The Walking Dead Gets Picked Up For A Third Season

Not even two episodes in and AMC has already green lit a third season of The Walking Dead. With the early ratings this really comes as absolutely no surprise but we’re happy to share with you that it’s now been made official. We are getting more zombie goodness from AMC. Hopefully they continue on with the great story telling they’ve been doing so far and with the minor changes that they’ve made to the story line I’ve been glued to the set every week as I know many of you have also been! (Here’s to a potential Governor story line next year!)

AMC announced today the renewal of The Walking Dead for a third season. Season 2 continues to deliver the strongest telecasts for any drama in basic cable history against Adults 18-49 shattering a basic cable record set nearly 10 years ago for a single drama telecast (The Dead Zone). The Walking Dead is based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics. Glen Mazzara serves as series’ showrunner. Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, David Alpert and Frank Darabont are executive producers. Greg Nicotero is a co-executive producer.

“Today we are pleased to announce that the ‘dead’ shall live as we proudly renew The Walking Dead for a third season on AMC and, globally, with our terrific partners at Fox International Channels,” said Charlie Collier, AMC’s President. “We are thankful for everyone’s contribution in front of and behind the camera as we continue to make The Walking Dead a unique television experience. And, we are so proud as it continues to set viewership records around the world.”

FOX International Channels rolled-out its global launch for The Walking Dead this weekend, with premieres on FIC’s cable networks in Europe, Asia, Latin American, Africa and the Middle East. The series’ international premieres delivered equally impressive results in all major international TV markets, and broke pay-TV ratings’ records across the world. Over 10 million viewers in 122 countries tuned in live to watch the second season premiere of this highly anticipated returning drama. And, FIC will once again be the international broadcasting partner for the series with Entertainment One continuing to distribute in non-FIC markets.

“Partnering with AMC on The Walking Dead took some guts”, said Sharon Tal Yguado, SVP of Scripted Programming at FIC. “But at the same time was the easiest programming decision we ever made. It’s rare to come across a groundbreaking TV project that is also attached to some of the best talent in town. The Walking Dead was treated as a global event since day one and not only changed the traditional TV model but also changed our viewers’ TV experience. It is now officially a global addiction with millions of fans around the globe wanting more. We are delighted to give it to them.”

The Walking Dead secured a 2010 Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Series – Drama and won the 2011 Emmy Award for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup. The series tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home.

The Walking Dead received rave reviews from countless critics, both domestic and international, who heralded the series as “above all else, The Walking Dead hasn’t lost the most important ingredient in its strangely successful recipe: it’s thrilling” (The Hollywood Reporter), “…with Dead’s riveting cast of characters, the personal dynamics are almost as potent as the gory thrills” (Us Weekly), “The Walking Dead is a feast. Dig in.” (The Guardian, UK), “It doesn’t even take three minutes to realize that this series is setting standards” (Der Tagesspiegel, Germany).

[via: AMC.]

The Talking Dead Becomes Official

Well it’s finally happened. AMC has found ANOTHER way to cash in on The Walking Dead. This time? They are creating a half hour program that will air after each episode – to talk about the episode! It’s being produced by Michael Davies and hosted by Chris Hardwick.

Much like The Walking Dead Season 2 it is premiering on October 16th. (I did just say it was after every episode right?)

Hardwick will be discussing each episode and the series itself with the actors and producers of the show as well as fans! While I’m still a bit iffy on having this added in I do appreciate seeing another way for fans to support and interact with the show.

Trailer: Sangre

Not a lot of details on this indie but even with a lower budget they still have a good look going on. It stars Liz Savage going around and apparently kicking some zombie ass, so far so good! I did like the blood spray from the one scene we get to see a bit form. I just hope their plot does the look of the video justice.

Missy (Liz Savage), is asked to check-in on her friend’s family, while she’s away. Letting herself inside, Missy unknowingly enters a zombie infestation. The people inside are no longer. They have tasted flesh and crave blood. As she searches for survivors she must herself, survive.

You can follow the studio’s progress of the film as it progresses here!

