Nigel Lythgoe productions, owned and operated by the prolific executive producer behind such hits as "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance," to cooperatively develop and produce entertainment franchises with the Shine Group for the global TV marketplace, it was announced today by Shine America CEO Rich Ross.

Nigel Lythgoe Productions will continue to be based in Los Angeles. The deal, which commences January 1, 2013, was brokered by ICM Partners and Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein & Lezcano.

"Nigel is clearly one of the world's leading television producers, with an un-matched track record in TV programming both here in the U.S. and in the UK," says Ross. "We are thrilled to welcome Nigel and his team to the Shine family and we look forward to developing the next wave of entertainment franchises together."

"I am thrilled to be teaming up with Shine to develop new shows for a global audience. We live in one world and need to create content for that market. I cannot think of a more exciting company to partner with in order to face that challenge,” said Nigel Lythgoe, CEO of Nigel Lythgoe Productions (NLP).

“Shine Group’s mission is to be the home for the world’s best creative talent and Nigel exemplifies and accelerates that as the creator and star of some of the world’s most popular formats,” said Alex Mahon, CEO Shine Group. “We believe that in joining forces, we will create even more compelling global hits.”

Elisabeth Murdoch, Chairman Shine Group, added: "I have known and admired Nigel for a long time. He is one of the world's most talented, accomplished and respected programme makers. The creative potential of our partnership is truly staggering and I am more than delighted to be able to be working with him."

Lythgoe is one of the most respected talents in the world of television, currently serving as executive producer on "American Idol" and he's a creator, executive producer and judge on "So You Think You Can Dance." Lythgoe has a host of additional major credits, including the UK series "Pop Idol," from which was born "American Idol."

He was invited to join Simon Fuller's 19 Television as President in 2001 and develop Fuller's concept of "Idol." The show became an instant hit on British television and later around the world. In 2007, a charity spin-off, "Idol Gives Back," raised $76M for charities both here and in Africa and won the Governor's Emmy Award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Lythgoe went on to co-create and executive produce "So You Think You Can Dance," where he returned in front of the cameras as a resident judge. The show has picked up 11 Emmys for choreography, costume and lighting.

Lythgoe created "Brit Week" in 2007, a celebration of British talent here in Los Angeles. He is a board member of BAFTA/LA and Chair of the Television Committee. He is also a board member of "L.A's Best," the mayor's after school enrichment program.

The Dizzy Feet Foundation was established in 2009 by Lythgoe, Adam Shankman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Katie Holmes, among others, to support, improve, and increase access to dance education in the United States. Guided by a board representing all aspects of the American dance community, the foundation’s mission is threefold: To sponsor, fund and/or support dance education programs which expose children in underserved areas to the lifelong benefits of dance education through and with local community organizations; to provide scholarships to talented students studying at accredited or nationally regarded dance schools, studios or institutions; and in conjunction with recognized credentialing organizations, to support and increase the quality of all styles of dance education in the United States.

In the summer of 2009, the U.K.’s University of Bedfordshire awarded Lythgoe with an honorary Doctor of Arts for his outstanding contribution to the performing arts in television.

In 2010, Lythgoe created National Dance Day, an annual event and "grassroots initiative to encourage the nation, young and old, to move!" in the United States. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, a long-time proponent of healthy lifestyles, introduced a National Dance Day resolution to promote dance education and physical fitness across the U.S.

Additionally, Lythgoe was just awarded the International Emmy Founders Award, presented to him in New York by Lady Gaga, recognizing him for his indelible imprint on the TV industry and a body of work that crosses cultural boundaries and speaks to our common humanity.

Lythgoe has two boys, Simon and Kristopher, and four grandchildren: Kyan, Tighe, Dominie and Georg