Creating a logline for a script is an essential part of the screenwriting process. It’s often the first piece of your script that people will encounter, whether it’s an agent, producer, or audience member. A logline is a succinct, compelling summary that conveys the essence of your story, its central conflict, and its most important elements. The perfect logline not only encapsulates the plot but also makes the reader want to learn more, drawing them into the world of the screenplay.
"A logline isn’t just a quick snapshot of your story—it’s your first chance to hook your audience."
Before diving into the mechanics of writing a logline, it’s important to understand why it matters. A logline serves several key purposes:
Attracting attention:
A well-crafted logline can instantly capture the attention of industry professionals inundated with scripts. If they read your logline and feel intrigued, they will likely want to read more.
Conveying the essence of the story:
The logline must convey the core of the story and its central conflict, which helps others understand what the screenplay is about without delving into the full script.
Marketing tool:
Think of the logline as part of your marketing package. It’s an elevator pitch for your script, and often, it’s the first thing that people will use to decide whether to read it or pass on it.
A blueprint for your story:
Crafting a logline early in the writing process forces you to hone in on the core idea of your script. It acts as a useful guiding tool to keep your writing on track and ensure your plot remains focused.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, there are several key components that a great logline must include. Let’s break them down:
Protagonist:
A strong logline always identifies the protagonist, who is typically the character who will be faced with the central conflict. The protagonist should be relatable, interesting, or complex. Their motivation, desires, or goals should be hinted at, even in such a short description.
Example: In The Hunger Games, the protagonist is Katniss Everdeen, a young girl who volunteers to take her sister's place in a deadly annual competition.
The Protagonist’s Goal:
What is the protagonist trying to achieve? The logline should highlight their primary goal or objective, which will serve as the driver of the story. This is what propels the protagonist into action.
Example: In Die Hard, John McClane’s goal is to rescue hostages from a group of terrorists who have taken over a building.
Antagonistic Force:
A logline must introduce the force or character that stands in the way of the protagonist’s goal. This doesn’t always have to be a villain; it could be nature, society, or even internal conflict. What matters is that it presents a clear obstacle to the protagonist’s success.
Example: In The Terminator, the antagonist is a cyborg assassin sent from the future to kill Sarah Connor, the future mother of humanity’s savior.
The Stakes:
The logline should also give a sense of what’s at stake. What will happen if the protagonist fails? High stakes can create tension and urgency, making the story more compelling.
Example: In Jaws, the stakes are clear: the town’s safety and survival are at risk if the shark is not stopped.
Tone:
The tone of the logline should match the tone of the script itself. Is it a comedy? A thriller? A drama? The way you phrase the logline will give a sense of the genre and style of the script.
Example: The logline for a dark comedy might be: “A mild-mannered librarian is thrust into a world of organized crime after accidentally witnessing a murder.”
For a drama, the logline might lean more into the emotional stakes.
Unique Hook:
A great logline often includes a unique element that sets it apart from other stories. This could be an interesting premise, an unusual setting, or a twist on a familiar genre. This unique element will make your logline stand out and pique interest.
Example: In Groundhog Day, the logline highlights the unique twist: “A cynical weatherman finds himself reliving the same day over and over again.”
With these essential components in mind, let’s walk through the process of crafting a logline for your script.
Step 1: Identify the Protagonist
Who is your story about? What do they want, and what drives them? The protagonist is typically the first piece you need to define. Avoid being vague; be specific about who your character is.
Example: “A teenage girl from a dystopian society” (too vague)
Better: “A teenage girl from a dystopian society who volunteers to take her sister’s place in a deadly televised competition” (specific and compelling)
Step 2: Identify the Goal
What is your protagonist trying to accomplish? It’s crucial to pinpoint this clearly because the goal provides direction for the story and gives the audience something to root for.
Example: “She wants to survive” (not specific enough)
Better: “She wants to win the deadly competition to protect her family” (specific and stakes-driven)
Step 3: Introduce the Antagonistic Force
Who or what is preventing the protagonist from achieving their goal? The antagonist doesn’t always need to be a person; it could be a system, a force of nature, or an internal struggle.
