How to Write a Compelling Logline for Your Script

A logline is more than just a brief summary of your script---it's the gateway to your story. A well-crafted logline is essential for grabbing the attention of producers, agents, and anyone else who might be interested in reading or producing your script. In the competitive world of screenwriting, a logline can be the difference between a project being passed over or being picked up for further consideration. But how do you craft a logline that captures the essence of your story while keeping it concise and compelling?

In this article, we'll explore the essential elements of writing a logline that grabs attention, explains the core conflict of your script, and leaves readers wanting to know more.

What is a Logline?

Before diving into how to write one, it's important to understand exactly what a logline is. A logline is a one- or two-sentence summary of your screenplay, usually no more than 30-40 words. It should succinctly convey the premise , protagonist , antagonist , core conflict , and stakes of the story.

A logline needs to quickly provide enough information to intrigue a reader or potential producer. It is often the first thing someone will read about your script, so it must be clear, compelling, and informative.

Here's the basic formula for a logline:

• Protagonist: Who is the story about? This is often a character with clear goals, flaws, or needs.
• Goal/Desire: What does the protagonist want or need?
• Obstacle/Antagonist: Who or what stands in the way of the protagonist achieving their goal?
• Stakes: What is at risk if the protagonist fails?

Let's break down how to incorporate these elements into a logline that stands out.

Step 1: Focus on the Core Conflict

Every story is built around conflict, and your logline needs to reflect this. The core conflict of your script is the driving force of the plot, and it's what will captivate your audience. Whether the conflict is internal (emotional or psychological struggle) or external (a battle against an antagonist or circumstances), it must be clearly conveyed in the logline.

Example:

• "A lonely woman teams up with a group of misfits to solve a mystery in her small town, but the closer they get to the truth, the more they realize they may be the next victims."

Here, the core conflict is the protagonist's struggle to uncover a mystery while avoiding danger. The obstacle is the increasing threat of being targeted, which raises the stakes.

Tip:

If your story has multiple conflicts (for example, both internal and external), focus on the one that drives the story forward. Too much detail will confuse the reader, so pick the most compelling conflict.

Step 2: Establish a Clear Protagonist

Your protagonist is the heart of your story. In a logline, it's essential to identify who your protagonist is---what makes them unique, what they want, and what stands in their way. Your protagonist should have a clear goal or desire that is easily understood.

The logline should help the reader quickly connect with your protagonist, even if they only have a few seconds to make a decision about your script.

Example:

• "An ambitious young lawyer who's willing to do anything to succeed must confront her conscience when she uncovers a corruption scandal in her firm."

Here, the protagonist is a young lawyer with a clear ambition---to succeed in her career. The logline emphasizes the internal struggle (conscience) when she faces a moral dilemma, setting up the conflict.

Tip:

Keep the description of your protagonist focused on one or two key characteristics. Avoid getting bogged down in backstory. The logline is about the immediate stakes and goals.

Step 3: Use a Strong Antagonist or Obstacle

No story is complete without an antagonist or an obstacle that stands in the way of the protagonist. The antagonist can be a person, a group of people, or even a force of nature, but the key is that they are actively preventing the protagonist from achieving their goal. This is the central tension that drives the plot forward.

Example:

• "A washed-up former boxer is forced to train a young fighter who could be his redemption, but he struggles with his past demons and the corrupt world of boxing."

Here, the obstacle is not just the physical opponent in the boxing ring but also the protagonist's inner demons and the corrupt boxing world. The antagonist may be internal (his past) and external (the system he's fighting against).

Tip:

Clearly establish what the antagonist's intentions are. Are they trying to stop the protagonist? Are they unaware of the protagonist's struggle? Make sure their role is clear in the logline.

Step 4: Highlight the Stakes

What happens if the protagonist fails? This is the crux of your logline. The stakes are essential because they provide the tension necessary to compel the reader to want to know more about the story. The higher the stakes, the more engaging the logline will be.

Think about what's at risk for the protagonist and what will happen if they fail. The stakes can be personal (love, family), professional (career, success), or even life-and-death.

Example:

• "A desperate single mother must break into a high-security facility to save her kidnapped son, but the deeper she goes into the criminal underworld, the more she risks losing everything."

The stakes in this logline are high: not only is the protagonist trying to save her son, but she risks losing everything---her safety, her life, and possibly her sanity.

Tip:

Make the stakes personal and relatable. Readers need to feel that if the protagonist fails, something valuable will be lost. The stakes should tie into the protagonist's goal and drive the emotional weight of the story.

Step 5: Be Specific and Avoid Clichés

While it's tempting to use general descriptions or tired clichés, the most compelling loglines are specific and unique. Avoid vague language like "a man goes on a journey" or "a group of friends faces danger." Instead, provide a clear sense of who your characters are and what makes the conflict special.

Example:

• "A tech billionaire on the verge of a breakthrough in artificial intelligence must decide whether to use his invention for profit or to save a dying friend."

This logline is specific about the protagonist's dilemma (the decision between profit and friendship) and what's at stake (a dying friend). It avoids generic descriptions and hints at the moral conflict that drives the story.

Tip:

If you find yourself using phrases like "a man must," or "in a world where," take a step back and ask yourself if you can make the logline more specific. What unique elements make your script stand out?

Step 6: Keep It Concise

A logline needs to convey all this information in a very small amount of space. You have only a sentence or two to grab someone's attention and make them want to read the full script. This means being concise without sacrificing the essential details.

Example:

• "A young woman, haunted by her past, must navigate the treacherous world of high society to uncover the truth about a missing friend."

This logline is short, but it conveys the protagonist's internal struggle (haunted by her past), the external goal (uncovering the truth about the missing friend), and the stakes (navigating a treacherous world).

Tip:

Limit your logline to one or two sentences, and use the most impactful words. Every word should have a purpose. Avoid unnecessary details that don't contribute to the central conflict or stakes.

Step 7: Test and Refine Your Logline

Once you've written your logline, test it out. Does it make you want to read the script? Does it capture the essence of the story in a concise, compelling way? Show your logline to others and ask for feedback. Refining your logline is an iterative process, and getting input from others will help you identify weak spots or areas for improvement.

Example:

• Original: "A young girl discovers a hidden world beneath her city."
• Refined: "A brave young girl uncovers an underground resistance movement and must choose between joining them or returning to her safe, but oppressive life above."

The refined version gives a clearer sense of the protagonist's choice, the stakes, and the world they inhabit.

Tip:

After testing your logline, ask yourself if it clearly conveys the main conflict and makes you curious to read more. If it doesn't, revisit the elements and see where it can be improved.

Conclusion

A logline is one of the most important tools you have as a screenwriter to sell your script. It's the first impression potential buyers and readers will have of your story, and it needs to be concise, compelling, and clear. By focusing on the core conflict, defining the protagonist's goal, introducing a formidable antagonist or obstacle, and making the stakes personal and high, you can craft a logline that hooks readers and leaves them wanting more.

Remember, a great logline doesn't just summarize the plot---it ignites curiosity, sparks emotion, and sets the stage for the journey that lies ahead in your script. So take your time, refine your logline, and make it as powerful as the story it represents.

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