Nigel Hall, Dawn Airey, Russ Lindsay launch UK prodco Moon&Back with Asylum backing

Moon&Back Media founders Russ Lindsay (left), Dawn Airey and Nigel Hall

Three of the biggest names in UK broadcasting and talent management – Nigel Hall, Dawn Airey and Russ Lindsay – have launched production company Moon&Back Media with backing from Asylum Entertainment.

Hall is the former head of light entertainment at UK commercial broadcaster ITV, commissioning shows including Celebrity Stars in their Eyes, You’ve Been Framed and Saturday Night Takeaway.

Russ Lindsay, co-founder of UK talent agency YMU, later brought in Hall to set up Syco Entertainment with Simon Cowell.

As MD of Syco, Hall co-created, formatted and executive produced the UK and global versions of the X Factor and Got Talent franchises. Under Hall, The X Factor spawned local versions in 56 countries while Got Talent currently airs in more than 190 territories.

Airey’s television career includes roles as controller of arts and entertainment at Channel 4, inaugural director of programmes and later CEO of Channel 5, and MD of Sky Channels and ITV Productions. She has also served as senior VP of Yahoo! and CEO of Getty Images.

The trio are longtime collaborators and have reunited to launch the company, which will focus on talent-driven international formats.

Endeavor-owned Asylum’s stake in the new firm offers Moon&Back access to its global portfolio while expanding Asylum’s own footprint in the UK.

“This past year, we’ve been focused on aligning with inspired storytellers, including producers, artists and brands, to carve new opportunities that will entertain and inform our audiences,” says Steve Michaels, CEO of Asylum.

“Nigel, Dawn and Russ offer a wealth of diverse experience. They’re incredibly esteemed visionaries who are committed to excellence in their craft.”

Airey said: “We share the same values, business acumen and ambition as the team at Asylum, and we’re confident that our combined imaginations will empower us to create the very best unscripted content to entertain, surprise and delight audiences around the world.”