Example: “A powerful enemy” (too vague)
Better: “A ruthless game master and other contestants who will stop at nothing to win” (specific and active)
Step 4: Highlight the StakesWhat will happen if the protagonist fails? This adds urgency and importance to the story.
Example: “Her life is at risk” (this is fine, but it could be more specific)
Better: “If she loses, she’ll be killed in front of millions” (stakes are high and tied to the premise)
Step 5: Add a Unique Hook (Optional)
This step is optional, but adding a unique or intriguing element can help make your logline stand out even more.
Example: “In a world where death is televised for entertainment...” (this could be an intriguing hook depending on the tone)
Step 6: Condense and Refine
Now that you have all the essential components, try to condense them into a single sentence that captures the essence of your script. Make sure it’s punchy and clear. Avoid unnecessary details.
Example: “In a dystopian society, a teenage girl must survive a deadly televised competition to save her family.”
While most loglines follow the basic structure outlined above, different genres and formats may call for different approaches. Let’s look at a few examples based on genre.
Action/Adventure
Action films often rely on clear stakes and high-concept premises, where the protagonist’s goal and the antagonist’s opposition are easily understood.
Example: Die Hard - “A New York cop must rescue hostages from a group of terrorists who have taken over a Los Angeles skyscraper.”
Comedy
Comedy loglines tend to focus on the humor and absurdity of the situation. The stakes might still be high, but they’re framed in a lighter way.
Example: Dumb and Dumber - “Two dim-witted friends embark on a cross-country trip to return a briefcase full of money, unaware that it belongs to criminals.”
Thriller/Suspense
Thrillers often emphasize the protagonist’s pursuit of a solution, while introducing danger and a sense of urgency.
Example: The Silence of the Lambs - “A young FBI agent must seek the help of a brilliant but incarcerated serial killer to catch another killer on the loose.”
Drama
Drama loglines often focus on emotional conflict, personal growth, or societal issues. The stakes tend to be more internal or psychological.
Example: The Pursuit of Happyness - “A struggling salesman fights to create a better life for himself and his son after losing everything.”
Horror
Horror loglines typically emphasize terror, survival, and supernatural threats, setting up an atmosphere of dread.
Example: The Exorcist - “A mother seeks the help of a priest to save her daughter, who has become possessed by an evil force.”
Even the most seasoned writers can fall into certain traps when crafting a logline. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Being Too Vague
Avoid generic or overly broad descriptions. Your logline should make the premise clear without giving too much away, but it should still be specific enough to engage the reader.
Example: “A man must overcome great odds to survive” is too vague. Try “A man must survive in the wilderness after a plane crash leaves him stranded.”
Overcomplicating the Logline
A logline needs to be clear and concise. Don’t try to squeeze in too many details or subplots. Focus on the central conflict and the protagonist’s goal.
Avoiding the Antagonist
A logline without an antagonist or opposing force is incomplete. The protagonist’s goal will be meaningless if it’s not being obstructed by something or someone.
Using Too Many Characters
Introducing too many characters in the logline can confuse the reader. Stick to the protagonist and a brief mention of key supporting characters if necessary.
Neglecting the Stakes
Without stakes, there’s no urgency. Make sure you emphasize what’s at risk in your story, whether it’s the protagonist’s life, the fate of a community, or something more abstract.
Once you've written your logline, don't stop there. Refining it is an important step in making sure it’s as sharp and compelling as possible.
Get feedback: Share your logline with others. Ask for specific feedback on whether they’re intrigued, confused, or inspired by it.
Simplify: Cut out unnecessary words or details that don’t contribute to the central idea. A great logline is tight and efficient.
Test it out: Test how your logline sounds when read aloud. A logline should flow smoothly and be easy to understand on the first read.
Creating a logline requires a deep understanding of your story’s core, its central conflict, and its tone. With the right combination of protagonist, goal, antagonist, stakes, and unique hook, you can craft a logline that not only encapsulates your story but also sparks the curiosity of your audience.
Remember, the logline isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s a reflection of your script's heart. By focusing on clarity, specificity, and intrigue, you can create a logline that will leave people eager to read more.