMC reigns as the only network to ever win the Golden Globe® Award for Best Television Series – Drama three years in a row and the only basic cable network to win back-to-back Primetime Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Drama Series. Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade from the most comprehensive library 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, and insightful 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 95 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.