How to Craft a Compelling Logline: Your Key to a Strong First Impression
Sep 26, 2024
A logline is the first impression of your screenplay. It’s a concise, one-to-two sentence summary that captures the essence of your story—hooking readers, producers, and agents from the start. Getting it right can be the difference between your script being read or passed over. But writing a strong logline isn’t easy. It requires a deep understanding of your story and the ability to distill it down to its most essential components.
In this post, we’ll explore the key elements of a good logline and how to craft one that grabs attention and leaves a lasting impact.
What Is a Logline?
A logline is a brief, punchy description of your screenplay that introduces the protagonist, the core conflict, and what’s at stake. Think of it as your story’s elevator pitch—it needs to convey the central idea of your script in a way that’s both intriguing and easy to understand. Typically, a logline is one sentence long, but it can stretch to two if necessary.
The Key Elements of a Strong Logline
While every story is unique, the best loglines have several key elements in common:
1. Protagonist
Your logline should clearly introduce the main character. The protagonist needs to be described in a way that hints at who they are, not just their name. Focus on key traits or roles that define them—are they a struggling musician, a reclusive detective, or a stubborn teen?
Example:
"A disillusioned war veteran..."
"An ambitious young chef..."
2. Goal
What does your protagonist want? This goal drives the action of the story, and it should be clearly stated or implied in the logline. Whether it’s finding a missing person, winning a high-stakes competition, or surviving an apocalyptic disaster, the goal needs to be central to the plot.
Example:
"...must save his kidnapped daughter..."
"...is determined to open a Michelin-star restaurant..."
3. Conflict
Conflict is the engine that powers any story. Without it, there’s no drama or tension. In your logline, the conflict usually arises from an antagonist or an obstacle that stands in the way of the protagonist achieving their goal.
Example:
"...before a ruthless cartel catches him."
"...but her obsessive quest threatens to destroy her relationships."
4. Stakes
What’s at risk if the protagonist fails? Stakes add urgency and tension to your logline. If the stakes are too low, the story may not feel compelling. Stakes can be personal (losing a loved one) or global (the end of the world), but they should feel significant and meaningful within the context of the story.
Example:
"...or risk losing everything he holds dear."
"...to stop an alien invasion that could wipe out humanity."
5. Unique Hook
Your logline should also highlight what makes your story different. This is often the hardest part to nail, but it’s important. You want to convey the “hook”—the unique aspect of your story that sets it apart from others in the same genre.
Example:
"...a heartbroken man falls in love with his operating system." (From Her)
"...a group of criminals trapped in a warehouse must survive a brutal shootout." (From Free Fire)
Crafting Your Logline: A Formula for Success
While every logline will vary depending on the story, here’s a simple formula to help you get started:
Protagonist + Goal + Conflict/Obstacle + Stakes
Let’s break it down with an example:
Movie: Jaws
Protagonist: A small-town sheriff
Goal: Must protect the community
Conflict/Obstacle: A man-eating shark terrorizing the waters
Stakes: Lives are at risk
Logline:
A small-town sheriff must protect his beach community from a monstrous great white shark that begins attacking swimmers, threatening to turn the summer season into a disaster.
Examples of Effective Loglines
Let’s look at some famous movie loglines to see how they use these elements effectively.
1. The Matrix
A computer hacker learns that his world is a simulated reality and must join a rebellion to free humanity from oppressive control.
Protagonist: A computer hacker
Goal: Free humanity
Conflict: A simulated reality controlled by oppressive forces
Stakes: The freedom of the human race
2. Inception
A skilled thief, who specializes in stealing secrets through dreams, is given a final chance to clear his name by planting an idea into a powerful businessman’s mind.
Protagonist: A skilled thief
Goal: Plant an idea in someone’s mind
Conflict: The dangerous and unpredictable world of shared dreams
Stakes: Clearing his name and saving his future
3. The Silence of the Lambs
A young FBI trainee must confide in a manipulative cannibal killer to catch another serial killer, before he strikes again.
Protagonist: A young FBI trainee
Goal: Catch a serial killer
Conflict: Must rely on a dangerous criminal for help
Stakes: Stopping a killer before he claims another victim
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
While crafting your logline, avoid these common mistakes:
Too Vague
A logline that’s too broad won’t catch attention. Be specific about your protagonist, goal, and conflict.Overcomplicated
Don’t try to include every subplot or character. Keep it focused on the main storyline.Too Long
Your logline should ideally be one sentence. If it’s two sentences, make sure they’re tight and concise.Lack of Stakes
A logline without stakes won’t create tension or interest. Readers need to understand what’s at risk.
Conclusion: Your Logline as a Gateway
A good logline is more than just a summary—it’s a window into the heart of your story. It should tease the potential of your screenplay while creating intrigue. By focusing on your protagonist, their goal, the conflict they face, and the stakes involved, you’ll craft a logline that captures attention and leaves people wanting more.
When done right, your logline can open doors, spark conversations, and entice industry professionals to take a deeper look at your script.
If you find yourself needing some support crafting a logline for your script, our coverage tool can help! Check out the link below to get started.