AMC orders pilot for 'The Walking Dead' companion series

NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- A pilot for the as-yet-untitled companion series to The Walking Dead is to begin shooting late this year, AMC announced on its website Friday.

Starring Norman Reedus and Andrew Lincoln, the original drama takes place in contemporary Georgia after a zombie apocalypse. Season 5 is to kick off Oct. 12 on the cable network.

The companion program will be set in a different location and will feature a new group of characters. No casting or premiere date have been announced yet.

The Walking Dead producers Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert are serving as executive producers on the pilot for the new show, as well.

Our world is getting bigger. @AMC_TV has ordered a pilot for #TheWalkingDead companion series. For more: http://t.co/tzLPOg0Psy (via @EW)

— The Walking Dead AMC (@WalkingDead_AMC) September 5, 2014

"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. In fact, beyond requests for zombie cameos, it's the question I get asked the most," the network's president Charlie Collier said in a statement on AMC's website. "Obviously, we all take our stewardship of the original franchise incredibly seriously and we, along with Robert, Gale, David and now [showrunner] Dave [Erickson,] 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."

"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 version of The Walking Dead, and I'm happy to be one step closer to sharing it with them," added Kirkman, the franchise's creator.