Maria Armstrong became Executive Producer at Big Coat Productions in 2005 after serving as Director of Original Productions for the W Network-one of the top-rated specialty networks in Canada. There she established a strong independent production department and was responsible for overseeing all original productions for the W Network.

A creative and knowledgeable professional, Maria has over 30 years of extensive experience in the television and film industry.

An established and successful Executive Producer in both network and independent production arenas, Maria has overseen the development/production of hundreds of original episodes of network television in all genres including lifestyle, information, reality, documentary, studio, LIVE, and magazine.

 Maria began her career in casting, quickly establishing herself as one of Canada's foremost Casting Directors with over 200 film and television projects to her credit. She was also a successful theatre producer with several live shows to her credit. Maria then moved to the CBC under the leadership of Ivan Fecan. As Head of Talent and Executive Director of Talent Relations she was the executive in charge of casting all CBC productions and developing Canadian talent.

Maria left the CBC in 1996 to launch her own successful independent production company. Armstrong Productions quickly became one of the leading independent production companies in Canada, with seven highly rated television series airing on a variety of Canadian networks.

Maria is now currently Executive Producing the critically acclaimed, Gemini Award nominated series Love It or List It on W Network, currently in its fifth successful season and Executive Producing its newest spin off, Love it or List it Vancouver, currently in its first season.

Speaking on: Grace Under Pressure