AMC has officially hired directors for their upcoming projects “Knifeman” and “Galyntine.” Both pilots are being produced for the 2015 premiere schedule.

“Knifeman” will be directed by Brian Percival, whose directing credits include “Downton Abbey” and The Book Thief. David Mackenzie will direct “Galyntine.” His credits include the films Starred Up and Perfect Sense.

“These are both big, bold pilots that take us into worlds never before explored on television, and they needed the perfect directors to bring them to life,” said Joel Stillerman, AMC’s executive vice president of programming, production and digital content. “We feel like we found that in Brian and David, who both have such unique voices and visual styles and a true vision for the material.”

“Knifeman” is inspired by the biography of John Hunter. The story takes place in 18th century London. The series will focus on the untold story of a charming, arrogant, decorum-breaking genius who challenges societal norms to transform his visions into cutting-edge discoveries. A surgeon or “barber” in a time when blood-letting and praying was the norm, John Tattersal is a hard drinking, hard living man not afraid to push the boundaries of modern medicine, even if it takes digging up a few graves to do it. While he makes his living running an unlicensed operating theatre out of his residence, he picks up extra cash harvesting organs for his brother Julian, favorite son and prized physician of the St. Stephen’s teaching hospital. 

The “Knifeman” pilot was written by Rolin Jones (“United States of Tara,” “Friday Night Lights”) and developed by Jones and Ron Fitzgerald (“Last Resort,” “Prime Suspect”), both of whom will serve as Executive Producers. Media Rights Capital (“House of Cards”), Joshua Donen and Robert Zotnowski are also Executive Producers.

“Galyntine” is a wholly-original vision of a world rooted in both fantasy/action adventure and science-fiction. Our pilot takes place in the future after a cataclysmic, technology-induced disaster has created a new society that eschews any form of technology. This catastrophic event leaves small numbers of survivors scattered around the planet, who are forced to adapt to isolation and unique challenges. “Galyntine” will explore a post-apocalyptic world in which humanity has evolved – with some strange detours.

“Galyntine” is written by Jason Cahill (“Halt and Catch Fire,” “Fringe”) and executive produced by Cahill and Greg Nicotero (“The Walking Dead,” This is the End). David Zucker and Ridley Scott will also executive produce through the Scott Free (“”The Good Wife,” “Numb3rs”) first look deal with AMC.