Neal E. Fischer is a renowned filmmaker, writer, and pop culture enthusiast who has been eagerly awaiting the inclusion of Patrick Swayze's Road House in The Criterion Collection's catalog. With a background in music and performance, Neal transitioned behind the scenes, honing his craft in various roles.
He began his career directing children's theatre in Chicago's South Loop, before moving on to a diverse range of projects. These include the award-winning documentary 10 Mountains 10 Years, narrated by Anne Hathaway, as well as the innovative branded web series #WhoKilledHeather, and numerous short films and features that have been showcased at festivals worldwide.
Neal's literary endeavors have also been well-received. His first book, Being Patrick Swayze: Essential Teachings from the Master of the Mullet, is a comedic love letter to the life and career of Patrick Swayze. The book was published in 2022 and garnered praise from readers and critics alike. His follow-up book, Behind The Screens: Illustrated Floor Plans and Scenes from the Best TV Shows of All Time, co-authored with artist Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde, became an Amazon best-seller.
In 2024, Neal will release two new books: Christmas Movie Ultimate Trivia Book and The Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book, both published by Epic Ink. In 2025, he will debut a new children's book series, The Totally Awesome World Of..., with the first three installments focusing on MrBeast, Steph Curry, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
When not working on creative projects, Neal directs national commercials and social content for prominent brands, including Dunkin', Wisconsin Lottery, TD Ameritrade, Heinz, and Cars. His work has been recognized at Cannes Lions and was even shortlisted for a Super Bowl campaign.
As a podcaster, Neal can be heard each week on Triviality, a pub-trivia-style podcast that has gained a following of over 7 million downloads and is celebrating its sixth year on the air. In his rare moments of downtime, Neal can be found indulging in Agatha Christie novels, a love inspired by his mother's passion for entertainment.
