Lythgoe and Simon launch new production company

American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe has launched his own production company with music entrepreneur Simon Fuller, which will produce a number of entertainment formats including NBC’s latest dance series Superstars of Dance.

The pair have launched Big Red 2 Entertainment, a spin off from 19 Entertainment, which produces the Idols franchise.

Lythgoe told TBIvision: "Superstars of Dance is the first production out of our own production company that Simon and I have set up called Big Red 2. This is only the first project."

The company is named after Lythgoe and Fuller’s favorite soccer teams; Lythgoe is a Liverpool FC fan and Fuller a Manchester United supporter.

Lythgoe recently left the American Idol series to concentrate on Superstars of Dance and his Fox series So You Think You Can Dance.

Superstars of Dance is an Olympics-style series that will pit various international dance crews against each and will be hosted by Riverdance’s Michael Flatley.

"We sold it so quickly that I have to give up Christmas and New Year. We sold it three weeks ago (start of November) and they want it for January. Fingers crossed that we get all of the teams through immigration," Lythgoe said.

The show will be distributed internationally by 19 Entertainment.