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The TV Showrunner's Roadmap: 21 Navigational Tips for Screenwriters to Create and Sustain a Hit TV Series 1st Edition

4.6 out of 5 stars 121 ratings

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If you’ve ever dreamed of being in charge of your own network, cable, or web series, then this is the book for you. The TV Showrunner’s Roadmap provides you with the tools for creating, writing, and managing your own hit show. Combining his 20+ years as a working screenwriter and UCLA professor, Neil Landau expertly guides you through 21 essential insights to the creation of a successful show, and takes you behind the scenes with exclusive and enlightening interviews with showrunners from some of TV’s most lauded series, including:

    • Breaking Bad

    • Homeland

    • Scandal

    • Modern Family

    • The Walking Dead

    • Once Upon a Time

    • Lost

    • House, M.D.

    • Friday Night Lights
    • The Good Wife

    From conception to final rewrite, The TV Showrunner’s Roadmap is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to create a series that won’t run out of steam after the first few episodes. This groundbreaking guide features a companion website with additional interviews and bonus materials. www.focalpress.com/cw/landau

    So grab your laptop, dig out that stalled spec script, and buckle up. Welcome to the fast lane.

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    Editorial Reviews

    Review

    I've been an Executive Producer on twelve scripted TV Series and I can honestly say that everything I've learned about how to sell, create, and operate a show is contained in Neil Landau's The TV Showrunner's Roadmap. Anyone with the ultimate goal of becoming a Creator/Executive Producer of a television series should read this book, as should anyone interested in knowing how their favorite show came to be. ― Gavin Polone, television and film producer, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Gilmore Girls, Twisted, Zombieland, Panic Room

    Neil Landau, screenwriter, producer and one of Hollywood's best writing teachers, has blessed us with this amazing guide to the world of television writing and show running. I wrote and produced television for twenty-three years and I learned invaluable skills from this book that I never even aquired on the job." ― Fred Rubin, veteran TV producer; UCLA Professor of Screenwriting; and Instructor for the ABC/Disney, Warner Brothers, and Nickelodeon Writers' Fellowships

    Neil has not only beautifully and succinctly tackled an enormous subject ― what it takes to be a television showrunner ― he also has provided a blueprint for any writer forging through the turbulent and ever-changing waters of producing TV series. He gives good common sense information and advice on working in television. And he writes in a clear, understandable, and entertaining way. But the unique value of the book is the interviews from an impressive list of top showrunners, who recount their own experiences. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a career in the television business. ― Stephen Tao, Television Executive, Bad Robot Productions

    Neil's book is a must-read for anyone serious about the craft of writing for television. His analysis of the fundamentals is clear, precise, and entertaining. But it's his one-on-one conversations with showrunners currently working at the top of of their game that makes this book a true gem, giving the reader fly-on-the-wall access to some of the best minds in the business. ― Channing Dungey, Executive Vice-President, Drama, ABC Entertainment Group

    If I had my wish, I would insist that every TV writer -- from the youngest "baby" staff writer to the most experienced showrunner -- read this book! Then I'd get every producer, studio honcho, development executive, and summer intern to read it, too ... because Neil's book really IS the roadmap to TV series in the 21st century! ― Tana Nugent Jamieson, Senior Vice-President, in charge of all scripted programming, A&E (Bates Motel, Longmire, The Glades)

    The ultimate "how to" guide for anyone working in TV. Whether you're a writer, an executive, or just a TV watcher, Neil highlights every aspect of the unrelenting task of producing television, leaving us with even more respect for the process and those who do it successfully. It's the most comprehensive guide I've ever read, supported by interviews with the most talented writers working in the business today. A fantastic and insightful read! ― Maira Suro, Executive Producer of the Emmy nominated series The 4400, former Senior Vice-President of Development and Current Series at NBC-Universal Cable Productions, former President at American Zoetrope Television, and former Director of Drama Development at CBS

    Neil’s is the book that finally demystifies the process of breaking into and staying in the business. It’s an invaluable guide filled with step-by-step advice about how to navigate the not-always-obvious industry pitfalls. Ignore his advice at your own risk! ― Elizabeth Wise Lyall, Current Programming, CW Television Networks

    Eye opening, frank and honest, Landau takes us inside one of the most exclusive clubs in Hollywood.― Allison Liddi-Brown, director, Friday Night Lights, Scandal, Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood, Revenge

