Neil Landau - TV Writing on Demand: Creating Great Content in the Digital Era

TV Writing On Demand: Creating Great Content in the Digital Era takes a deep-dive into writing for todays audiences, against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving TV ecosystem. Amazon, Hulu and Netflix were just the beginning. The proliferation of everything digital has led to an ever-expanding array of the most authentic and engaging programming that weve ever seen. No longer is there a distinction between broadcast, cable and streaming. Its all content. Regardless of what new platforms and channels will emerge in the coming years, for creators and writers, the future of entertainment has never looked brighter.

This book goes beyond an analysis of what makes great programming work. It is a master course in the creation of entertainment that does more than meet the standards of modern audiencesit challenges their expectations. Among other essentials, readers will discover how to:

• Satisfy the binge viewer: Analysis of the new genres, trends and how to make smart initial decisions for strong, sustainable story. Plus, learn from the rebel who reinvented an entire format.
• Develop iconic characters: How to foster audience alignment and allegiance, from empathy and dialogue to throwing characters off their game, all through the lens of authenticity and relatability.
• Create a lasting, meaningful career in the evolving TV marketplace: How to overcome trips, traps and tropes; the pros and cons of I.P.; how to use the Show Bible as a sales tool and make the most of the plethora of new opportunities out there.

This is like a masterclass in the art of creating television both now and for whatever television may become. Visionary, insightful and timely.

Issa Rae, Golden Globe-nominated Writer/Producer/Actress: Insecure, The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl

Im a longtime fan of Landau! His decades of experience and genuine love of the form shine in TV Writing On Demand. The definitive guide to writing for modern audiences.

Damon Lindelof, Emmy Award-winning Writer/Producer: Lost, The Leftovers

With close to 500 scripted series, the current television landscape takes some navigating. Fortunately, Landau does that with precision, passion and purpose. This book is invaluable.

Frank Spotnitz, Emmy-nominated Writer/Executive Producer: The Man in the High Castle, Medici: Masters of Florence

The television business has changed radically over the last few years and Landau has written an absolutely essential guide to understanding it. Whether youre trying to get a foot in the door, or you have a foot in and are trying to keep it there, this book is a must read.

Sarah Watson, Creator: The Bold Type; Writer/Executive Producer: Parenthood

Landaus previous book introduced us to the revolutionaries of the new age of creativity. TV Writing On Demand holds the secrets to becoming one. For writers, students and fans of story-driven entertainment, this book is indispensable.

Dr. Nathaniel Kohn, Director, Roger Eberts Film Festival; Associate Director, George Foster Peabody Awards

Neil truly understands how television is changing and what todays creators need in order to transition to tomorrows landscape. Youre in good hands with this book!

Amy Aniobi, Co-Executive Producer, Insecure; Host of Smart Manners on Amy Poehlers Smart Girls Network

First published 2018
by Routledge
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and by Routledge
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Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business

2018 Neil Landau

The right of Neil Landau to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.

Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Landau, Neil, author.

Title: TV writing on demand : creating great content in the digital era / Neil Landau.

Description: New York : Routledge, 2018. | Includes index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2017035358 (print) | LCCN 2017042721 (ebook) | ISBN 9781315202150 (E-book) | ISBN 9781138705692 (hardback) | ISBN 9781138705715 (pbk.)

Subjects: LCSH: Television authorship. | Interactive television. | Video on demand. | TelevisionTechnological innovations. | Convergence (Telecommunication)

Classification: LCC PN1992.7 (ebook) | LCC PN1992.7 L25 2018 (print) | DDC 808.2/25dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017035358

ISBN: 978-1-138-70569-2 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-138-70571-5 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-315-20215-0 (ebk)

Typeset in Avenir
by Apex CoVantage, LLC

Visit the companion website: www.routledge.com/cw/landau

For my mother, Evelyn