The Walking Dead Wins A Saturn Award

The Saturn Awards are, for those not in the know, a HUGE Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror film award ceremony. It’s on it’s 37th year and The Walking Dead was honored with a very prestigious award! They were nominated and won the award for Best TV Presentation. There was definitely some heavy competition so to take it is an absolute honor.

On a relaxing Southern California afternoon, amidst the beautiful backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, The Castaway set the scene for the 37th Annual Saturn Awards. The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films proudly presented the awards to its winners and special award recipients.

[via: Dread Central.]

Desert Zombie: Last Stand Early Game Play Footage

At the beginning of the month we were able to show you the Desert Zombie Teaser which, while it looked pretty, it didn’t show any actual gameplay. With the final build not yet ready we don’t have that to show you BUT we do have some early gameplay footage and I do believe the following description says it best:

Have a look at Desert Zombie been tested by one of our developers. Explosions? Check. Huge gun? Check.

So the game looks as if it’s going to be extremely pretty and I’m sure if we get a review copy of it whoever on staff does the review is going to love it. It looks fun! It looks like a blast! I’m an Android user so I won’t be able to play it, good thing we have plenty of iPhone reviewers to give it a whirl!

Desert Zombie: Last Stand is a premium gaming experience; gritty, high-tech warfare against a diabolically strategic and effective army of zombies — delivered directly to your mobile device.

You can learn more at Desert Zombie’s Homepage.

The Walking Dead – Update From Robert Kirkman

Kirkman talks a bit on season 2 giving us hints and tidbits of what is to come without giving us any direct information. It still looks like the season is going to be a riot even though I’m really hoping that the Farm plot does not take the entire season. Only time will tell the direction they will go, and I’m sure they’ll make any plan work, I just hope for some variety in the season.

On Mon., Jun. 6, production of The Walking Dead Season 2 officially kicked off. Now AMCtv.com begins its series of on-set interviews with the show’s talented creative team by chatting with executive producer Robert Kirkman about his expectations for the second season, why he won’t play a zombie and Glenn’s love prospects in the apocalypse.

Q: With Season 2 underway, what are you looking forward to?

A: Time spent in the Atlanta sun. I don’t go outside a lot and it’s nice to be in nature. Mostly I’m just looking forward to seeing the actors again. We don’t get to hang out that much, so it’ll be fun to get back to seeing those guys and interrupting them while they’re working: “I know you’re really worried about this scene and you’re trying to get your lines straight and everything, but let’s chat about what I saw on TV last night.”

Q: What are you expecting from the first few weeks?

A: It’s a funny question: I really don’t know exactly what they’re going to be shooting. But I will say there are some really awesome set-pieces coming up in the first episode. It’s just going to be a lot of fun to get back and see Andrew and Sarah and Jon in costume again, watching Greg Nicotero make zombies again. It’s gonna be a lot of fun.

Q: Have you seen what Greg has planned, zombie-wise?

A: Oh yeah. I’ve seen a lot of the stuff that he’s been putting together, and I can just say that he’s definitely taking things to the next level. I used to joke when we were promoting the first season, I would say “These are the best zombies that you’ve ever seen because Greg Nicotero has perfected his craft, and if he goes and does a zombie movie next THOSE will be the best zombies you’ve ever seen.” And now I’m happy to say that The Walking Dead Season 2 zombies are the best zombies you’ve ever seen because that’s what Greg Nicotero is doing next. There are going to be some memorable comic book zombies here and there, and then a lot is just Greg going, “OK, what can you do to the human body?”

Q: Previously, you announced that Hershel’s farm would play a big factor in Season 2. What can you tell us about that?

A: Season 1 focused on Atlanta so much, and we got to see desolate Atlanta and how this stuff affects cities. And that was really cool, and a lot of cool visuals come from that. But rather than repeat ourselves we’re going out into the woods. We’re gonna see a lot of rural roads and open fields see how bad things are as you get away from the city centers. It’s definitely different enough that Season 2 stands on its own and has its own thing. And a lot of that comes from Hershel’s farm and seeing these characters. All I can say is it’s gonna be great, and the casting on Season 2 is going to be as pitch-perfect as the casting on Season 1. I can’t wait for everyone to meet Hershel.

