And more! Greg Nicotero, who received an Emmy last weekend for his special effects makeup work on The Walking Dead, has not only signed a development deal with AMC, but has also been named co-executive producer of The Walking Dead.
As we told you last month, he has been directing a series of webisodes in conjunction with The Walking Dead. The press release about the new position and deal also praises his directing work, AND gives a synopsis of the webisode series, which premieres on October 3rd.
EMMY AWARD-WINNER GREG NICOTERO NAMED CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF AMC’S “THE WALKING DEAD” SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKE-UP GURU INKS OVERALL DEVELOPMENT DEAL
NICOTERO-DIRECTS WEBISODES HITTING AMCTV.COM ON OCTOBER 3rd
New York, NY- September 15, 2011 – AMC announced today that Emmy Award-winning make-up effects artist Greg Nicotero has been a named co-executive producer of The Walking Dead. Nicotero has also inked a first-look deal with the network, which gives him the opportunity to bring his own passion projects to AMC. At Saturday’s Creative Arts Emmy Awards, Nicotero won Best Prosthetic Make-up for AMC’s The Walking Dead. Nicotero directs a series of webisodes this season and is also set to direct an episode.
“Greg’s talent extends well beyond the word of special fx makeup,” said Joel Stillerman, AMC’s SVP of original programming, production and digital content. “He is also a truly talented director, and has an incredibly comprehensive understanding and appreciation for great storytelling. His knowledge and respect for the genre is unparalleled, and we are looking forward to expanding our relationship with him with an eye towards developing more great original series.”
Nicotero, who co-owns KNB EFX GROUP, one of Hollywood’s most successful Make-up Effects Studios, premiered his film The United Monster Talent Agency on AMC’S Fearfest last Halloween. He began his career on Day of the Dead in 1985 and as of this year has been involved in nearly 800 feature films including those of Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. He is repped by Ken Linzer, UTA and Chris Pollack at Generate.
Greg’s masterful work on The Walking Dead continues this season on amctv.com. Beginning on October 3rd, fans are able to watch the six-episode web series. Produced by Generate, and conceived and directed by Nicotero and written by John Esposito, the webisodes tell an “origin” story of a woman’s struggle to survive and to protect her family as the world begins to fall apart. Fans have the opportunity to explore the back story of one of the most celebrated “walkers” last season. It focuses on “Bicycle Girl,” the infamous zombie from season one, who was shot by Rick Grimes in the pilot episode. Fans learn about this woman’s life before the apocalypse, and watch her story unfold into what becomes her ultimate demise into zombie-hood.
Nicotero says, “Working on The Walking Dead with such a fantastic cast and crew has been an amazing opportunity, and to have our contribution to the show celebrated is a tremendous compliment. I have always felt like the show had a cinematic feel and everyone involved is dedicated to making this show something special. To be able to branch out and to develop not only the web series but also genre material is something I have always wanted to do; given the people I have had the pleasure of working with over the last 23 years.”
W00t! WE CAN’T WAIT to see what “genre material” he wants to develop! We’re so glad that we won’t have to wait long for the web series!
The Walking Dead web series premieres October 3 on amctv.com.
The Walking Dead season 2 premieres on Sunday, October 16 at 9/8c on AMC.
