A logline is a 30 second elevator pitch. It is one to three sentences summarizing the concept, the premise of your screenplay. A logline is also known as the hook. It is what you use to pitch your story. When you meet with a producer and he asks, “What is your story about?” He is asking you to give him your logline. It should be short and concise, such as what you see in the TV guide. It tells what the movie is about. It should be written in such a way that it captivates and excites the interest of a producer or agent. When you send a query letter to a producer or agent, you will include your logline.
A great logline can help sell your script. Therefore, it must be enticing. Yet, it should be true and not misleading. Stories are about characters and problems (conflict). Without conflict, there is no story. A logline must show:
1) Who the story is about? (protagonist, hero).
2) What does he/she want? (goal/conflict).
3) What stands in his/her way? (Antagonist or primary obstacle)
A great logline can help sell your script. Therefore, it must be enticing. Yet, it should be true and not misleading. Stories are about characters and problems (conflict). Without conflict, there is no story. A logline must show:
1) Who the story is about? (protagonist, hero).
2) What does he/she want? (goal/conflict).
3) What stands in his/her way? (Antagonist or primary obstacle)