    Neil Landau has written the most comprehensive, thoughtful, and insightful guide to television series. Every chapter elegantly details the craftsmanship required for a successful show as well as the inspiration and fortitude. Neil's encyclopedic knowledge puts a unique spin on his fascinating interviews with showrunners and creators. This is a book for writers, executives, creative thinkers and leaders, and tv fans. ― Laverne McKinnon, producer, former network executive at CBS and EPIX

    This extraordinary book is a portable Master's degree in television writing. Neil asks all the questions you're dying to know and the answers will make you a better writer. You will experience television in a whole new way after reading it. For the professional currently working in the industry, for students trying to break in, and TV fans in general - stop what you're doing and BUY THIS BOOK. Neil is the real deal and this book is an invaluable resource. ― Kelly Fullerton, Story Editor, The Fosters

    If you’re serious about a career in TV screenwriting and want to find out how to make a success of it, this book is a very valuable guide. If you’re simply a couch potato, it still provides lots of amazing stories about how the shows you watch get made. Either way, The TV Showrunner’s Roadmap is a great read. - Nazia Khan, Ahlan! Live

    About the Author

    Neil Landau is a screenwriter, producer, author, and professor in the MFA in Screenwriting and Producing Programs at UCLA School of Film, Television & Digital Media. His movie credits include the teen comedy Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead; his TV credits include Doogie Howser, M.D., Melrose Place, The Magnificent Seven, The Secret World of Alex Mack, Twice in a Lifetime, and MTV’s Undressed, and pilot deals at CBS, Disney, Freemantle, Lifetime, Spelling, and Warner Bros. Television. He served as executive script consultant for Sony Pictures Television International for many years, is a faculty member in the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and just won a Spanish Academy ("Goya") Award for best screenplay adaptation for the animated movie Tad the Lost Explorer, 2012; he is now working on the sequel, and a new animated movie: Capture the Flag for Paramount.

    Product details

    • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Routledge; 1st edition (December 4, 2013)
    • Language ‏ : ‎ English
    • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
    • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0415831679
    • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0415831673
    • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.9 ounces
    • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.73 x 9 inches
    • Customer Reviews:
      4.6 out of 5 stars 121 ratings

    About the author

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    Neil Landau
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    Neil Landau is an award-winning screenwriter, producer, author, and professor. His screen credits include the teen comedy Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead; Melrose Place, The Magnificent Seven, Doogie Howser, M.D., The Secret World of Alex Mack, Twice in a Lifetime, and MTV's Undressed. His animated movie projects include Tad: The Lost Explorer (aka Las Adventuras de Tadeo Jones) for which he earned a Spanish Academy “Goya” Award and Cinema Writers’ Circle Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (2014); and Tad2 (Tadeo Jones and the Secret of King Midas), from Paramount, which premiered in August, 2017 (once again to record box office). Neil is working on the Tad #3 for a summer, 2022 release by Paramount. He also co-wrote the Goya Award-winning animated feature Capture the Flag (also for Paramount); and the animated movie, Sheep & Wolves, for Wizart Animation (The Snow Queen), 2017. He’s currently Head Writer and Executive Producer on the new animated feature film Finnick for Riki Animation/Sola Media/Sony Pictures, and serving as Co-EP on Moomios for 4 Cats Pictures and Warner Bros. Both are currently in post-production for global 2022 releases. Neil’s new projects include the new animated feature Little Big Man or 4 Cats Pictures/A3/Artresmedia). Neil served as an Assistant Dean of Special Projects at UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television and Co-Director of UCLA’s MFA Screenwriting Program for many years. Currently, Neil is serving as Associate Professor at Grady College, and founding Director of Screenwriting in the new MFA Film & Television Program at the University of Georgia, where he also serves as chair of the pre-jury selection committee for the Creative category of the 2021-22 Peabody Awards.

    Neil is author of six books, including the bestselling 101 Things I Learned in Film School (Grand Central Publishing, 2010, just reissued by Random House/Crown, 2021). Neil served for several years as Executive Script Consultant in the international divisions of Sony Pictures Television and Columbia Pictures. He gives lectures, keynotes, and hosts workshops around the world on the art and craft of screenwriting, including keynotes in Copenhagen, Milan, Rome, Seoul, and Sochi. He has lectured at USC School of Cinematic Arts, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, La Femis in Paris, Met Film School in London, University of the Andes in Santiago, Alexander Mitta Film School in Moscow, Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Shanghai Film Art Academy, Starlight Media in Kiev, Accademia Nazionale del Cinema in Bologna, Italy, and more. He’s a member of the WGA West, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, PEN West, and sits on the Board of Directors for OUTFEST. He earned his BA in Film and Television at UCLA, and his MFA in Screenwriting at UGA’s Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication.

