'Walking Dead' Spinoff To Film, Bring Zombie Hordes To Virginia

VIRGINIA — The latest boost to Virginia's television and film industry will come in the form of zombies. Cable network AMC plans to arrive in Central Virginia this summer to film 10 episodes of the second spinoff of its popular zombie show, “The Walking Dead.”

Gov. Ralph Northam announced the news Monday, touting the expected creation of high-paying jobs for skilled workers and economic opportunities for Virginia businesses. The series will receive a Virginia tax credit based on the number of local workers hired, goods and services purchased, and tourism promotions.

The new zombie series from Scott M. Gimple and Matt Negrete, who will serve as showrunner, will feature two young female protagonists and focus on the first generation to come of age in the apocalyptic realm, according to a release. “Some will become heroes. Some will become villains. In the end, all of them will be changed forever,” AMC says.

"The Walking Dead," shot in Georgia and now in its ninth season, and its earlier spinoff series, "Fear the Walking Dead," both rank among the most-watched cable series on television, AMC says.

“We are delighted to welcome AMC back to Virginia,” Northam said in a news release. “Uniquely, the series also brings with it a devoted global fan-base, creating immeasurable added value for the Commonwealth as the franchise’s powerful spotlight shines on Virginia.”

Tourism of "Walking Dead" film locations drew visitors to Georgia, and Virginia officials expect the same to happen in the Commonwealth. "As home to the latest installment, Virginia will have access to this built-in, passionate audience and a tremendous film tourism opportunity. ... With Virginia already a wonderful place to visit and vacation, we are in the ultimate position to capitalize on this lucrative added tourism draw,” said Andy Edmunds, director of the Virginia Film Office.

Virginia film production had a total economic impact of almost $862 million in 2017, said Brian Ball, secretary of commerce and trade.

The Virginia-based spinoff, which is set to debut in 2020, is the second AMC series filming in Virginia, following the Revolutionary War spy drama “Turn: Washington’s Spies,” say state officials.