Logline

Definition

A logline is a brief summary of a film, television show, or other narrative that outlines the main conflict and characters, usually in one or two sentences. It serves as a compelling hook designed to grab attention and convey the essence of the story quickly. A strong logline helps clarify the central idea, making it easier for producers and investors to gauge the potential of a project.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Loglines typically focus on the protagonist's goal, the central conflict they face, and what is at stake if they fail.
2. A well-crafted logline can make or break a project’s chance at securing financing by effectively communicating its uniqueness.
3. Loglines are crucial during the greenlighting process as they help executives quickly assess the marketability of a project.
4. Successful loglines are usually concise and evocative, aiming to capture the tone and genre of the story while engaging potential audiences.
5. Writers often revise their loglines multiple times to ensure they encapsulate the heart of the story and resonate with the intended audience.

Review Questions

• How does a logline serve as a tool in both developing project concepts and securing financing?
  • A logline acts as an essential tool in project development by helping writers clarify their narrative's core elements. By distilling the story into one or two impactful sentences, it allows creators to refine their concepts and ensure they resonate with their target audience. When it comes to securing financing, a compelling logline is vital because it grabs the attention of investors and producers, succinctly conveying the project's appeal and marketability.
• Discuss how the components of a strong logline can influence the greenlighting process for creative projects.
  • The components of a strong logline—including clarity about the protagonist, their goal, and the primary conflict—play a critical role in the greenlighting process. Executives evaluate these elements to determine if the project aligns with current market trends and audience preferences. A well-crafted logline that effectively communicates excitement and originality can significantly increase a project's chances of getting approved for production.
• Evaluate how changes in a logline can reflect broader shifts in audience tastes and market demands in creative media.
  • Changes in a logline can be indicative of broader shifts in audience tastes and market demands by highlighting evolving themes, genres, or character types that resonate with viewers. For example, as audiences increasingly favor diverse narratives or complex antiheroes, loglines that incorporate these elements may attract more attention from producers looking to capitalize on these trends. Analyzing how loglines adapt to reflect societal changes allows industry professionals to better understand market dynamics and craft stories that are both relevant and compelling.

Related terms

Pitch:

A presentation aimed at persuading someone to invest in or support a creative project, often including a logline as part of the overview.

Synopsis: A more detailed summary of a narrative that expands on the plot and character arcs, providing more depth than a logline.

Treatment: A comprehensive outline of a screenplay that includes detailed descriptions of characters, settings, and key scenes, often used alongside a logline in project development.