    Please visit www.NeilLandau.com for news and updates.

    Neil Landau's top ten movies of all time:

    The Graduate

    American Beauty

    Network

    Paper Moon

    Annie Hall

    Rosemary's Baby

    The Apartment

    Cabaret

    Taxi Driver

    Tootsie

    Customer reviews

    4.6 out of 5 stars
    121 global ratings

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    Customers say

    Customers find the book informative and well-written, particularly appreciating the interviews with successful show runners. The book provides great insight into TV writing, with one customer noting how it breaks down the complex world of showrunning.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    19 customers mention "Information quality"19 positive0 negative

    Customers find the book informative, particularly appreciating the fascinating interviews with industry experts.

    "...in detail how Showrunner's work within the industry, but also has a lot of interviews and insights into character development, creation of pilots,..." Read more

    "...author or publisher; I just genuinely found this book to be an incredible resource." Read more

    "...Great stories about how a show gets pitched. Great interviews with very talented and successful show runners about their experiences with certain..." Read more

    "...There is no formula here, just great advice from the best minds in the medium. A must-have for the aspiring TV scribe." Read more

    8 customers mention "Writing style"6 positive2 negative

    Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it well written and providing great insight into TV writing.

    "...; aspect of the business, I bought it to get a better idea of how to write for TV, especially a pilot with a series in mind...." Read more

    "...It's so rare to find a talented screenwriter who is also an incredible instructor. Neil Landau is that rarity. Buy this book. Devour it...." Read more

    "Good Book, lots of typos. Good if you know very little and are just starting out...." Read more

    "My writing partner and I are loving the way it is written and feeling great about the work we're already doing and the direction we are heading...." Read more

    5 customers mention "Showrunners"5 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the book's insights from showrunners, with one customer highlighting the interviews and another noting how it breaks down the complex world of showrunning.

    "...Great interviews with very talented and successful show runners about their experiences with certain shows...." Read more

    "...Neil breaks apart the complex world of showrunning and brings to light all the moving parts that go into a successful series...." Read more

    "...It show you the whole map about this business plus interviews with a lot of show runners..!" Read more

    "Loved reading these tips and stories from show runners. Great book." Read more

    Top reviews from the United States

    • Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2014
      While this book primarily focuses on the "Showrunner" aspect of the business, I bought it to get a better idea of how to write for TV, especially a pilot with a series in mind. I have been studying movies and features for a long time, but needed a resource to start focusing on TV, the business and creative writing aspects of it as there is a difference. It certainly explains in detail how Showrunner's work within the industry, but also has a lot of interviews and insights into character development, creation of pilots, necessary elements to a story, etc., that beginning writers and wannabes like me find very helpful. After starting this book, I am now going back and re-watching many of the pilots with these new insights and loving it. I highly recommend.
      14 people found this helpful
      Report
    • Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2017
      Amazing, amazing book. It contains everything you could ever want to know when starting out in the field. Landau gifts you with a genuine inside glimpse, and he keeps it engaging. Note my choice of word there, "gifts" - for this book is filled to the brim with gifts, information to highlight the path for those who follow. If you're looking to break into the field, or have landed in it, and want to speak the language, and be able to identify potential landmines, this book will be your bible. Seriously, grab it now. Why are you still reading, click and buy it already*.

      * I do not know the author or publisher; I just genuinely found this book to be an incredible resource.
      2 people found this helpful
      Report
    • Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2020
      The title is misleading. Not really a "roadmap" to the nuts and bolts of the mechanics of being a show runner.
      Great stories about how a show gets pitched. Great interviews with very talented and successful show runners about their experiences with certain shows. However, I expected a step-by-step account of what you do as a show runner on a day-to-day basis from start to finish. Not included with this insightful book. Just stories and anecdotes.
      6 people found this helpful
      Report
    • Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2014
      Most books about writing for television focus on the basics and leave it at that.

