“CSI†Executive Producer Carol Mendelsohn to be honored at 50th Chicago International Film Festival Television Awards
CHICAGO, IL – Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival are pleased to announce that writer and producer Carol Mendelsohn will be presented with the Commitment to Excellence Award for Television Productions at the 50th Chicago International Film Festival Television Awards Ceremony on April 10 at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago.
A Chicago native, Carol Mendelsohn has been the showrunner and Executive Producer of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation†since it first aired in 2000. Now in its fourteenth season, “CSI†held the title of the world’s most-watched television series from 2008 to 2012, with an estimated audience of over 63 million viewers worldwide. In addition, Mendelsohn is a co-creator and Executive Producer of “CSI: Miami†and “CSI: NY.†A veteran television writer and producer whose credits include “Fame,†“Wiseguy,†and “Melrose Place,†Mendelsohn honed her craft with Stephen J. Cannell and Aaron Spelling before joining the production of “CSI.†Her profound impact on television in the 21st century has garnered nominations from the Writers Guild of America, Producers Guild of America and Emmy Awards.
In 2010, she launched Carol Mendelsohn Productions to develop and produce various projects across scripted and non-scripted series and pilots. Since inception, the company has produced and sold a variety of projects to CBS, CW, TNT, FX, USA and Showtime. The first two shows to premiere under its banner were “The Defenders” and “Dogs in the City,” both on CBS. Recent Cinema/Chicago Commitment to Excellence Award recipients include Kelsey Grammer, ESPN Films, FRONTLINE, Bill Kurtis, and WTTW-11 (50th anniversary).
The Chicago International Film Festival Television Awards is an annual international television competition culminating in an Awards Ceremony that honors the best TV commercials and television productions from around the world. Among last year’s top winners, Gold and Silver Hugos were awarded to Icon Films, Yap Films, WDR, THIRTEEN, Leo Burnett, mcgarrybowen, Yessian Music, Burrell and Cutters.
Competition Entry Deadline March 7
The Chicago International Film Festival Television Awards is still accepting entries in the following categories: Individual Television Productions, Television Series, Television Commercials, Commercial Campaigns, Special Achievement, Online/Viral Commercials and Online-based Television Programming. Gold Hugo and Silver Hugo awards will be presented on stage at the Awards Ceremony on April 10, at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago.
Rules, regulations, and entry forms can be found by visiting www.chicagofilmfestival.com and clicking on the “TV Festival†entry button.
The 50th Chicago International Film Festival Television Awards is presented by Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival. Major Partners include American Airlines and Stella Artois.
About the Chicago International Film Festival TV Awards
When the Chicago International Film Festival was founded 50 years ago by Artistic Director Michael Kutza, advertising agency heads Leo Burnett, Fairfax Cone, and Dick Needham suggested that, with budgets and craftsmanship equal to the feature films being screened, the Festival should showcase the art of the television commercial. Five decades later, this simple idea has evolved into an international celebration of the best in television, and encompasses television commercials, productions, series, and the innovative realm of online television programming. Since 2003, the top winners of each year’s competition have been feted at an Awards Ceremony in the spring, along with the presentation of Commitment to Excellence Awards to leaders and visionaries in the television medium. The event has honored Kelsey Grammer, Bill Kurtis, Carol Marin, FRONTLINE, Leo Burnett, ESPN Films, and Optimus, among others.
About Cinema/Chicago
Cinema/Chicago is a not-for-profit cultural and education organization dedicated to encouraging better understanding between cultures and to making a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. The Television Awards is part of the year-round programs presented by Cinema/Chicago, which also include the Chicago International Film Festival, CineYouth Festival, Intercom Competition, International Screenings Program, and Educational Outreach.
