Hi there. I revised a logline I had posted previously before I plotted out the whole story (see below). I prepared a pitch for it and now I know what is going to happen! I'm excited to continue writing but I value your input on the idea first. Thanks!
P.S. Am I correct in assuming I should not pitch an idea if the script isn't finished? I'm just excited to get feedback on the pitch/idea.
A Man Like Sam
A writer grieving the loss of her dog meets a man with the same name and strikingly similar characteristics. His odd familiarity with her home and his lack of a past propel her to uncover his story which catapults them both into a whole new life.
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A Man Like Sam sounds interesting, BL Gabriel. I think your logline needs more information, mainly the stakes.
Here's a logline template I use: After/when ______ (the inciting incident/the event that sets the plot in motion), a _______ (the main flaw that the main character has to overcome in the script or an adjective that describes the main character’s personality) _______ (the main character’s position/job/career) tries to/attempts to/fights to/struggles to/strives to/sets out to/fights/battles/engages in/competes/etc. _______ (goal of story and try to add the obstacles here) to/so/in order to ________ (stakes).
The inciting incident can also be at the end of the logline: A _______ (the main flaw that the main character has to overcome in the script or an adjective that describes the main character’s personality) _______ (the main character’s position/job/career) tries to/attempts to/fights to/struggles to/strives to/sets out to/fights/battles/engages in/competes/etc. _______ (goal of story and try to add the obstacles here) to/so/in order to ________ (stakes) after/when ______ (the inciting incident/the event that sets the plot in motion).
And Christopher Lockhart has a great webinar on loglines. It’s called “How To Make Your Logline Attractive to A-List Actors, Producers, Directors, Managers, Agents, Financiers and Development Execs” (www.stage32.com/webinars/How-To-Make-Your-Logline-Attractive-to-A-List-A...).
I also suggest waiting until you write the script before pitching. That way you can send the script to the producer/etc. right away when they ask for it.
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Good point Maurice. Thank you!
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You're welcome, BL Gabriel.
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I would not pitch an unfinished script because characters tend to develope themselves as you write which adds to a more informed and confident pitch. I also agree with Maurice. A logline only needs the protagonist, the goal, and what they are up against to achieve it.
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BL Gabriel - there are pitch competitions that will mentor the winners through developing the entire script; but having at least 2 polished scripts before you pitch is the most common thing I hear. Hope that helps. Write on!
Actually most reps/show biz ppl I spoke to want to see loglines, synopsis, treatments, script-ments, whatever you call them- they wanna know the idea/concept before the screenplay.
It's smart managing your Time and get feedbacks. The downside here is $35 per pitch. Drop $350 for ten different feedbacks, and then decide if your idea is worthy to move on to the script!
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Hi BL Gabriel. I would always advise a writer to complete a script and have it at the final draft level before pitching. In my experiences and conversations with industry decision-makers, producers and managers can love your pitch, but without a script ready for them to read, you might run the risk of losing their interest.
Also, let's say your pitch is great, and you get a request to read it, and you send them a first draft, mistakes and all, what kind of impression do you think that might leave with them? 50/50 in a best case scenario, but more likely a thought of, " This script isn't ready, and the writer is at a novice stage of development." They might pass on it.
An exec's time and resources are valuable to them, and if you are ready to go with a great pitch based off of a polished script and pitch deck/show bible that you can send them, that is a professional reflection on you, and it moves the relationship dial forward.
If you are a writers room member BL Gabriel, I invite you to attend the Thursday Night Pitch Practice sessions right here on Stage 32 that I co-host and sign up to pitch your idea, but in the meantime, keep writing that script of yours.
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Great input from you all. I really appreciate it. I remember submitting a logline to the late Blake Snyder (Save the Cat). His response was "the good news is I want to know what happens. The bad news is it isn't in the logline!" I love stage 32. Thank you so much!