Prepare yourself: Universal Cable Productions is set to develop an anthology series called "Welcome to Hitchcock," and it is inspired by the Master of Suspense's work.

UCP announced today that it has reached a deal with the Alfred Hitchcock Estate, putting the sure-to-be creepy project in motion. The show is intended to be focus on a single mystery or crime each season and will terrify viewers with inspiration from work like the films "The Birds" and "Psycho" as well as the TV series "Alfred Hitchcock Presents."

The timing seems ideal for this project. You know what they say: anthology series, so hot right now. OK, maybe no one says that, but just think of "American Horror Story," "Fargo," "American Crime Story," and more. Plus, this is Hitchcock we're talking about. He has proven to be pretty timeless, so that adds to the project's appeal.

It seems that director Chris Columbus -- whose credits include "Rent" and multiple Harry Potter films -- is also intrigued by the project. He has signed on to direct the pilot as well as executive produce through 1492 Pictures/Ocean Blue Entertainment. Michael Barnathan, Timmy Thompson, Todd Thompson, and the Hitchcock family will also executive produce, with Vermilion Entertainment collaborating. Casey Tebo is co-producing.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter]