Matthew Armstrong

PROJECT/PROGRAM MANAGER:

Intelligent, resourceful project manager with a diverse career in startups, major corporations, education, and the arts.  Experienced in overseeing end-to-end business processes, contract writing and negotiation, and business model implementation.  Managed large projects to support the development of internal software tools, improve operational processes, and ensure the time-sensitive delivery of finished products to major clients.  Proven track record in working with high-profile IP partners, including nearly all major Hollywood television and movie studios.  Resourceful manager able to learn and understand complex environments and tools, and train others to improve team effectiveness. 

MICROSOFT, Redmond, Washington • 2007-Present
Xbox/Zune Video Marketplace – Publishing Team

Technical Lead / Program Coordinator

Team responsible for the digital distribution of television and movie content through the Xbox and Zune platforms. Manage a virtual team focused on troubleshooting, bug resolution, and the publication of test content.  Implement deployments of internal publishing and tracking tools.  Train a team of 50+ members on new tools and processes.  Collaborate across-teams with multiple teams to design and plan future iterations of software tools and processes.  Maintain operational relationships with most major television and movie studios, shepherding high-priority entertainment content through encoding, publication, and promotional channels. 

Project Highlights

• Project manage publication and delivery schedule of test content for development and test team milestones
• Project managed launch of ABC, NBC, Universal, National Geographic, MGM, and PBS networks on Xbox/Zune services including thousands of pieces of content.
• Designed, launched, and trained team on deployment of Dynamics CRM-based content tracking system and metadata acquisition and conformation system with in collaboration with external vendors
• Draft proposals and feature specs for internal process and tools improvements

OPEN BOOK AUDIO, Redmond, Washington • 2009 - Present
Audiobook Production and Distribution Company; Startup Firm

Founder & CEO, Managing Director

Production company focused on the creation and distribution of audiobook products.  Manage and produce all major audiobook projects (hiring of contract staff, manage schedules and budgets, production and post-production work, distribution).  Develop and maintain digital and physical distribution services, eStore merchandising, and public-facing content (i.e., blog, podcasts, social networking).  Manage budgets, payroll, accounting, and taxes.

Project Highlights

• Managed and Produced  several large-scale audiobook projects for Classics Collection
• Designed, wrote, and implemented web presence, content, eStore, corporate identity
• Conceived and produced several extremely popular Open Book Audio Podcasts
• Increased monthly podcast downloads by 500% in 8 months
• Increased web traffic by average of 30% each month for 10 months in a row

MICROSOFT STUDIOS, Redmond, Washington  • 2007
Large-scale video production and post-production facility

Operations Lead

Scheduler and producer point-of-content for largest video production facility west of Chicago and north of Los Angeles.  Worked with over 40 different producers to schedule facilities, equipment, and contract tradesmen (cameramen, editors, grips, gaffers, engineers)  for high-priority, high profile video projects.  Assisted with tracking work orders and contractor timecards, satellite broadcasts, and served as an on-call audio engineer and voiceover artist.

Project Highlights

• Developed new digital timecard system
• Managed facilities schedules for live Satellite Feeds for Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer press conferences
• Managed facilities schedules of high priority shoots and edits for Xbox, Zune, Surface and major press conferences (CES, E3, MDC, etc.)

AZTEC SHOWTRAX, Provo, Utah • 2005-2007
A Theatrical Backing Track Production Company; Startup Firm

Managing Director & Project Manager

Managed all daily operations for Aztec Showtrax, a company specializing in the production of professionally recorded musical tracks for theaters.  Managed studio projects (scheduling, budget, hiring of contractors, post production, on-demand customization, and customer delivery).  Headed up marketing team and direct-mail marketing efforts.  Drafted all contracts, negotiated track-sharing agreements, designed corporate identity, and designed all operational processes. 

Project Highlights

• Increased revenue by 400% in a three-month period
• Responsible for increasing catalog by over 100 titles in six months
• Finished product was praised repeatedly by customers and reviewers alike
• Implemented a content management system (CMS) for tracking musician royalties, sample delivery, and website content

SELECTED EARLY CAREER (Details on Request)

• Faculty, School of Music, Brigham Young University (2004-2007)
• Professional Performer, Various (1999-2007)
• Technical Support/Radio Producer, Novell, Inc. (2000-2002)
• Technical Support, Organic Chemistry Department, Brigham Young University (1999-2000)
• Office Administrator, Roberts Packaging (1999)
• On-Site Technical/Networking Support, A.C.C.E.S.S (1996)
• Internet Admin/Web Designer/Aide, Albion Public Library, (1993-1996)

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Project Management (2009)
Walden University, School of Management, Baltimore, Maryland

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Music Dance Theatre (2003)
Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah