News, Television, Women Writers

“Criminal Minds” Boss Erica Messer Signs Two-Year Pod Deal with ABC Studios

Erica Messer: ericamesserproductions.com

“Criminal Minds” showrunner Erica Messer isn’t giving up the profiling biz quite yet. Per The Hollywood Reporter, Messer has signed a two-year pod deal with ABC Studios, “Criminal Minds’” producers. The new pact will see Messer “create original dramas for ABC Studios and continue to serve as showrunner for the long-running procedural crime drama via her production banner, Erica Messer Productions.

Messer started the production company with friend and former co-worker Deborah Cincotta and development exec Sullivan Fitzgerald (“State of Affairs”). Cincotta is Erica Messer Productions’ president of development and Fitzgerald serves as development associate.

“Together, their goal is to build a TV company known for its collaborative and empowering relationship with artists,” THR summarizes. “The production company is currently focused on spearheading network projects with both new and veteran writers for the 2018–19 development season.”

“Erica has been an extraordinary showrunner for us and we’re very excited to see what’s in store with her new production company housed at ABC Studios,” ABC Studios prez Patrick Moran commented.

Messer has been running “Criminal Minds” for seven years and is the longest-serving writer on the CBS procedural. In 2015 she created the spinoff “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders” with Erica Meredith (“Grey’s Anatomy”). The series aired for two seasons and ended earlier this year. “Charmed,” “Alias,” and “The O.C.” are among Messer’s previous credits.

“Criminal Minds” stars Kirsten Vangsness and A.J. Cook made headlines during a recent round of contract negotiations. The actresses, who portray fan favorite characters Penelope and Jennifer, pushed for the same pay as their male co-stars. The duo were successful: In June news broke that they signed new deals, received raises, and now have pay parity with male lead Matthew Gray Gubler.

Season 13 of “Criminal Minds” premieres September 27 on CBS.


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