Simon Fuller Sets Up New Venture

NEW YORK: American Idol creator Simon Fuller is setting up a new entertainment company, but has also signed a deal with CKX—the parent company of 19 Entertainment—that will keep him involved with the hit talent show.

Fuller, the founder and CEO of 19 Entertainment, will continue to executive produce and provide overall global executive direction for American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance and the recently unveiled If I Can Dream, a multiplatform talent search, in return for a share of the profits. CKX can invest in Fuller’s new entertainment outfit, the press release from the company said today. As part of this transaction Fuller will also provide general consulting services to CKX.

Robert F.X. Sillerman, the chairman and CEO of CKX, said, "I am thrilled with this new arrangement with Simon. He is truly one of the most creative geniuses in the entertainment industry today. This new arrangement guarantees that Simon and CKX will be working together for many, many years to come. I’m also delighted that going forward Simon will be free to focus his creative energy on developing new ideas and projects and that CKX has the opportunity to invest in his new business."

Fuller stated: "It has been an absolute pleasure over the past five years to have worked so closely with Bob. I feel honored to have learned so much from one of the world’s truly great business brains. This is the beginning of another important chapter in my life. As an entrepreneur I feel I am about to enter my prime years and starting a new entertainment company at this moment fills me with great excitement. Since its acquisition by CKX, 19 has achieved extraordinary success and I am delighted to be able to continue my relationship with Bob, the CKX team and all the properties that I have created."

In other Fuller news, he has teaming with notorious gossip blogger Perez Hilton and pop music tour director Jamie King to create a new boy band. Fuller noted: "Boy bands have always been at the heart of pop culture with huge potential to excite a massive audience both here in the States and the rest of the world. With Jamie and Perez at the helm we have a real focus on what we are looking for. Together we will do everything to ensure that whoever is discovered becomes one of the most successful groups in recent years."