Q: Any hints who will be playing him?

A: We were looking really hard at Charlie Sheen for everyone, but he can’t play multiple roles. Turns out he can’t even play one, so, I don’t know. [Laughs]

Q: How does the fact that Shane’s still alive change the story since he died so early in the comic?

A: While we’re mapping out this arc and figuring out this story, we’ll pull something in from the comic and then we’ll go, “OK, so how does Shane existing change this? What does Shane bring to the situation? What’s going on with his character at this point and how does it affect this thing that’s already existed.” It’s really neat for me to treat The Walking Dead TV show as an alternate dimension where Shane lived, and there’s all this different stuff happening because of that. Shane really throws a wrench in a lot of stuff.

Q: Are you now reluctant to kill him off?

A: Yeah absolutely. It’s hard thinking about killing any character. If they’re good characters, there are always more scenes to write, but this is the nature of things: There are zombies around. People gots to die. And after getting to know Jon Bernthal and see his portrayal of Shane, it’s not an easy decision. He’s past his expiration date by comic book standards, but Shane is by no means rotten. I think he’s remaining fresh for a while. We’ll see.

Q: Last season you were pretty adamant you wouldn’t be dress up as a zombie. Have you had a change of heart?

A: I have not changed my mind. It’s just a pet peeve of mine: I don’t like recognizing people in cameo. I’m fine with cameos where I know that’s a buddy of mine that’s a zombie, but I do so much promotion for the show I just feel like viewers would be like, “That’s that guy from the Internet! What’s he doing in the background?” I feel like I would stick out like a sore thumb and ruin the scene. Also, I would not be able to resist the urge to wave. No one wants to see a waving zombie.

Q: How about directing an episode this season?

A: No, no no. That’s ridiculous. I won’t do that until Season 3. [Laughs] Look, directing looks really difficult. And I’m really proud of the fact that I’ve made my living by doing things that aren’t very difficult. So, you know, I don’t want to start working for a living. That just seems unwise to me.

Q: What can you tell us about Season 2 that no one knows?

A: It’s hard because you’re AMC, so I should be able to just say a bunch of things. But I don’t want to get either of us in trouble. So let me think… It’s gonna be a lot of fun seeing a potential love interest for Glenn. He ended up being a fan favorite in the first season, so we get to see a little bit of romance for this guy.

[via: AMC.]

ParaNorman Gets A Composer And More Casting News

Last month we had the first news of the upcoming 3D stop motion film ParaNorman. Now the image above is not from ParaNorman. It’s from a film called Caroline based off of a Neil Gaimen novel. THIS movie is being done by the same studio though so to hear that they now have Jon Brion doing the score it’s not only going to look amazing but it will sound fantastic as well! A few voice actors have been picked up on top of that and they are: Tucker Albrizzi (who looks familiar but I can’t place him), Alex Borstein (Lois Griffin from Family Guy), and Jodelle Ferland (Silent Hill and Case 39 so she has some horror experience!)

The official Press Release:

Two-time Grammy Award-nominated composer Jon Brion has signed to create the original score for LAIKA and Focus Features’ animated comedy thriller ParaNorman, currently in production at LAIKA’s Oregon studios for nationwide release by Focus on Friday, August 17th, 2012. Following LAIKA and Focus’ groundbreaking Academy Award-nominated animated feature Coraline, ParaNorman is only the second stop-motion animated feature to be made in 3D. LAIKA President and CEO Travis Knight made the announcement today.

Joining the voice cast of ParaNorman are Tucker Albrizzi (Good Luck Charlie), Alex Borstein (Family Guy), and Jodelle Ferland (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse). ParaNorman is being directed by Sam Fell and Chris Butler, from Mr. Butler’s original screenplay. Mr. Fell was director of The Tale of Despereaux and Flushed Away. Mr. Butler was storyboard supervisor on Coraline and storyboard artist on Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride.

