Freeform tells mermaid tale

US cable network Freeform, formerly known as ABC Family, has ordered a one-hour drama pilot about mermaids that will begin filming in Vancouver later this year.

The Deep is set in a coastal town believed to have once been home to mermaids and is being written by Eric Wald and Dean White. It’s the latest new series to arrive on the network’s development slate since its rebrand from ABC Family earlier this year.

“The writing is thrilling, stories complex and scary, and we are excited to explore the themes of obsession and violence through these amazing creatures,” said Karey Burke, executive VP of programming and development at Freeform.

Freeform recently began production in LA on Famous in Love, a soap-style drama about the dark side of fame, while other shows on its slate include Ben and Lauren: Happily Ever After and Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger.