EXCLUSIVE: Starz’ The Venery of Samantha Bird has shut down production as a result of the writers strike. Deadline understands that the drama series has paused filming with two episodes of its eight episode order left to shoot. The series shoots in Montreal.
Production has started here in Montreal for The Venery of Samantha Bird, an upcoming television drama series for Starz starring an impressive cast that includes Katherine Langford and Brenda Strong
Network has also decided against “Blood Relative” pilot
Daniel Goldblatt | May 7, 2021 @ 6:45 PM
Warner Bros.
Fox has decided not to move forward with two drama pilots, “Blood Relative” and an untitled drama that was to follow three kids as they tried to make a shot-for-shot remake of Steven Spielberg’s “The Goonies.”
The network was said to be happy with both but ultimately decided to give series orders to “Monarch” and “The Cleaning Lady” instead, a person with knowledge told TheWrap.
“Blood Relative” was to star Melissa Leo as Louise Kelly, a genetic genealogist who applies her talents to crime scene forensics. Tate Donovan and Tyrone Marshall Brown were also set to star.
‘Goonies’ Reenactment Pilot, ‘Blood Relative’ Not Moving Forward at Fox Variety 2 hrs ago
Variety has learned.
The two projects were holdovers from Fox’s 2020 pilot season that were delayed in shooting due to the pandemic. The decision to ax “Blood Relative” comes as something of a surprise, given that it starred Oscar winner Melissa Leo in the lead role. The move also comes as Fox has given out two series orders from its drama pilot slate already: one for “The Cleaning Lady” starring Elodie Yung and another for the dance drama “The Big Leap.”
More from Variety
“Blood Relative” was to follow Louise Kelly (Leo), an expert in genetic genealogy. Tate Donovan, Tyrone Marshall Brown, Dascha Polanco, Dawnn Lewis, and Jude Mayer also starred in the pilot. The project hailed from writers and executive producers Chris Levinson and James Renner. Philip Noyce directed and executive produced the pilot, with Liza Chasin also executive producing. Paramount TV St