      But what the author does so well is present a series of tactics that are applicable whether you're writing your first pilot or your 15th, trying to get staffed or trying to move up the food chain. He avoids the tone of other writing "gurus" that attempt to boil down the craft into some easily digestible formula. There is no formula here, just great advice from the best minds in the medium. A must-have for the aspiring TV scribe.
      3 people found this helpful
      Report
    • Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2020
      If you're looking to break into TV writing or are just curious of the process, I highly recommend this book. It lifts the curtain on the process of creating hit television shows and I really enjoyed this read (there is SO much work that goes into making TV shows!). Check it out.
    • Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2014
      A comprehensive book on TV writing and showrunning that is written by someone who is both a working screenwriter AND has spent many years teaching the craft at some of the best film schools in the world. It's so rare to find a talented screenwriter who is also an incredible instructor. Neil Landau is that rarity.

      Buy this book. Devour it. Then keep it by your side as you brainstorm your next great pilot idea.
      One person found this helpful
      Report
    • Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2014
      Good Book, lots of typos. Good if you know very little and are just starting out. A little bit flabby on the page count, could be cut down and condensed especially the interviews.
      2 people found this helpful
      Report
    • Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2016
      A must-read for anyone interested in a career in television -- it's a complete master's level class in one volume. Neil breaks apart the complex world of showrunning and brings to light all the moving parts that go into a successful series. Featuring in-depth interviews with legendary producers such as Vincent Gilligan (BREAKING BAD), Shonda Rimes (SCANDAL), Michelle and Robert King (THE GOOD WIFE), Glen Mazzara (THE WALKING DEAD), David Shore (HOUSE, M.D.) and many others, this book is an indispensable guide to the best/worst job on earth.
      One person found this helpful
      Report

    Top reviews from other countries

    Translate all reviews to English
    • Jon Champion
      5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Guide to Running a TV Show
      Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 11, 2015
      DISCLAIMER: This review will most likely be biased as my dream is to be a show-runner either in the UK or the US.

      This book is amazing! (I wasn’t kidding with the disclaimer) The TV Showrunner’s Roadmap is a chapter-by-chapter reference guide on 21 pivotal ingredients that culminate in the creation of a successful and sustainable television series. Landau is a professor in the MFA in Screenwriting and Producing Programs at UCLA School of Film, Television and Digital Media, (a course I very much wish I had the sense to apply to in my final year of school) describing himself as a pilot junkie and avid TV watcher, who offers invaluable advice to budding TV writers by describing the conventions of popular television shows and using examples of shows that adopt said conventions. Each chapter, except one or two, ends with an interview with a show-runner wherein Landau asks the fundamental questions of what it means to have that job title. The show-runners that provide insight include my personal favourites; Damon Lindelof (co-creator/producer/writer Lost, co-creator/executive producer/writer The Leftovers), Vince Gilligan (creator/writer/executive producer/director Breaking Bad), and Shonda Rhimes (creator/writer/executive producer Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal (whom infuriates me at the same time)). Their documentation of their time as show-runners are unbelievably fascinating and eye-opening, which also provides another dimension to your favourite television series once you have peaked behind the proverbial curtain.

      The varied topics and aspects of the television business are all mentioned within the pages of Laundau’s work, from the difference between broadcast networks and cable networks to which shows subscribe to which act structures. You leave each chapter feeling both terrified and exhilarated by the hard work that goes into being a show-runner and how little time there is to sleep between each task. Some of the interviews do read a little slowly and you long to get to the next chapter before the interviewee ruins the magic of being a show-runner due to the fact that they’re in the middle of crafting a season at the time they gave the interview. With that aside, the knowledge attainable from these 21 navigational tips is unparalleled and priceless to anyone that wishes to work in television; even if you know certain aspects prior to reading this book, the benefits of revisiting said aspects are incredibly useful under the framework in which Landau presents his advice.

      All in all, this book has been of immense use and insight to me as an aspiring show-runner. Even if you do not have any ambition in this area, you can still revel in the knowledge of how your favourite show came to be.

      5 out of 5 stars.
    • Kiasp
      4.0 out of 5 stars Interesante
      Reviewed in Spain on August 26, 2023
      De interés
      Report
    • K.S
      5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
      Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 30, 2018
      Truly excellent roadmap for screenwriters or novelists alike.
    • PiscesBaby Piscesbaby
      4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
      Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2015
      Really interesting read for anyone interested in a career in continuing drama.