Nellie Andreeva

PREVIOUS: AMC Nears Series Order For ‘The Killing’

The pickup extends AMC’s perfect pilot-to-series ratio, with all 5 of its scripted pilots, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Rubicon, The Walking Dead and now The Killing, gone to series. (Walking Dead’s series pickup came before the pilot was shot.) Here is AMC’s release on the 13-episode pickup for The Killing, which will now be renamed.

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.  Fuse’s 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. Today’s 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.” said Joel Stillerman, AMC’s SVP 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, EVP 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) as Darren Richmond, Seattle’s City Council President, running for Mayor; Michelle Forbes (True Blood) as Mitch Larsen, the victim’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, the victim’s father. The series ties together three distinct stories around a single murder including the detectives assigned to the case, the victim’s 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 they’ve moved on, their past isn’t done with them. AMC’s Joel Stillerman and Susie Fitzgerald, SVP scripted development and current programming, oversee development and production for the network.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.