KNB EFX Group owner Greg Nicotero is assuming a co-executive producer role on AMC's "The Walking Dead."

Having just earned a make-up award at the Creative Arts Emmys for his work on the zombie series, Nicotero also signed a deal to bring his own projects to AMC, and he will direct a series of upcoming "The Walking Dead" webisodes and a Season 2 episode.

Last year, his film "The United Monster Talent Agency" premiered during Fearfest, the network's annual two-week long horror-themed movie marathon.

“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.”

"The Walking Dead" kicks off Fearfest on Oct. 16 with a 90-minute episode. The network will split the show's expanded 13-episode season this year. Six episodes will follow the premiere, with the remaining six airing starting Feb. 12, 2012.

Taking the showrunner helm from Frank Darabont (“The Shawshank Redemption,” “The Green Mile”) for Season 2 is Glen Mazzara ("The Shield"), who penned Episode 5 of the show and who signed aboard as an executive producer following Season 1.

"The Walking Dead" follows police officer Rick Grimes as he leads his family and a group of survivors across the country in search of a safe home as zombie hordes threaten their every move.

The series, which airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET, stars Andrew Lincoln ("Love, Actually," "Teachers"), Jon Bernthal ("The Pacific," "The Ghost Writer"), Steven Yeun, Sarah Wayne Callies ("Prison Break"), Chandler Riggs ("Get Low"), Jeffrey DeMunn ("The Green Mile") and Laurie Holden ("Shield").