Screenwriting : LOGLINE(s)... by Big Dave "Eagle-Hawk"

Had the same debate myself recently. I figured I could do it myself with enough research. Industrial Scripts and Screencraft both have good blogs on the subject. Mind, I have no idea whether my loglines are up there. Feel free to rate them (on my profile)!

Nah, don't pay. It's something you can learn to do, and it's just part of the creative process that's central to the industry. Besides, it's very good practice learning to boil down the whole story into a sentence or two. It's almost like a pitch before the pitch.

I don’t know your situation but it’s always worth noting that wanting to be employed as a professional writer while simultaneously paying someone to help you write is fundamentally absurd (and far too common).

Loglines are tough at first because of their brevity but easy enough to master for an efficient writer who understands story and market appeal.

My advice is, open a blank sheet, take a shot at the logline, copy and paste it to a new line and redraft it. Do this over and over and over and you’ll be able to gradually refine it. Seriously, it just takes some practice. You also have to accept you’ll always be at the mercy of the concept you’re working with. If that’s not itself intriguing then the logline will suffer. Plus, you have to put yourself into a self promotion mindset which can be hard. Have no shame in sexing up your script and show your passion and excitement for it.

There are plenty of free resources out there for learning how to write a logline. Just do a Google search, "how to write a logline" and you'll get a ton of hits.

Not worth it. There are several articles online that you can read about how to write a killer log line. If you post one, many people on this site will give you feedback on your logline for free, sometimes whether you want it or not. If you really want help, just ask.

Hello Big Dave,

I am assuming the $49 service you are referring to is the service that is offered by Stage32, and from Industry Exec Christian Sander, who will read your one-page synopsis and offer you a logline. That certainly sounds like a great deal to me.

A lot of writers struggle with loglines. I remember when CJ Walley, the founder of ScriptRevolution, posted here in another logline thread, and stated that he has read many bad loglines, which I assume accompany the scripts that have been posted on ScriptRevolution (correct me if I am wrong, CJ).

So yeah...if you struggle with loglines, and can have an Industry Exec read your one-page synopsis and write you a logline that meets his standards....how can that not be a great deal?

Most of the time, loglines are the "front line" of getting your script synopsis or your actual script in front of industry people. Some writers get those loglines out there to industry people via email, via script-listing websites, or in other ways and places. Industry folks read tons of loglines every week. If your logline is flat and unappealing, or if it sounds like a logline that they have heard (many times) before....why would they even want to read your synopsis or script?

So yeah...if I was trying to get my script (or myself) noticed...and if I wasn't confident in my logline writing ability...I don't think I would hesitate in paying an Industry Pro $49 to read my one-page synopsis and offer me a logline. That sounds like a great deal to me.

Best fortunes in your creative endeavors, Big Dave, and stay safe!

Big Dave:

Yes, pay me with gratitude for my consideration for others: Here is free logline advice to help you put it together, my friend.

I posted this yesterday, but someone deleted the thread:

For many writers, loglines are a serious challenge. Think of your logline the same way you would if you were trying to craft a hit song. You have limited time to grab someone's attention.

For the goal of getting a producer/actor/agent to read your script, crafting a good logline is the first step in a process. The second step is getting them to read your synopsis. The third step is getting them to read your screenplay. Without performing the first two steps correctly, the third step is unlikely to happen. If your logline is bland, why would anybody want to read your synopsis, let alone your screenplay?

When you write your logline, a good rule of thumb is to include protagonist, antagonist, obstacles and challenges. Then summarize your story in a sentence or two.

Look at this logline from the classic film The Sweet Smell of Success

A press agent, hungry to get ahead, is pushed by a ruthless columnist to do cruel and evil things, and is eventually caught in the web of lies that he has created.

The above logline is 32 words. It identifies the press agent who is a damaged protagonist controlled by the antagonist, a ruthless columnist. The logline tells you the consequences of the protagonist’s actions. This is exactly what you may want to consider when writing your logline.

And, guess what? Stage 32 sent out this free logline tip sheet yesterday!

1. Naming the character - Do not name your main character or any other characters in your logline. Names don’t reveal anything about your characters. You only have a few words to tell the reader who your character is, so don’t waste any time on names.

2. Only getting across the setup - A logline should cover up to the midpoint at the very least. If your logline only gets across the first ten to fifteen pages of your script, you’re in trouble.

3. Not giving your character a mission - If you’ve only included the setup of your story in your logline, then you haven’t told us what action your main character takes.

4. Being too vague - Many times, writers will create detailed character descriptions and setups, then close out the logline with an incredibly vague overview of the plot.

5. Typos and grammatical mistakes - There’s no excuse for typos. Make the structure of your logline as easy to read as possible.

6. Loglines that are more than one sentence long - A logline should be one sentence. If your logline doesn’t fit in one sentence, that means it isn’t high concept.

Now write a badass logline and save 49 clams.

But if all else fails, The Honorable Bill C makes a good point.

Thank you all for your insightful tips and professional wisdom on the subject of logline(s)... I definitely got a clearer picture now, won't be needing that laser eye surgery anymore...

Again, Big THANKS to all that commented on my dilemma; as well as, comments to come thereafter, I thank you in advance...

I'm digging this stage 32 Network group, everyone give so freely... Isn't that the key to the hero's journey? Àll of you guys y dolls are my heroes!!!

Wow. That's 10x what my book on Loglines Treatments and Pitching costs on Amazon.

Loglines are difficult, but they are writing. And like screenwriting, it requires the ability to get to the essence of the story. So it's kind of a test of your writing. If someone else writes it?

I have been on the pitch panel at international film festivals (Oscar qualifying) listening and judging pitches... and I think the #1 problem with most pitches and loglines is that they accurately reflect the screenplay. So you pay $50 and someone else writes your logline but they still didn't write your script.

Everything Phillip E. Hardy, "The Real Deal" just said! :)

www.logline.it is a good site. Plus I’ll send you something.