Pilot from 'X-Files' vets Spotnitz, Gilligan begins filming

Having closed the books on "Blade," Spike TV is set to begin work on its next potential original series.

Production was scheduled to begin Monday on "A.M.P.E.D.," a pilot from former "X-Files" executive producers Frank Spotnitz and Vince Gilligan about a team of cops assigned to deal with people who have genetic mutations that lead to destructive behavior.

Gilligan and Spotnitz created the show and will serve as executive producers. Craig Van Sickle and Steven Mitchell, co-creators of "The Pretender," will serve as day-to-day showrunners, and Rob Lieberman ("Dexter") will direct.

The cast is headed by Lee Tergesen ("Oz," "Desperate Housewives"), who plays a Minneapolis homicide detective renowned in the department for his fearlessness. Tony Curran ("Flight of the Phoenix," "Underworld: Evolution") co-stars as another detective who frequently clashes with Tergesen's character.

The pilot also stars Sarah Brown ("Cold Case"), Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Troy Winbush ("Medical Investigation") and Josh Biton.

Spike TV is hoping "A.M.P.E.D." can build on "Blade: The Series," which drew solid ratings for its premiere in June but fell off as the summer progressed. The network has decided not to pick the show up for a second season.