Screenwriting : A Logline Should Be 25 Words or Less by Frankie Gaddo

My longest logline is thirty six words (counting articles, etc) and my shortest is five.

This isn't written in stone, but it's a great formula, because a logline shouldn't be massivley long.

When [INCITING INCIDENT OCCURS], a [SPECIFIC PROTAGONIST] must [OBJECTIVE], or else [STAKES].

(Example: When a struggling writer runs to the store to get groceries, he is confronted by a dragon who he must defeat or starve to death.)

No. Keep it brief but there is nothing that specifies word count.

There has been much debate about that. Pilar from in the page says a single sentence.

I believe under 35. But the number is irrelevant in a way. When you read a bloated logline you can tell. No matter how long it is.

Anyone want a book on logline writing hit me up.

No. I don't agree. If it takes 35 words to get a compelling logline, then so be it. My only guideline is don't write a novel.

Here we go again - MORE RULES! Who is the low-profile control freak that makes this stuff up? The logline is nothing more than a marketing tool - use it wisely (an' don't bore folk).

Doug, I had a writing seminar this weekend who said just that.

Write the best screenplay you can, too many rules.

Catchy and simplified words is effective i think.

As a math nerd, one night I counted logline words on the many HBO and Cinemax channels. The average count I tallied was 25 per logline.

40 words or less is usually fine. dont kill yourself getting it to 25. no one will care if its 32 or 36.

I did come across a site that i had to limit my logline to 25 words which I thought alarming, but..whatever.

Lol Doug Nelson. So agree.

Surely no one counts the words before they read the line! It's important to be succinct but a 32 word great idea I'm sure wouldn't be discarded... unless that's ACTUALLY how the system really works.

The specific word count shouldn't be the primary focus. That said, creating a succinct logline is always going to be preferable to a verbose one.

I've been trying to trim the fat off my logline for Queensferry Rules since reading this but I'm stuck at 27 words and don't want to break the rule of three.

Jamie Sadler 27 words is fine. You don't need to religiously obey this rule, although it behoves you to be as concise as possible. The "rule" has gained traction off the back of what Spielberg said years ago:

"If a person can tell me the idea in 25 words or less, it's going to make a pretty good movie."

Phil Clarke (I can't work out how to reply directly) Have you got Steve's number?

(use the @ before the name)

And yes, it's Amity 555-1941

TWO Spielberg references in the number. Well done! :)

Tony S. I try. ;-)

Phil Clarke It would appear my newness to electricity is showing. thx

Link to a simple graphic highlighting two logline methods (though the examples are a bit wordy):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sifABrmwBOFLkIlR3Pkon3oo3AHVcfzi/view

I aim for two sentences, 20 words.

A log line is like a flower. Each flower is unique in size and beauty, and aroma.

A good rule of thumb I've heard is a reader shouldn't have to pause to take a breath while reading a logline.

I'm with the consensus it's fine to be over 25 words. But I think it's a good number to aim for. Often feels like the sweet spot.

Well, here we are again; in a screenwriting forum embroiled in logline word count rules. I know that new folk stop by here regularly and that we all try to help whenever we can but it's wearing a little thin. Perhaps a permanent FAQ forum would help.

Standards are needed. But exceptions are just as important.

25 words or less... OK, I'll try. It sounds like a marriage proposal.