Alliance Atlantis SVP of dramatic programming Laura Michalchyshyn, fresh off celebrating the Gemini comedy win for Showcase’s Trailer Park Boys, is heading south to try her hand at picking winners for a U.S. cable outfit.

While AAC representatives would not confirm details, sources tell Playback that New York City-based Sundance Channel will be Michalchyshyn’s new home.

‘I can’t confirm where she is going, but she is leaving Alliance Atlantis in the new year and she’s moving to Manhattan,’ says an AAC spokesperson. ‘We know she’s going to a film and doc channel based there, but she can’t provide further details because some of the paperwork still has yet to be finalized.’

Michalchyshyn, who started as a programmer for AAC cable outlet Showcase in 1997, has earned a reputation as a TV executive with great instincts, having triggered several winning domestic programs for Showcase including TPB, Show Me Yours, Naked Josh and Kink. She is also credited with key acquisitions for the channel including Queer as Folk, Rescue Me, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Six Feet Under and Ali G.

Michalchyshyn also oversaw programming for the launches of digitals Showcase Action, Showcase Diva, and the Independent Film Channel.

Showcase’s success blending indie-style drama and factual programming makes Michalchyshyn an ideal candidate for an executive programmer posting at Sundance, which focuses on U.S. independent features, world cinema and documentaries along with a handful of original commissioned productions.

-www.allianceatlantis.com