The Walking Dead Spinoff Confirmed: Filming Update, Pilot Episode Ordered By AMC

Following the success of The Walking Dead, AMC has officially ordered the pilot for a spinoff series of Robert Kirkman's haunting drama, but with a twist.

The show is being considered a 'companion' series and not a 'spinoff' because it will feature different characters.

According to reports, Kirkman and Erickson recently turned in a pilot script, and AMC's executive are impressed.

AMC president Charlie Collier told EW, "Almost from the beginning of The Walking Dead on AMC, fans have been curious about what is going on in the zombie apocalypse in other parts of the world,"

He explained, "In fact, beyond requests for zombie cameos, it's the question I get asked the most. Obviously, we all take our stewardship of the original franchise incredibly seriously and we, along with Robert, Gale, David and now Dave, are all proceeding with extreme care in order to ensure that we are offering fans something truly compelling, engaging and distinct. We're thrilled to be taking this next step with these remarkable partners."

According to EW, the as-yet-untitled project will go into production later this year, and will be set in a different location than the original series and star a new cast of characters.

Zombies around the world

The pilot will begin production in late 2014, with few details about the location and casting released just yet. In a release, AMC said that the premise, kept closely under wraps, would focus on what's going on in the zombie apocalypse in other parts of the world.

The show's creator Kirkman said."There are many corners of The Walking Dead universe that remain unseen in the shadows. Being given the opportunity to shine a light into those corners and see what lurks out there is an absolute thrill."

"I know the fans are anxious to hear what Dave and I have been cooking up for this new universe of The Walking Dead, and I'm happy to be one step closer to sharing it with them,"

The proposed series has been in development since last year.

Kirkman told IGN: "It definitely won't be set in Georgia – I can at least say that. It's important to us that this show exists on its own. The spinoff has to be a show worthy of existing, or else we've all sold out. So that's something we're all working hard towards doing, and I think we can pull it off. I think that the ideal situation is, when you're watching the spinoff, you're like, 'Wow, this is a really awesome show.'"

The Walking Dead returns for its fifth season on 12 October.