DIRTY MONEY: A screenwriter on the verge of eviction wins a logline contest but accidentally tosses the check in the dumpster, and now must track down the garbage truck that picked up the day's trash.
Writing a great movie logline is essential for capturing the essence of your film in a concise and engaging way. Here are some key tips to help you craft an effective logline:
Focus on the Core Conflict: Identify the main conflict of your story and make it the centerpiece of your logline. This conflict often involves the protagonist's main challenge or goal.
Include the Protagonist: Clearly mention who the main character is, preferably with a descriptive adjective that helps sketch their personality or dilemma (e.g., "a disillusioned detective").
Convey the Stakes: What is at risk in the story? High stakes increase interest. Make sure the logline explains what the protagonist stands to gain or lose.
Keep It Brief and Engaging: A logline should be one or two sentences long—no more. It needs to be clear, compelling, and concise.
Use Active Voice: Write in an active voice to make the logline dynamic and direct. This helps in creating a more immediate and gripping description.
Set the Tone and Genre: Your logline should convey the tone of the movie (is it a comedy, thriller, drama?) and give a hint of the film's style or spirit.
Avoid Spoilers and Subplots: Focus on the main plot only. Subplots and twists are important for the screenplay but can clutter a logline.
No Need for Character Names: Unless the character's name is essential for clarity or is well-known (like in biopics or historical dramas), it’s more effective to describe the character by their role or dilemma.
End with Intrigue: If possible, end your logline with a hook or a provocative question that leaves the reader wanting to know more.
For example, here’s a logline for a fictional movie: "A shy astrophysicist must find a way to stop an asteroid on a collision course with Earth, all while navigating the complexities of an unexpected romance."
Each element of this logline works to set the scene, introduce the protagonist and the stakes, and establish both the genre and tone.
2 people like this
Well put Fran Harris ! Its something that can take a huge amount of time to get right, but is well worth the effort.
1 person likes this
Great advice, Fran Harris! I'd watch "Dirty Money" and the astrophysicist movie!