FREEFORM BEGINS PRODUCTION ON 'MOTHERLAND' (WORKING TITLE) PILOT FROM GARY SANCHEZ PRODUCTIONS AND FREEFORM STUDIOS

Taylor Hickson, Amalia Holm, Kelcey Mawema, Jessica Sutton and Demetria McKinney Cast as Series Regulars

Freeform announced today that principal photography began yesterday on the "Motherland" (working title) pilot, a one-hour drama from executive producers Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick. The pilot, created by Eliot Laurence ("Claws"), has started in Vancouver, Canada. Set in an alternate America where witches ended their persecution 300 years ago by cutting a deal with the U.S. government to fight for their country, "Motherland" (working title) follows three young women from basic training in combat magic into early deployment at Fort Salem. In this world, the traditional roles of gender and power are flipped with the more dominant women on the front lines fighting looming terrorist threats that are familiar to our world, but with supernatural tactics and weapons.

Taylor Hickson ("Deadpool") portrays Raelle, a reluctant recruit with major authority issues, whose mother recently died in the line of duty. Kelcey Mawema ("To All the Boys I've Loved Before") portrays Abigail, an unquestionably alpha, smart, driven and courageous witch who hails from the upper echelons of military witch society and is excited to be joining the ranks of the witches' army. Jessica Sutton ("The Kissing Booth") portrays Tally, a kind, strong-willed and curious witch who enlisted despite her mother's passionate disapproval. Amalia Holm ("Alena") rounds out the young witch recruits, playing Scylla, a playful yet dark and mischievous recruit who is not what she appears to be.

Also joining the ranks is Demetria McKinney ("Tyler Perry's House of Payne") who plays Anacostia, an articulate, tough, wryly humorous staff sergeant whose chief concern is keeping the young recruits alive through basic training.

"Motherland" (working title) is written and created by Eliot Laurence and produced by Freeform Studios and Gary Sanchez Productions. Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick serve as executive producers for Gary Sanchez Productions. The pilot is directed by Steven A. Adelson ("Riverdale", "Siren").

About Freeform

Part of Disney|ABC Television, Freeform connects to audiences and goes beyond entertainment with bold, original programming and immersive social engagement. As Disney's young adult television and streaming network, it delivers a unique mix of quality original and acquired series, plus fan-favorite movies and the holiday events "31 Nights of Halloween," "Kick Off to Christmas" and "25 Days of Christmas." The Freeform app is a service that allows viewers with participating TV subscription services access to 24/7 live viewing of the network, as well as continued on-demand access via a wide array of devices.