Rachel Fulford, who was director of original production at Alliance Atlantis’s Showcase for nine years, was laid off earlier this week by AA’s new owners. She was a key figure behind such Showcase series as Trailer Park Boys, Paradise Falls, Kenny vs. Spenny and Rent-A-Goalie.

It is not known who will take over Fulford’s decision-making duties at Showcase, though her boss, Tara Ellis, the channel’s VP of content, will remain at Canwest. Showcase is known for turning out edgy and daring domestic shows, and its future, following the $2.3-billion purchase of its parent AA by Canwest and Goldman Sachs, is of concern to many producers.

Canwest had indicated earlier this week that cuts were in the works at AA, though there has been no official word since. AA’s SVP of content John Gill left on Monday and Canwest shuffled its executives on Tuesday.

Fulford had upbeat words for producers, however. ‘It is a time of uncertainty, and I think it’s really important for Canadian content creators to help these newly merged companies succeed, because their success is vital to the success of our industry. People should continue to bring their best ideas forward and continue to get great Canadian shows out there.’

She also noted that Canwest’s $151.2-million benefits package accompanying the acquisition should spark production over the next seven years, just as the BCE benefits package resulted in hit shows such as Corner Gas.

From Playback Daily