“CSI” showrunner and executive producer Carol Mendelsohn and producing partner Julie Weitz have signed a multi-year first-look broadcast direct deal with Fox Entertainment, entertainment president Michael Thorne announced at MIPCOM Cannes. The two’s previous deal with Universal Television has now come to an end.
Under the terms, Mendelsohn and Weitz would develop scripted plays for Fox. The Greenlight programs will be wholly owned by Fox Entertainment, and Mendelsohn and Weitz will serve as executive producers under their Carol Mendelsohn Productions banner.
Additionally, Fox’s studio branch has opted for “The Bomb Maker”, a book by prolific novelist Thomas Perry (who wrote “The Old Man”, which received a series adaptation starring Jeff Bridges), with Mendelsohn and Weitz as executive producers. working as. on the project. Fox Entertainment Studios is currently meeting with potential writers. The show follows former Commander Dick Stahl, who is killed by a house bomb after the majority of the LAPD Bomb Squad. On their first day, a now three-man team is sent to bomb a suspected car, and it becomes self-evident that they are dealing with an unusual criminal mastermind – whose intended target appears to be the Bomb Squad. .
Mendelsohn had previously attempted an adaptation of the book at Fox five years earlier, with Morris Chestnut playing a starring role. At the time, the project was under Sony Pictures Television, where Mendelssohn was under an overall deal.
“Carol is one of the great architects of broadcast television’s most influential and long-running dramas. Together with Julie, we have two of the most talented, respected producers in the industry; and we appreciate their creativity and creativity,” Thorne said in a statement. We are excited to bring the powerful story to Fox, beginning with the development of The Bomb Maker.” “This deal underscores our pledge to be home to the best creators in the business, while giving them creative flexibility and our network and programming team.” which provides a direct link with what are rarities in today’s market.”
Mendelsohn continued, “When Julie and I sat down with Michael Thorne and Brooke Bowman, there was a quick meeting of minds. [head of drama at Fox], This is a unique creative opportunity for us and we are excited about our new partnership and all its potential.”
In addition to leading “CSI,” Mendelssohn co-produced and executive produced its spinoffs “CSI: Miami,” “CSI: NY” and “CSI: Cyber.” Weitz and Mendelsohn have executive produced several pilots for broadcast and cable, including “Chief,” “Doomsday” and “The Jury,” as well as the “Game of Silence” and “Dogs in the City” series.
Mendelssohn and Weitz were both announced to be in early development for the drama “Honor” (based on the Swedish series “Header”) for NBC and “Body Farm” for CBS in December 2021, both with Universal Television. Under the special overall deal. The deal was done in 2018 and has now been terminated. That year, the two decided not to renegotiate their four-year Sony Pictures TV deal after challenges at the production company.
Mendelssohn is represented by WME, TFC Management and Jacoby Austen Tiermann Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trautner & Klein.
