CSI Creator to Receive Pioneer Prize at International Digital Emmys

NEW YORK: Anthony Zuiker, the creator of the CSI franchise, is being honored with the 2013 Pioneer Prize at the International Digital Emmy Awards for his online thriller Cybergeddon.

Zuiker will be honored during a live ceremony in Cannes on April 8. Zuiker will also be part of MIPTV’s conference program with a Media Mastermind keynote on the future of storytelling. Best known for creating the globally successful CSI franchise, Zuiker also created and executive produced Cybergeddon, which launched globally first on Yahoo! in September in 25 different countries.

"Anthony E. Zuiker is one of today’s most groundbreaking cross-platform storytellers, and we look forward to honoring his creative genius and innovative contributions to the field of digital entertainment with our Pioneer Prize," said Bruce Paisner, the president and CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

"It is an absolute honor to be recognized by the International Academy for Cybergeddon," added Zuiker. "This was a project that really changed the game for online content in terms of ownership, global distribution and brand integration, so I appreciate the Academy for supporting digital and the great work that is moving this industry forward."