What Is a Logline and How to Write It
If you can’t sum up your story in one sentence, you might not be ready to write it yet.
Imagine if someone asks you the dreaded question, "So, what's it about?" while you're looking at your script or perhaps you've just had an idea.
“So, whats it about?”
And suddenly, you freeze. You start to ramble.
You are not alone.
But that’s exactly why loglines matter.
Whether you are submitting to a festival, pitching to a producer or just trying to find sense in your own story, your logline is your opening move. It is your entire film boiled down into one sharp, crystal clear sentence . Your film’s elevator pitch.
Let’s break down what a logline really is and how to write one that actually grabs attention.
What is a logline?
A logline is a one or two sentence summary that captures the heart and essence of your story. A good logline tells us:
- Who the main character is
- What they want
- What’s standing in their way
- What’s at stake
No it’s not a tagline. No it’s not a synopsis.
It’s simply a snapshot of your entire story, created to make people want to know more. Think of it as a glimpse into your story.
Why Is a Logline So Important?
- It’s often the first thing read by film producers, festivals and OTT platforms.
- It helps you stay focused while writing your story.
- It becomes your film’s first marketing tool.
- When done right, it can get readers hooked.
Anatomy of a Great Logline
Here’s a simple structure:
[Protagonist] must [goal or challenge] before/while [obstacle/conflict] in order to [stakes/result].
Let’s look at a few famous examples:
- A young lion prince flees his kingdom after his father’s murder yet returns years later and fight for the throne against his treacherous uncle. (The Lion King)
- A socially anxious teenager is invited into an underground fight club where pain is currency and the past doesn’t matter.
(That was fictional, but sounds intriguing, right?)
When a shy student finds out she’s the heir to a royal throne, she must choose between the comfort of her normal life and the responsibility of ruling , while figuring out the kind of queen she wants to be. (The Princess Diaries)
How to Write Your Own Logline (Step by Step)
Step 1: Define the Core of Your Story
Ask yourself:
- Who is my main character?
- What do they want or need?
- What challenge or conflict do they face?
- What’s the emotional or physical risk?
Step 2: Write One Rough Sentence
Don’t overthink it. Get a basic version written down that covers the importance of your story.
Example:
A girl wants to win a dance competition but her mother advises her to quit dancing and study instead.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Focus
Time to raise the stakes, and give it a tone or emotion.
Revised version:
A rebellious teenage dancer must defy her strict mother to compete in a state-wide championship that could change her future forever.
Doesn't it feel more alive? Now we know the stakes (her future) and the tension/ emotional aspect (mother-daughter conflict)
Tips for Writing a Logline That Hooks
- Aim for 40 words or less. Shorter is stronger.
- Use active verbs like “must fight”, ‘’risks losing” Avoid using “is,” “was,” or “has been.”
- Add genre hints. Is it a thriller? Romance? Add a tone through the use of your wording.
- Be clear over clever. Don’t try to sound smart , just be clear. Clarity always wins.
- Avoid character names. Use types instead: “a failed magician,” “a grieving father,” “an ambitious lawyer.”
What Not to Do
Don’t be vague: “A boy goes on a journey of self-discovery and finds love along the way.”
(This could be a hundred movies. Be specific! What kind of journey?)
Don’t list multiple storylines: Your logline should focus on one main arc, not every subplot. Stick to one main storyline.
Don’t reveal too little or too much: You want to get someone hooked , make them curious not confused. Think teaser, not summaries.
Bonus: Logline Templates You Can Steal
- When [event happens], a [character] must [goal] before [stakes or obstacle].
- In a world where [setting or twist], a [protagonist] must [challenge] to [goal].
- [Protagonist] must [verb] [objective] while facing [conflict], or risk [consequence].
Final Thoughts: Start With Your Logline, Not After
Many beginner screenwriters leave the logline for the end. But many pros will tell you-
Start with it.
Why? Because if you can sum up your story in one strong, clear sentence, it means your idea has a solid backbone.
once your logline clicks? Writing the script gets easier. Pitching gets easier. Even getting people to believe in the story gets easier.