How to Write a Logline That Sells Your Script: A Logline Formula

In this article, I break down the essential elements of crafting a compelling logline that captures the heart of your script. I explain a simple logline formula, covering how to identify your protagonist, their goal, the conflict, and the unique stakes that make your story stand out. By exploring famous movie examples, I guide you in creating a logline that hooks audiences, producers, and investors, increasing the chances of your script being noticed.

A logline is a one- to two-sentence summary of a movie or television show that encapsulates its premise, key conflict, and main characters. It’s an essential tool for writers, filmmakers, and producers to quickly convey the heart of the story and grab the attention of potential audiences, investors, or collaborators. Crafting a strong logline is an art in itself, as it must be succinct, compelling, and intriguing.

✅ Logline Formula = (Protagonist) + (Goal or Motivation) + (Antagonistic Force or Conflict) + (Unique Element or Stakes)

1. Protagonist:

The main character or protagonist of the story should be clearly identified. This could be an individual or a group, and understanding their motivations, flaws, or desires is key to shaping the logline.

Example: "Jaws" – Protagonist: Chief Brody

Logline: "When a great white shark begins terrorizing a small beach town, a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and a professional shark hunter must work together to capture the deadly creature."

2. Goal or Motivation:

What does the protagonist want or need? This part of the logline identifies the main character’s goal or motivation, which drives the plot forward. It is the central objective that will define the character’s actions.

Example: "The Hunger Games" – Goal: Katniss must survive the games

Logline: "In a dystopian future, a teenage girl volunteers to take her sister’s place in a televised fight to the death, where survival is the only option."

3. Antagonistic Force or Conflict:

The conflict that stands in the way of the protagonist achieving their goal is crucial. This can be a villain, an obstacle, or even an internal struggle. The conflict creates tension and drives the narrative.

Example: "The Matrix" – Conflict: The system of control vs. the protagonist’s rebellion

Logline: "A computer hacker discovers that the world around him is a simulated reality controlled by machines, and must join a group of rebels to fight back and free humanity."

4. Unique Element or Stakes:

The unique twist or the stakes of the story often make the logline stand out. This could be a plot device, a unique setting, or the high stakes that will keep the audience engaged. The element should make the story feel fresh and exciting.

Example: "The Lion King" – Unique Element: Animal kingdom, coming-of-age story

Logline: "The heir to the throne of the African savannah is banished after his father’s murder and must overcome self-doubt to reclaim his place as king."

Putting It All Together:

A logline should blend all of these elements together in a succinct, compelling way. It’s important to keep it simple, usually under 30 words, while still making the story sound exciting and memorable.

Example: "The Godfather" – Protagonist, Goal, Conflict, Stakes:

Logline: "The youngest son of a mafia family is reluctantly pulled into the family business when his father is attacked, and he must navigate the dangerous world of crime and loyalty."

Examples from Famous Movies:

Jaws (1975):

Logline: "When a great white shark begins terrorizing a small beach town, a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and a professional shark hunter must work together to capture the deadly creature."

Explanation: This logline introduces the antagonist (the shark), the protagonist(s) (the sheriff, marine biologist, and shark hunter), and the goal (to capture the shark), setting the tone for the thrilling conflict.

The Terminator (1984):

Logline: "A cyborg assassin from the future is sent back in time to kill a woman whose son will one day save humanity from a robot uprising."

Explanation: Here, we have the unique antagonist (the cyborg assassin), the protagonist (Sarah Connor, whose son will play a pivotal role in saving humanity), and the high stakes of preventing an apocalypse.

The Matrix (1999):

Logline: "A computer hacker discovers that the world around him is a simulated reality controlled by machines, and must join a group of rebels to fight back and free humanity."

Explanation: This logline introduces a unique element (the simulated reality), the protagonist (Neo, the hacker), and the conflict (fighting back against the machine-controlled world).

Jurassic Park (1993):

Logline: "A group of scientists and visitors to an island theme park must survive when genetically engineered dinosaurs escape and run amok."

Explanation: The logline presents the setting (the island theme park), the conflict (genetically engineered dinosaurs), and the stakes (survival), making the premise clear and exciting.

The Social Network (2010):

Logline: "The story of the founding of Facebook, focusing on the legal battles and betrayal between the co-founders as the social network revolutionizes the way we communicate."

Explanation: This logline summarizes the film’s focus (the founding of Facebook), the main conflict (legal battles and betrayal), and the broader impact of the social network revolution.

Conclusion:

A logline is a critical element in any screenwriting or filmmaking process. It provides a quick, clear, and compelling summary of the story that encapsulates the protagonist’s goal, the conflict they face, and what’s at stake. By following the formula of identifying the protagonist, their goal, the conflict, and the unique element or stakes, you can create a logline that hooks the audience and leaves them wanting more. A strong logline can be the difference between a movie being greenlit or passed over, so mastering this concise form of storytelling is crucial for any filmmaker or writer.