Screenwriting : Loglines & Synopsis by Steven Morris

Hi Steven. :) Here's Christopher Lockhart's article on how to construct a logline. Perhaps it would be helpful: http://www.twoadverbs.com/logline.pdf.

Steven: For many writers, loglines are a serious challenge. I suggest several things. First, keep them around thirty words or less, +/- five words. Think of your logline as a hit song. You have limited time to grab someone's attention. It's the first step in a process. The second step is getting someone to read your synopsis. The third step is getting someone to read your screenplay. Without performing the first two steps correctly, the third step will not happen. Think about it this way. If your logline is lousy, why would anybody want to read your synopsis, let alone your screenplay? When you write your logline, try 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." This logline is 32 words. It identifies the press agent who is the damaged protagonist controlled by the antagonist, the ruthless columnist. The logline tells you the consequences of the protagonist's actions. This example is what you may want to consider when writing your logline.

Loglines don't bother me too much, but a synopsis does! I try to start with three sentences - one for each act. Then expand each one to a paragraph. A lot of polishing afterward, but it's a start.

Thanks for the articles and all your advice. And I like the song analogy.

I like the song analogy too - Hit em with Hooks!