10 Steps to a Great Logline

This article is excerpted from this one at raindaince.org.

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The difference between a logline and a tagline

A logline is a one (or occasionally two) sentence description that boils the script down to its essential dramatic narrative in as succinct a manner as possible.

A tagline is a piece of marketing copy designed to go on posters to sell the film
- In space no one can hear you scream (Alien)

A logline is the DNA of your script. If you can’t make the logline work, it’s probably becasue the story in your script doesn’t work. This is why some people suggest writing a logline for your idea before embarking on the script.

1. A logline must have the following

-       the protagonist
-       their goal
-       the antagonist/antagonistic force

2. Don’t use a character name

Instead, tell us something about the character.
- A sous-chef
- An ex-superhero

3. Use an adjective to give a little depth to that character

It’s helpful if the characteristic you describe will have something to do with the plot.
- A mute sous-chef
- An alcoholic ex-superhero

4. Clearly and quickly present the protagonist’s main goal

This is what drives your story.
- A mute sous-chef wants to win the position of Head Chef at her boss’ new restaurant
- An alcoholic ex-superhero searches for his daughter

5. Describe the Antagonist

Missing an antagonist!

If the hero faces a more general antagonistic force then make it clear that they are battling something, not just life’s bumps and buffets.
- A mute sous-chef wants must fight off an ambitious rival to win the position of Head Chef at her boss’s new restaurant.
- An alcoholic ex-superhero searches for his daughter after she is kidnapped by his dementing, jealous former sidekick.

6. Make sure your protagonist is pro-active

He or she should drive the story and do so vigorously. A good logline will show the action of the story.

7. If you can, include stakes and/or a ticking time-bomb

If they fit in easily, include them in your logline.
- To save his reputation a secretly gay frat-boy must sleep with 15 women by the end-of-semester party.

8. Setup

Some scripts operate in a world with different rules to our own and require a brief setup to explain them...  Again, be brief.
- In a world where all children are grown in vats…
- Driven to a mental breakdown by an accident at work, an aquarium manager…

9. About the ending

Do not reveal the script’s supercool twist ending ...  The story, and thus the logline, should be good enough to hold up by itself ...

10. Don’t tell the story, sell the story

Create a desire to see the script as well as telling them what’s in it.

If you can’t write a decent logline of your idea before embarking on the script, then maybe reconsider writing [it]. If it’s unfocused and muddled at the logline stage, it’s not going to get any better as you write.