Splinter and The Grudge 3 director Toby Wilkins will helm Dead Sand, a zombie/war thriller that will start shooting in March 2013 in Morocco.

Bernie Stern and Jay Thames are producing for their 77 Films.

Stealth Media Group is handling global sales and Stealth’s Spice Factory production arm will serve as co-producer.

The cast will be announced soon.

The story is about a special forces team transporting an escaped terrorist who are ambushed by zombies.

The writers, Max Adams and Brian Anthony, are both military veterans.

Wilkins said: “The story is simple and contained while its characters and set pieces have complexity that will elevate the film, blur genre lines, and deliver truly kick-ass entertainment, with action and scares playing alongside scenes with heart and humor.”

Thames recently worked on The Power of Few starring Christopher Walken; Stern has worked on visual effects for The Pacific and Boardwalk Empire.

Their 77 Films is also working on paranormal abduction thriller Ghost Creek, TX; horror Halfs; and documentary Suburban Cowboys.

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