Fox International Channels Takes Walking Dead Rights

NEW YORK: Fox International Channels (FIC) has scooped up all international television and home-video rights to AMC’s original drama The Walking Dead, based on a comic book franchise.

FIC scores the first-run rights for its outlets, as well as full distribution rights outside of the U.S. and Canada, with discussions already under way with potential international distributors. The global premiere on FIC will follow the ABC debut in October. The 6×1-hour show is set in the months and years after a zombie apocalypse, focusing on a a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home. Production has begun in Atlanta. The series is based on comic books by Robert Kirkman, published by Image Comics. The TV adaptation is being helmed by Frank Darabont as writer, director and executive producer.

“This partnership represents FIC’s ongoing commitment to securing high quality content on a global level by collaborating with leading networks like AMC,” said David Haslingden, the CEO of FOX International Channels. “This deal marks the first time that we are picking up all international rights. This will allow us to optimize the launch, marketing and distribution of the show by working with our affiliates and with other channels around the world. It’s the beginning of a new era for FIC.”

“The Walking Dead represents a real transformation for AMC as it marks the first time we are operating as both a studio and a network, and this partnership underscores a game-changing expansion in our business, brand and programming model,” added Charlie Collier, AMC’s president. “FIC’s ability to act as a global programmer for this series as well as a worldwide distributor allows us to maximize the viewership and global interest in this one-of-a-kind property.”