If you’ve ever tried your hand at screenwriting or even had a brilliant idea for a film, you’ve probably heard the term logline. A logline is the heart of your story condensed into a single sentence. The main purpose of it is to sell your script to producers, agents and audiences. The process of creating one can seem daunting, especially if it's your first time. However, this blog post is going to give you all the tools to create the perfect logline that encapsulates your story and manages to grab your audiences attention.
WHAT IS A LOGLINE?
A logline is a brief summary of your story, usually one to two sentences long, that outlines the main plot and gives a sense of the stakes and the protagonist's journey. It’s the elevator pitch of the screenwriting world—a quick snapshot that conveys the core of your story without getting bogged down in details.
WHY IS A LOGLINE IMPORTANT?
A logline serves several purposes:
- Clarity: It forces you to distill your story to its core elements. If you can’t summarize your story in one sentence, it may indicate that the plot is unfocused.
- Pitching: Whether you’re pitching your story to an agent, producer, or even a friend, a concise logline can quickly capture their interest.
- Guidance: Writing a logline early in the process can guide your writing, keeping you focused on the main story arc.
KEY COMPONENTS OF A LOGLINE
A good logline typically includes:
- Protagonist: Who is the story about? Be sure to describe them in a way that highlights their unique traits or the role they play in the story
- EXAMPLE: A sarcastic teenage girl.
- Goal: What is the protagonist trying to achieve? This is the driving force of your story
- EXAMPLE: A sarcastic teenage girl attempts to prove that aliens exist.
- Conflict: What obstacles stand in the protagonist’s way? This adds tension and stakes to your story
- EXAMPLE: A sarcastic teenage girl attempts to prove that aliens exist, but soon realizes that something is awry when the government attempts to stop her.
- Hook: What makes your story unique or intriguing? This is the element that will set your logline apart from others.
- EXAMPLE: A sarcastic teenage girl attempts to prove that aliens exist, but soon realizes that something is awry when the government attempts to stop her. With her best friend by her side, she realizes that the government has teamed up with the aliens and plans to destroy Earth in three days.
That's kind of a bizarre example, but you get the point! You see how each time the story kind of develops? Obviously this isn't the type of logline you actually want to pitch, but the second you understand those main core elements of your story, you're well on your way to creating a unique logline.
STEPS TO CREATE YOUR LOGLINE
- Identify the Core of Your Story: Start by asking yourself, "What is my story really about?" Focus on the main plot, not the subplots.
- Define Your Protagonist: Describe your protagonist in a way that gives insight into their character or situation. Are they a "disgraced detective," a "reluctant hero," or a "determined scientist"?
- Clarify the Goal: What is the protagonist’s primary objective? Whether it’s solving a mystery, saving the world, or finding love, this goal should be the central focus of your logline.
- Highlight the Conflict: Introduce the main obstacle that stands in the way of the protagonist achieving their goal. This could be an antagonist, a personal flaw, or a challenging situation.
- Add the Hook: What makes your story different from others in the genre? It could be a unique setting, an unexpected twist, or an unusual character dynamic.
- Keep It Concise: A logline should be no longer than one or two sentences. Every word should count, so trim any unnecessary details.
EXAMPLES OF EFFECTIVE LOGLINES
- Jaws: A small-town sheriff, a marine biologist, and a grizzled shark hunter team up to catch a monstrous great white shark terrorizing a beachside community.
- Inception: A skilled thief, who steals secrets through the use of dream-sharing technology, is given a chance to have his criminal history erased as payment for the implantation of another person's idea into a target's subconscious.
- The Godfather: The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son.
COMMON PITFALLS TO AVOID
- Too Vague: Avoid being too general. A logline that is too broad won’t capture the unique elements of your story.
- Too Detailed: Don’t try to cram your entire plot into the logline. Focus on the main storyline and leave out subplots and minor characters.
- Clichés: Steer clear of overused phrases or setups. Your logline should feel fresh and original.
- Avoid Character Names: try your best to avoid putting your characters name in the logline. Keep it focused on the type of character (ex. a depressed college student)
REFINING YOUR LOGLINE
Once you’ve written a draft of your logline, test it out. Share it with friends, other writers, or mentors to see if it grabs their attention. Be open to feedback and willing to make revisions. Sometimes, it takes several tries to get it just right.
CONCLUSION
Creating your first logline can be challenging, but it’s a crucial skill for any writer. A well-crafted logline not only helps you sell your story but also clarifies your vision as a storyteller. Remember to keep it simple, focused, and intriguing. With practice, you’ll be able to turn the most complex stories into compelling loglines that make people want to hear more.
Want to learn more about screenwriting? Check out our previous post about the basics: SCREENWRITING 101: ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR A COMPELLING SCREENPLAY