Ann MacDonald
(949) 597-0170
ann@monsterdance.com

EXPERIENCE

Various consulting projects for web and interactive software products. Wrote product proposals and specifications. Wrote user manual and help files for a software product to remove email spam. Performed heuristic analysis of user interface and navigation for existing web sites and software products. Wrote all online content for an Industrial Design firm's site: www.3dology.com and a timing competition site: www.sniper.us. Designed and managed implementation of children’s book series fan website: www.avalonclubhouse.com. Wrote copy for launch of new web site: www.anastaciafanclub.com. Co-founder and editor for serial fiction website: www.anotherchapter.com. Clients include Polnet, FansRULE, Lyris Technologies, RedSky Entertainment and Stunt Puppy.
Writing samples are available here.

Fatbrain (A subsidiary of Barnes and Noble.com) 02/00 – 01/02
Manager, User Interface/ Program Manager

Created the user interface department for this internet retailer. Hired and managed usability engineers, user interface designers and web producers. Responsible for look, feel and usability of the web site. Managed redesign of the web site and implementation of a new search engine. Oversaw user and focus testing of various aspects of the site and user tools. Made recommendations to executive staff for engineering and web production priorities. Program manager for assorted engineering projects including search engine updates, purchase order implementation, "keep me posted", e-mail notification system and bug fixes. Sample URL screenshots may be viewed here.

Project manager for internally developed products for Sony Playstation and PC (Army Men: Air Attack and Army Men: Air Tactics). Responsible for all day-to-day management including scheduling, budgeting and project supervision. Recruited, interviewed and hired programmers, artists and designers.

Virgin Interactive Entertainment 10/96 - 6/97
Senior Producer

Responsible for leading an internal video game development team. Created prototypes, including a 3-D action shooter and a 3-D sports car racing title. Responsible for budgets, schedules, management, performance appraisals and coordinating all aspects of the development process. Coordinated with outside art and motion capture vendors.

Produced and designed video game products for this independent development firm. Responsible for managing all aspects of development including art and technical management, game design and client contact. Managed up to 30 people. Scheduled technical, art and audio asset production. Responsible for recruiting for multiple teams; helped grow this small developer from 1 to 80 employees. Released games produced and designed or co-designed include:

• BattleStations (Electronic Arts: Playstation, Saturn)
• Bug Too! (Sega: Saturn, Windows 95)
• The Lion King: Adventures at Pride Rock (Sega: SEGA PICO)
• Pocahontas Riverbend Adventures (Sega: SEGA PICO)
• Berenstain Bears' A School Day (Sega: SEGA PICO)
• Berenstain Bears Go Camping (Sega: Genesis, Game Gear)
• Richard Scarry's Huckle and Lowly's Busiest Day Ever (Sega: SEGA PICO - pack-in title)
• Barney's Hide and Seek Game (Sega: Genesis)
• Ren and Stimpy in Quest for the Shaven Yak (Sega: Game Gear)

Also worked on: Ahhh! Real Monsters (Viacom: SNES, Genesis), Magic Crayons (Sega: SEGA PICO), Tails and the Musicmaker (Sega: SEGA PICO), Socks the White House Cat (Kaneko: SNES)

Worked as a consultant to various multimedia and games companies. Wrote and designed page layouts for a software installation manual. Wrote two game concepts and designs for licensed cartridges. Purchased costumes and photographs for a military simulation game.

Producer of non-fiction CD-ROM product How Things Work. Responsible for quality and content of this product. Created storyboards and scripts. Coordinated with engineering team to take product through completion. Member of production team for two interactive mystery titles: Murder Makes Strange Deadfellows and The Case of the Cautious Condor.

Responsible for marketing, promotion and sales of CD-ROM products for multiple computer platforms and Sun SPARCstation based tools. Established dealer and distributor channels for Murder Makes Strange Deadfellows and The Case of the Cautious Condor for IBM PC and CDTV.

Hawley and Associates 1/88-4/90
Executive Search Consultant

Responsible for generating new client base, sourcing and interviewing candidates. Specialized in placing software and hardware engineers; opened new sales territory in these markets. Created advertising copy and wrote marketing and recruiting letters. Edited quarterly newsletter.

KRUI-FM Radio 9/86-12/87
Executive Morning Producer / News Anchor / Writer

Produced news broadcasts. Recruited, oversaw and trained morning news staff of twelve. Designed news format. Scheduled staff and managed morning news operations. Wrote and edited news stories. Anchored and engineered news broadcasts.