Donahue and Mendelsohn Sign New Deals

CSI executive producers Ann Donahue and Carol Mendelsohn have signed separate highly lucrative deals that will keep them attached to the CSI franchise through June 2010.

Thanks to the success of the CSI franchise, Donahue and Mendelsohn are already among the highest-paid showrunners on television. Their new deals are believed to be valued in the eight-figure range. The new deals also include development for new projects.

“It goes without saying that Carol and Ann are both masters at showrunning, writing and producing,” David Stapf, CBS Paramount Network TV president said. “They are at the top of their game, and we are incredibly fortunate to have them in our family. Because they are so skilled and run these shows so efficiently, they are able to get out from under the daily grind and really plan story arcs and character arcs. They never, ever live hand to mouth on these shows.”

Part of what draws both Donahue and Mendelsohn to the shows is the camaraderie and family atmosphere on the sets. That sense of family goes beyond the sets as well. Last summer when Donahue has a family member hospitalized in grave condition, CBS Corp. chief Les Moonves, CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler and president of CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group Nancy Tellem came to her aide. “Leslie, Nancy and Nina called me and not only offered their help, but they cut through a lot of red tape and saved a life. I will be at CBS for as long as they want me,” Donahue said.

Thanks to Shane (Vegaslights) for submitting this article, which can be read in full at the Hollywood Reporter.

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