Hi, Happy Saturday wonderful screenwriters.
So here’s a question to kick-start a conversation about loglines.
You have a story (long-form tv series) which has multiple threads, plot-lines and multiple protagonists and antagonists. How do you distill that down to create a coherent logline, which doesn’...
Expand postHi, Happy Saturday wonderful screenwriters.
So here’s a question to kick-start a conversation about loglines.
You have a story (long-form tv series) which has multiple threads, plot-lines and multiple protagonists and antagonists. How do you distill that down to create a coherent logline, which doesn’t ignore or undersell the other elements of your story? And also isn’t too long, so that it begins to feel more like you are describing the concept and not creating the logline!
The advice I’ve seen, works fine for a singular protagonist/antagonist storyline, but is problematic - or so it seems - when it comes to multiple storylines.
So this is the X Files ‘overview’ (could we consider it a logline?) on IMDb:
“Two FBI Agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully, the sceptic, investigate the strange and unexplained, while hidden...
Expand commentSo this is the X Files ‘overview’ (could we consider it a logline?) on IMDb:
“Two FBI Agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully, the sceptic, investigate the strange and unexplained, while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.” - Save for the naming of the protagonists it would make a pretty good logline.
It doesn’t go into too much detail and doesn’t mention monster of the week, nor the mythological aspect of the series, but actually the ‘hidden forces’ aspect just about sums up the series.
And here’s the same thing from IMDb about the 3 Body Problem:
“A fateful decision made in 1960s China reverberates in the present, where a group of scientists partner with a detective to confront an ex...
Expand commentAnd here’s the same thing from IMDb about the 3 Body Problem:
“A fateful decision made in 1960s China reverberates in the present, where a group of scientists partner with a detective to confront an existential planetary threat.” This focuses on the inciting incident and the response to it. Maybe that’s the trick?
You could summarize all your stories by naming their common theme: Characters A,B, and C interact with the theme of X in the world of Y.
Or do one short logline for each story and just pack them all in one paragraph.
Yep, like Mike says. Theme is the first that came to my mind. You describe your characters as one and treat your many threads, as a story world. Themes on two fronts with a goal and stakes.
Greetings I can do multi protagonist and antagonist story I have written a novel. So in my novel THERE ARE SO MANY MAIN CHARECTER AND IMORTANT ONEs .
Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates it!
If you’re on the Nice List, you get a script sale or writing job. And a vacation!
If you’re on the Naughty List, you get a pile of rejection letters and old candy canes.
Hope everyone got some writing, pitching, networking, etc. done this month, even if...
Expand postMerry Christmas to everyone who celebrates it!
If you’re on the Nice List, you get a script sale or writing job. And a vacation!
If you’re on the Naughty List, you get a pile of rejection letters and old candy canes.
Hope everyone got some writing, pitching, networking, etc. done this month, even if it was a little. And hope you have a great time on the holidays. Safe travels if you're traveling. And keep your eyes and ears open for script ideas, scene ideas, and dialogue this holiday season.
Merry Christmas, Jed Power!
Merry Christmas Maurice Vaughan
Merry Christmas, Mark Deuce!
Did someone hear shots fired at Nakatomi Plaza? If so, Merry Christmas!
Haha Michael Dzurak. Someone call John McClane. Merry Christmas!
I’m Frederik Elting, a writer and storyteller from Germany. I work across various forms of storytelling, including screenwriting, theater, short fiction and poetry sometimes.
Like every writer, I sometimes feel like I should write more – but then life gets in the way. Whether it’s chasing too many i...
Expand postI’m Frederik Elting, a writer and storyteller from Germany. I work across various forms of storytelling, including screenwriting, theater, short fiction and poetry sometimes.
Like every writer, I sometimes feel like I should write more – but then life gets in the way. Whether it’s chasing too many ideas at once, or just deciding it’s time to go outside and „touch some grass,“ the creative journey isn’t always linear. And that’s okay.
I joined Stage 32 to connect with fellow creatives, exchange ideas, and find inspiration in this amazing community.
If you’re passionate about storytelling – whether in film, theater, or beyond – I’d love to hear from you and learn about your journey. Let’s connect and share stories!
Welcome to the community, Frederik Elting. It's great to meet you.
"Like every writer, I sometimes feel like I should write more – but then life gets in the way." I know what you mean. It can be hard t...
Expand commentWelcome to the community, Frederik Elting. It's great to meet you.
"Like every writer, I sometimes feel like I should write more – but then life gets in the way." I know what you mean. It can be hard to find time to write more. Check out this blog: www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-find-time-to-write-a-screenplay-even-with-a-...
And here are some blogs that could help you connect with other creatives: www.stage32.com/blog/tags/networking-41
Hi Frederike Elting no matter how life treats, you donot stop doing what you love.
Your genuineness stands out, it’s refreshing and inspiring.
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Congratulations on your eBook getting released, Frederik Elting! Thanks for the motivation.
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Congratulations!! I'm working on mine!!
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Congratulations Frederik! This is amazing! You are inspiring.
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Congrats on new book!