The recent departure of
THE WALKING DEAD's Frank Darabont has left the show in a bit of a funk. Since Darabont's departure, his fellow co-producer Glen Mazzara has been picking up the slack, but critics and fans remained skeptical about the show's ability to produce quality programming. Today, in a much needed decision, AMC hired Greg Nicotero to fill Darabont's vacancy. Nicotero is probably best known for his well-recieved work on
Kill Bill, Sin City, and
Vanilla Sky.
Here's some of the best snippets from the press release
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 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.”