Vancouver: After four years of successful business in Vancouver, Toronto-based Dufferin Gate Productions is closing its B.C. operation and leaving its lucrative Showtime Networks service production work with Dufferin Gate’s former West Coast vice-president.

Effective March 1, Rose Lam and her newly formed Coast Mountain Films will handle all of Showtime’s production work in Vancouver, including the 13-episode series Earthlings and the four-part miniseries Out of Order, both of which begin production here in April.

Patrick Whitley, president of Dufferin Gate and an active member of the CFPTA, says the change was a business decision that does not affect ongoing Showtime work in Vancouver or Toronto.

‘The [B.C.] business is morphing to Rose’s company,’ he says. ‘It makes sense at this time for Rose and Coast Mountain Films to carry on building upon the reputation that she helped establish for [Dufferin Gate] in B.C.’

Mike Rauch, executive VP of production for Showtime, says he originally asked Whitley to open in Vancouver and get business started.

‘This change was initiated by Patrick,’ says Rauch, suggesting that Whitley’s plan always was to eventually hand off the business. ‘Coast Mountain Films will continue the close relationship with Showtime that Dufferin Gate in Vancouver enjoyed.’

‘It’s business as usual,’ says Lam, who says her positive experience with Dufferin Gate means future collaborations are possible. She says as a business owner she has more at stake with the new relationship.