Kelley -- pictured backstage at the Emmys with "The Practice" actress Camryn Manheim -- credits his writers for much of his success

February 3, 2000
Web posted at: 4:32 p.m. EST (2132 GMT)

From Lauren Hunter
CNN Entertainment News Correspondent

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- Usually it's the stars that make headlines, but these days television producers and writers are getting more money and recognition for their work. David E. Kelley, creator of "Ally McBeal" (FOX) and "The Practice" (ABC), is a case in point.

Those shows won a combined seven Emmys last year, including best comedy and best drama. He gave the credit to his writers backstage at the awards show. "I surround myself with as much talent as I possibly can," he said, "and sort of hope that in the end, they make me look good. And they do."

Kelley, 43, made Hollywood history with news of a record-breaking deal with Twentieth Century Fox Television: a reported $300 million over six years. That makes Kelley the highest-paid TV producer ever.

"Entertainment is one of our big products now," says David Chase, creator and executive producer of HBO's "The Sopranos," which has won four Emmys. "We used to make nuclear bombs and airplanes and a lot of other stuff, now we make TV and movies. So how can you put a price tag on it?"

"I think David E. Kelley, with his new deal, is vastly underpaid," says Norman Lear, creator of such '70s smashes as "All in the Family," "Good Times" and "One Day at a Time."

Bochco says Kelley is worth the large salary because his shows generate billions of dollars

Producer Steven Bochco hired Kelley 14 years ago as a writer on the show "L.A. Law." Bochco says he sees Kelley's salary as good money. "But that's only $150 million after taxes," he quips.

"There's nobody who works harder. There's nobody who's had greater success," Bochco adds. "And if his product is generating billions, then he should get his fair share of that."

Besides "L.A. Law," Bochco's string of hits includes "Hill Street Blues," "NYPD Blue" (ABC) and the new "City of Angels" (CBS). It's that track record that appeals to network executives looking for their next ratings success.

"Television historically has been a combination of finding the new talent and also going with the tried-and-true guy who's been in the trenches before," says CBS president and CEO Leslie Moonves.

"Steven Bochco has had the biggest hits of the '70s, '80s and '90s. And we hope with 'City of Angels,' it's the biggest hit of the new millennium."

Bochco has stiff competition for that distinction from the likes of John Wells, who launched "Third Watch" and "The West Wing" for NBC in fall 1999; Marcy Carsey, who's pushing "That '70s Show" on Fox; and Dick Wolf, who's overseeing the spinoff "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" on NBC.