Mr. Brion’s original score for Focus’ Academy Award-winning Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best Score Soundtrack Album, among other honors. He was previously a Grammy nominee in the same category for scoring Magnolia. A highly accomplished singer/songwriter, arranger, and conductor, Mr. Brion is renowned for his production work. He holds co-writing credits on albums by such artists as Kanye West, Beck, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple, Rufus Wainwright, the Eels, and Dido.

Mr. Knight said, “Jon Brion is so prodigiously gifted it’s almost unseemly. His virtuoso compositions are at once moody and imaginative, clever and subtle. Jon’s inventive, genre-defying musical storytelling will provide the perfect accompaniment to ParaNorman’s groundbreaking visuals and emotionally resonant narrative.”

Mr. Brion stated, “I’ve been waiting for the right animation project for some time now. This production and the people at LAIKA and Focus have an inspiring amount of heart. One can’t help being swept up in the passion.”

World War Z Casting And Location Update

Well as shooting is getting ready to start news is trickling in on “the movie” for zombies based off of “the book” for many zombie fans. That’s right World War Z is starting to make some progress and we have a couple pieces of fun news for you to enjoy!

Casting Information

Matthew Fox and Ed Harris are currently, right now, in talks to join the cast of World War Z. Two great actors to join what is sure to be an amazing (and well funded) zombie production that we’re all excited for.

Filming Philadelphia in… Scotland?

It looks like Philly is getting snubbed for the Brad Pitt production of World War Z as Glasgow, Scotland is being used to pretend (with some store front changes) to be the home of the Phillysteak sammich. So why was Scotland being used instead of the city that’s being portrayed? We’re not actually sure as pricing doesn’t seem to be a huge difference. However it’s closer to a London shoot they are also doing so perhaps that’s worth something? Probably not, I suppose we’ll need to wait for the special features on the Blu-Ray to even maybe find out!

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D – Alternative Costumes

Not another video but we do have some sweet early shots of the alternative costumes that the main characters are able to have throughout the game. I mean it is a Capcom game of course alternative costumes are on the menu. So it’s a smaller sneak peak at Resident Evil 3D but it’s definitely a sneak peak since you’ll probably have to work to unlock at least a few, if not all, of these!

Get a sneak peek at Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D unlockables with the reveal of the alternate costumes for all 8 playable characters! From star-spangled armor for Barry Burton to Uroboros-infected Wesker, these new costumes give the intense Mercenaries gameplay a fun new spin. Along with a selection of 30 different skills and abilities for each character, the alternate costumes are unlocked as players progress through the 30 missions of Mercenaries action.

Featuring re-mastered stages from Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, it’s a race against time as players try to defeat as many enemies as possible before the countdown reaches zero. The fast-paced, combat intensive action of Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D is available both as a solo experience and with two-player co-op, where gamers across the world can team up via network play.

World of the Dead: The Zombie Diaries 2 Gets UK Theatrical Release In June

The Zombie Diaries was a fantastic zombie film and we’ve been hearing word of the sequel for quite awhile now. With it finally coming out we’ll get it state side eventually but for our readers lucky enough to be in the UK you actually get to see it IN the theater! Yes on June 24th of this year it’ll be on the big screen and I don’t think I have to say that GOOD zombie horror needs every extra bit of funding it can get. To do that this one needs only to actually show the studios that people are willing to go see a zombie film in the box office. If you’ve seen the original and enjoyed it make sure to head out to see this one as well! (Hell if you haven’t – watch the first one AND go see the sequel!)

Three months have passed since a viral outbreak wiped out 99.9% of the world’s population, turning its victims into flesh-eating living dead. In the UK a surviving band of soldiers and civilians have taken refuge at a rural military barracks. Life in this new world is tough and brutal, but hope appears when a high-level communication is received from a military base on the coast, telling of sanctuary elsewhere in Europe… But just as salvation appears to be in reach, the base suffers an overwhelming defeat at the hands of the living dead! The surviving handful of troops and civilians must now make their way to the coast to uncover the truth behind the message. Their perilous journey takes them across a now treacherous, death-ravaged landscape, where the living dead are vast in number and wandering bandits impose their own malicious sense of law and order. What follows is a journey into hell and a desperate battle against all odds for the very survival of the human race.