📖 Overview
Neil Landau is a screenwriter, producer, and author who has written extensively for film and television while also serving as a professor and educator in the entertainment industry. He has worked as a script consultant for major studios including Sony Pictures, Disney, and HBO.
As an author, Landau is known for writing instructional books on screenwriting and television writing, including "The TV Showrunner's Roadmap" and "The Screenwriter's Roadmap." His books are used as teaching materials in numerous film schools and writing programs.
In academia, Landau has served as the Assistant Dean of Special Projects at UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television and as Co-Director of the MFA Writing for Television program at UCLA TFT. He has also taught at USC School of Cinematic Arts and New York Film Academy.
His television writing credits include work on series such as "Melrose Place," "The Magnificent Seven," and "Doogie Howser, M.D." He has contributed to both animated and live-action projects, demonstrating versatility across multiple formats and genres.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently praise Landau's practical, industry-focused advice in his screenwriting guides. Reviews highlight his clear explanations of TV and film writing concepts, with specific appreciation for the interview sections with working professionals.
What readers liked:
- Detailed examples from real TV shows and films
- Step-by-step approach to story development
- Insider perspective on the entertainment industry
- Comprehensive coverage of both creative and business aspects
What readers disliked:
- Some find the books too formulaic
- Occasional complaints about repetitive content between books
- Price point considered high by some students
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 4.5/5 average across all books
Goodreads: 4.2/5 average
- "The TV Showrunner's Roadmap" - 4.3/5
- "The Screenwriter's Roadmap" - 4.1/5
Notable reader comment: "Unlike many writing books that just repeat basic principles, Landau provides actionable strategies backed by real industry examples." - Amazon reviewer
📚 Books by Neil Landau
TV Outside the Box: Tales from the TV Revolution
Interviews with television executives and creators discussing changes in television production and distribution between 2010-2015.
The TV Showrunner's Roadmap A technical guide covering television development processes and showrunning responsibilities, including 21 interviews with working showrunners.
101 Things I Learned in Film School Basic principles of filmmaking and screenwriting presented through illustrated lessons and practical examples.
The Screenwriter's Roadmap Step-by-step screenwriting techniques illustrated through analysis of successful films and interviews with screenwriters.
Animation Development: From Pitch to Production Detailed examination of the animation development process, featuring case studies and interviews with animation professionals.
The TV Showrunner's Roadmap A technical guide covering television development processes and showrunning responsibilities, including 21 interviews with working showrunners.
101 Things I Learned in Film School Basic principles of filmmaking and screenwriting presented through illustrated lessons and practical examples.
The Screenwriter's Roadmap Step-by-step screenwriting techniques illustrated through analysis of successful films and interviews with screenwriters.
Animation Development: From Pitch to Production Detailed examination of the animation development process, featuring case studies and interviews with animation professionals.
👥 Similar authors
Linda Seger writes about screenwriting theory and development, with books focused on creating character depth and story structure. Her works "Making a Good Script Great" and "Creating Unforgettable Characters" cover similar territory to Landau's writing guides.
Robert McKee teaches story principles and screenwriting fundamentals through his books and seminars. His book "Story" examines similar elements of dramatic writing that Landau explores in his works on TV writing.
Pamela Douglas focuses on television writing craft and the business of creating series. Her book "Writing the TV Drama Series" parallels Landau's coverage of the television industry and writing process.
Richard Walter writes about screenwriting from his experience as a UCLA professor and script consultant. His books on the craft align with Landau's academic approach to teaching writing fundamentals.
Ellen Sandler provides practical guidance on television writing and industry navigation based on her producer experience. Her work "The TV Writer's Workbook" covers similar ground to Landau's television writing instruction.
Robert McKee teaches story principles and screenwriting fundamentals through his books and seminars. His book "Story" examines similar elements of dramatic writing that Landau explores in his works on TV writing.
Pamela Douglas focuses on television writing craft and the business of creating series. Her book "Writing the TV Drama Series" parallels Landau's coverage of the television industry and writing process.
Richard Walter writes about screenwriting from his experience as a UCLA professor and script consultant. His books on the craft align with Landau's academic approach to teaching writing fundamentals.
Ellen Sandler provides practical guidance on television writing and industry navigation based on her producer experience. Her work "The TV Writer's Workbook" covers similar ground to Landau's television writing instruction.