“My leadership is built on collaboration and earned trust, with a relentless commitment to seeing every project through from the finest detail to final delivery.”

Matthew Bartley is a veteran of the global media and entertainment industry, with over 35 years of unmatched experience spanning the full arc of television and film production. As an Emmy-nominated producer and DGA Award-nominated director, Bartley has etched his name into the legacy of modern television through iconic productions such as The Apprentice (NBC), Survivor (CBS), and The Biggest Loser (NBC). His unique trifecta of expertise—as a director, producer, and content creator—has placed him at the forefront of creative leadership in both unscripted and scripted media formats.

Bartley’s journey began in Australia, where his natural storytelling ability and eye for detail took root in the vibrant commercial and episodic television scene. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Sociology from Macquarie University, he moved fluidly between major feature films, episodic television, and live event coverage, honing a skill set that would later position him as a sought-after leader in Hollywood’s most dynamic creative environments. His early credits include work on acclaimed series like Farscape, as well as major features such as Red Planet, and Paperback Hero.

Relocating to the U.S., Bartley’s momentum accelerated as he became a creative force behind some of reality television’s most memorable formats. Across more than a decade directing The Apprentice and its celebrity spin-offs, he delivered complex, personality-driven storytelling with consistent polish and impact. His ability to balance logistical demands, narrative structure, and aesthetic innovation earned him both peer recognition and network trust, cementing his status as a premiere showrunner and director.

As founder of Bunyip Media, Bartley expanded his scope beyond production execution to content development and strategic format creation. He successfully spearheaded original series and pilots for major networks including Discovery, Oxygen, and History, showcasing a deep understanding of evolving audience tastes and industry trends. Notable development projects like Dictator’s Gold, Time Warriors, and Traffic Stop/Exploited reveal a keen sense of concept marketability and an intuitive grasp of cultural relevance.

Bartley’s distinctive leadership style is built on collaboration, creative fidelity, and operational efficiency. His sets are known for running on mutual respect, high standards, and disciplined adaptability—qualities that allow him to navigate tight budgets and shifting production conditions without compromising vision. With every project, he brings an unwavering focus to detail, from the first storyboard to the final cut, ensuring a polished and purposeful final product.

Whether directing high-stakes competitive reality formats, intimate documentaries, or innovative YouTube series like Guns and Whiskey and Art of Primitive Living, Bartley is known for creating immersive viewer experiences. His ability to connect the audience with authentic human moments—through pacing, cinematography, and tone—marks him as a true visual storyteller. He has mastered the art of building emotional arcs in even the most unpredictable and raw environments, such as Naked and Afraid Reunion Specials or American Ninja Warrior.

A member of the Director’s Guild of America and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Bartley continues to be recognized by his peers as a guiding influence in television’s evolution. He brings not only seasoned direction and format development to the table but also business acumen—developing strategies for aligning production goals with network expectations and brand integration, ensuring content remains both artistically and commercially successful.

Internationally, Bartley’s work has taken him to filming locations across Australia, the Middle East, Africa, Thailand, Panama, Brazil, Mexico, and Fiji. This global lens has shaped his production ethos—respecting cultural nuance while harnessing universal themes. It has also bolstered his ability to lead diverse, multinational teams in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, often under unique logistical and regulatory conditions.

Beyond the set, Bartley is a passionate advocate for the creative process. He believes in mentoring emerging talent and sharing knowledge to elevate the industry as a whole. Though not currently active on formal boards, he is exploring opportunities where he can bring his strategic insight, leadership, and operational rigor to advisory and governance roles, particularly within media, marketing, and content-focused enterprises seeking to innovate and grow.

Personally, Bartley’s passions extend to sailing, surfing, travel, and culinary storytelling—interests that often find their way into the content he produces. Whether through competition series or short-form cultural documentaries, he brings an explorer’s curiosity and a craftsman’s attention to every frame. His dual citizenship in the U.S. and Australia further reflects a bicultural sensibility that enriches his approach to global media.

Character:
Matthew Bartley exemplifies integrity and collaboration in every production environment, earning trust through consistency and mutual respect. His leadership style fosters a culture of accountability, creativity, and reliability that elevates team performance and morale.

Knowledge:
With 35 years of experience spanning directing, producing, and content creation, Bartley holds an unparalleled mastery of the media production process. His deep understanding of both artistic execution and network dynamics allows him to bridge the creative and business sides of entertainment seamlessly.

Strategic:
Bartley excels at aligning vision with execution, ensuring that every project meets creative intent while staying within scope and budget. His foresight and agility in fast-paced, evolving media landscapes enable him to pivot quickly and deliver results under pressure.

Communication:
A skilled storyteller on and off the screen, Bartley communicates with clarity, purpose, and empathy. He fosters open dialogue among collaborators, ensuring everyone feels valued and aligned toward the shared goal of excellence.