The class of materials known as quantum dots (QDs) represent a tremendous success in the field of nanomaterials. Through engineering of particle size, shape, composition and effective optimization of their surfaces, these QDs can demonstrate color tunability and near unity photoluminescence quantum yield. These properties have led to incorporation in state-of-the-art display technology. Shape anisotropy of our emissive material leads to unique optical properties. The potential to generate ensemble material with precise linewidth and anisotropic radiation pattern remains an underexplored aspect for improving interaction with device stack and light outcoupling in display applications. Chapter One provides a detailed assessment of display-relevant optical parameters for solutions of highly emissive Cd-based anisotropic nanocrystals. In Chapter Two, the incorporation and alignment of these emissive materials into polymer films is discussed and their anisotropic radiation pattern is quantified. Chapter Three was motivated by the search for novel materials and details synthetic understanding of anisotropic ZnSe materials. Chapter Four is focused on the viability of creating bright core-shells with ZnSe quasi-2D nanostructures as the emissive core. Together, these chapters focus on anticipating the problem space in the next generation of displays, with the idea that anisotropic materials with narrow linewidth and direction emission will comprise the emitting layer.