Screenwriting : Bible verse as a log line? by Mylissa Marshall

Sounds like a stretch. Hard to imagine a Bible verse that could serve the function, but I guess it depends on the verse and the story involved.

A logline should give the reader a sense of your story - who the story is about, what is their goal and what is the obstacle. If the Bible verse will tell us the three essential aspects of YOUR story then you can use it. Since that is most likely impossible perhaps you are confusing the tag line (or ad line) with the logline. How about posting the Bible verse you want to use? If we all understand who your story is about, what their goal is and what obstacle they face then you can use a Bible verse as a logline.

No.

The logline needs to give us the essence of the story you are telling, what makes it unique and interesting. You don't want anything that is generic or used before.

Not a good idea. The verse could be the basis of your story but it would probably not be able to relay what your screenplay is really about.

No, though occasionally established screenwriters include a quote that has some importance to the story after the title page. Don't try this at home: to do this, you need to be in such demand that producers will put up with almost anything to get you. William is right about loglines and their purpose. It's nearly impossible to imagine a quote from any well known source, Bible or otherwise, that could do the job of a logline. That said, it is possible that if you're pitching a script to a producer of Christian films, a bible quote might be helpful, but even there, not as a substitute for a good logline.

Never a bad idea to use His word. A man plans his ways...but the Lord directs his steps. But hey...i'm bias :)

No, because a bible verse would not make a valid logline.

All these people giving a categorical "no" probably aren't thinking about how many faith-based films are currently being made by faith-based production companies. Also many popular Bible stories aren't much more than a verse long. So while on its face it may seem like a bad idea, it's at least possible that depending on the verse/story involved it may be a very good way to pitch to certain production companies.

James, I am not one of those people. I am well aware of and thinking about how many faith based films are being made. A logline should explain the specifics of the writers story; who the story is about, what their goal is and what is the obstacle. I don't know of a Bible verse that will do that. A writer writing a faith based story should still use a proper logline that explains the story being told. You changed the criteria to make your argument. I would say yes to the question; "Is it okay to use a Bible verse when pitching a specific Bible story to a prodCo that specializes in faith based movies?" But a standard logline is still important to have. As I already asked; I'd love to read a Bible verse that meets the criteria of a logline. Maybe there is one. I hope Mylissa returns to join in on the discussion.

D, I agree. Of course you didn't give a categorical "no" in your initial response.

I agree with those on the 'no' side. However, a bible verse could make a great TAGLINE, depending on the length. A logline should be in your own words and should touch on the genre, the protagonist and his/her goals and obstacles.

I appreciate all the great responses, and the lessons on how to write loglines, but my story couldn't be further from a Biblical story, but this particular verse Mark 8:36, I stated writing my on loglines & i think I like mine better.

I agree and it fits perfectly, but started writing my own loglines and came up with some good ones, that better tell the story

I just wanted to know if others used a Bible verse in a logline and was it idea to do, but I thank everybody for the great responses.... & I'll be back for more advise I'm a first time writer so I don't mind the input of other opinions.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? A great tag line. Not a log line at all, but a great tag line. And a fine theme for a story.

D Marcus, you seem to have some great insight on log lines and tag lines. I was wondering if I might be able to message you a couple of questions on the subject?

Thanks got it... Thinking

Genesis 1:23 "So God destroyed everything that was upon the earth, from man to beast, to the creeping thing, and to the fowl of the heaven: they were even destroyed from the earth. And Noah only remained, and they that were with him in the Ark." I've seen worse loglines. That's from the 1599 Geneva Bible. A more contemporary translation may work even better. I like how the "And only Noah remained" uses only four words to convey a real sense of isolation.

Matthew; yes you can message me.

James, an excellent example for a specific story based on the Bible. In that case a Bible verse might make a credible logline. It certainly would make a clear pitch.

James, that's not a logline.

Don't think that's a good logline. It's more of an introduction