Screenwriting : Logline Only by C.m. Andino

Good question! And if I may add a question for the veterans? Rather than create two separate threads, piggy back questions? When should you post your loglines? Maybe only post the loglines when you have a considerable amount to show? I'm turning a short story of mine into a long, so I'm only 30 pages in and have loads of dream sequences and information to put in -- I have some 80 pages in my head and research - that needs to be written into the script still. Should the whole script be ready to go before you even post a logline?

Hello, ladies! Welcome to our family! Feel free to post log lines at any time for peer review. Also feel free to post any amount of pages and ask for review. Just offer to return the favor. Don't be concerned with getting your ideas stolen. The same idea can be written a gazillion ways, and no one will write your story like you.

It's a conundrum I must say. Taking your first steps into writing screenplays and a new online community. What do you do? What don't you do? It's hard to believe I could come up with anything that hasn't been thought up before. So I take comfort in writing styles being akin to fingerprints.

Hey, Melonie, let's break it down for the new S32 Crew one question at a time. What do you want to know? … Go…

I have one idea in particular that I feel is quite original. I know no one will write it like I would, but still it would be a shame for it to be ripped off. Still, I think I just might chance it, because the potential return is greater than the risk. Thanks for your input, Shawn.

Okay.

Your welcome, C! I totally understand - been there - had that feeling… This too shall pass… I have two scripts on S32 for review. Both are better stories for it. You've got a massive network of professional storytellers who will help you free of charge. I suggest you get busy!

What's the point of posting a logline with no story written?

I agree with you Cherie

A logline can be used to condense the story to it's basic components and see if there's enough in it to write the story. Some people write the logline before writing the script, some people write it afterwards... horses for courses.

You've got troubles if you're relying on a logline to remind you what your story is.

Some people like to test out concepts so they'll share a logline and gauge people's reactions. Here's the thing. You don't have to tell people you haven't written the script.

You can do whatever you want! Posting a logline with no script on the foreseeable future ... Why? Feedback on the idea, gauge interest, express you creativity, show off, develop your brand as a writer, wanton abandon. I wouldn't be afraid of someone stealing it.

You could list the logline, sure. It could gain interest. But if someone asks: : "I like the logline, do you havy the script or any pages?" with nothing to produce could be a drawback. It is a double edged sword. List it, see how it goes. You could always remove it.

Sometimes, withholding telling others an idea can force you into the action of writing it rather than telling someone. Just a thought.

I once pitched a logline for something I hadn't written... and then got a script request. So watch out with this whole idea.

I'm at the point in my career where I'm project stacking 3 scripts at all times. One in the polish stage, one in the rewrite stage, and one in development. When you get to this point, you'll have more than one idea for your next script. You pitch to your friends, and peers to see what they're feeling. This should help you with your decision on your next story. I would never do 'pro pitching' until the script is complete and battle tested.

I can agree with that Shawn. I polished up a script I just sent out for coverage, rewriting another script, and developing/writing a new one right now.

That's great to hear, David! You've moved to the next level of the game. That's what's up! If we're not project stacking, we're a few stories away from where we need to be to go pro.

I feel if I am not working on a script in one form or another I am not being productive or true to myself. Can only move forward if your projects keep moving forward in some fashion.

What Shawn said. I've got three scripts in the works, in different stages. I have about 20 ideas in Evernote to chose from. I've narrowed that down to three. Feedback on the loglines would really help me decide what direction to take.

Hey, everyone. I wouldn't post something I haven't written or in the process of writing just because I WAS focused on one script at a time until I heard Shawn say we should be project stacking. Totally different view now!

Great to hear, Howard! You're one level closer to going pro! I'm excited for you. Took me years to get to this level, and it's a big step juggling story worlds… Congrats! …. This is a great thread on work ethic and craft!

I have a similar feeling as David describes it. If I'm not working on any story in any form I feel as if I would not fulfil what I'm here for or waste my talent or so. Then, I always learn something new and develop forwards by writing .