Nominated for multiple Emmy's, PGA's and winner of the People Choice Award, Simon was one of the original Producers for seven seasons of the phenomenon, American Idol. In the beginning there was Pop Idol, created and produced in London, England. Simon traveled to the United States to produce the hit in America. From casting auditions, shooting home stories, being responsible for the day-to-day activities of contestants, writing script for the host, shooting on miniDV cameras... there wasn't a job Simon didn't/wouldn't do.
Open auditions across America are cut down to one Super-Star.
Season 1 Winner
Season 4 Winner
American Idol Season 2 Winner
American Idol Finalists
Season 5 Winner
American Idol meets The Apprentice as ten singing hopefuls battle their way to win a country music record deal.
As President of Legacy Productions, Simon was also the Showrunner & Director of this seven part dance series. The first original production for Ovation was sold in over twenty countries through Shine International.
Two Brits known as The Ballet Boys travel the United States forming a company of dancers alongthe way. Their challenge, to put a show on Broadway in two weeks.
Choreography by Michael Nunn & Billy Trevitt (the Ballet Boyz) along with Allison Holker and the legendary Dorfman.
From the initial casting to directing multi-camera concert shoots, Simon was involved as the Showrunner & Director of this series from its conception to the final delivery. Traveling to 16 different cities, arranging hidden camera shoots, closing deals with major headliners, this multi-million dollar budget was E! Network’s highest-rated new series for 2012.
In each episode, an unsuspecting and unknown singer is discovered on YouTube. They are tracked down in their hometown and surprised but the host. After flying them to Los Angeles for an intensive singer-songwriter boot camp they become the Opening Act a big star on tour. Performers include Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart, LMFAO, Gym Class Heroes, Jason Mraz... and others.
From organizing thousands of dancers to be auditioned across the country, Simon co-ordinated a large team of Producers to interview and audition the masses. In addition, Simon oversaw the producers in Post Production for the first three seasons on SYTYCD.
Shiny Floor Reality Dance Competition
Dance auditions are held across the country in all styles. Three judges advise the viewing audience to vote and decide who is America's Favorite Dancer.
Simon moved to the United States in 2002 to produce "American Idol". During his seven season tim on the show, Simon also worked on other reality competitions including, “So You Think You Can Dance” and Steven Spielberg and Mark Burnett’s search for the next film director, “On The Lot”.
Simon was later recruited by Fremantle Media N.A. with an exclusive overall deal as a Co-Executive Producer . He worked in development, producing sizzles and pilots including the dating competition like“I’ve Got Your Number”. Simon also worked in production in various roles, from a consulting on “America’s Got Talent” to Supervising Producer on game shows like “Celebrity Family Feud” and Showrunner on series among others, “Can You Duet” for CMT.
In 2011 Simon formed Legacy Productions, a California based produciton company that specializes in reality and entertainment formats. As company President, Simon ran the day-to-day business, creative development, production, network pitches and negotiations, budgets, schedules, business affairs, international development, selling and licensing formats, publicity and attending international distribution conferences .
As Showrunner/EP Simon was responsible for every aspect of production, from creative, casting, staffing, budgets, producing to final delivery of series.
Fremantle Media North America / Syco Television for NBC
Collins Avenue & NLP
for CBS
Burnett Productions for FOX
Fremantle Media N.A. for NBC
Fremantle Media N.A. for CMT (MTV Network)
Fremantle Media N.A. for Lifetime
Worldwide Pants Inc. for CBS
