Creating a strong logline is essential for pitching your screenplay effectively. A logline should succinctly convey the story’s essence and intrigue potential readers or industry professionals. Here’s a guide to help you craft a compelling logline that captures the heart of your screenplay.
- Understand the Purpose of a Logline
A logline serves several key purposes:
– It summarizes your screenplay in one or two sentences.
– It highlights the main character, their goal, and the central conflict.
– It creates intrigue and encourages the reader to want to know more about the story.
- Identify the Core Components
A strong logline typically consists of three major elements:
– Main Character: Who is the protagonist? Provide a brief descriptor (e.g., a retired detective, a single mother, an ambitious entrepreneur).
– Goal: What does the main character want? This should be specific and driving, outlining the stakes involved in achieving this goal.
– Conflict: What obstacles stand in the way of the main character achieving their goal? This could be an antagonist, a situation, or internal struggles.
- Use a Formula
A common structure for a logline could be:
“When [the inciting incident or conflict], a [protagonist description] must [goal] before [antagonist or threat], or else [consequence].”
For example:
– “When a brilliant but reclusive scientist discovers a key to time travel, he must evade a powerful corporation (antagonist) seeking to control his invention, or risk altering the timeline forever.”
- Keep It Concise
Aim for one to two sentences, approximately 25-50 words. Be clear and avoid unnecessary details. Focus on the main character, their objective, and the stakes involved. Remember, clarity trumps complexity.
- Create Intrigue
Your logline should evoke curiosity. Consider including:
– A twist or unique aspect of the story.
– An emotional hook or compelling stakes that make the audience feel invested.
- Avoid Clichés and Generalities
Steer clear of generic descriptions and overused phrases. Instead, focus on what makes your story unique. Avoid vague terms like “a journey of self-discovery” or “a race against time” unless you provide specific details that differentiate your story.
- Test Your Logline
After crafting your logline, test it by sharing it with others. Ask for feedback on whether it intrigues them and whether they understand the main character, the goal, and the conflict. Pay attention to their reactions, as they can provide insight into what works and what doesn’t.
- Revise and Refine
Don’t hesitate to edit your logline multiple times. Write several drafts and seek feedback from trusted peers or screenwriting groups. Be open to adjustments and refine it until it succinctly conveys the essence of your story.
- Examples for Reference
Here are a few examples of effective loglines:
– “Jaws”: “A small-town sheriff, a marine biologist, and a grizzled fisherman must hunt down a great white shark that’s been terrorizing their beach community before the Fourth of July.”
– “The Matrix”: “A computer hacker learns from mysterious rebels about the true nature of his reality and his role in the war against its controllers.”
– “The Pursuit of Happyness”: “A struggling salesman must raise his son while navigating a challenging internship that offers no pay, fighting against the odds to secure a better future.”
Conclusion
Crafting a strong logline is an essential skill for screenwriters, serving as your story’s first impression. By focusing on the main character, their goals, and the central conflict, and by emphasizing intrigue and uniqueness, you can create a compelling logline that captures the essence of your screenplay. Remember, refinement and feedback are key—keep revisiting your logline until it resonates perfectly.
