What Makes a Useful Logline?
A logline is a one- or two-sentence description that lets another person grasp the project quickly.
Moderate agreementCommon professional practice with meaningful variation.
The principle
John August emphasizes that loglines are largely written for other people: readers, competitions, producers, and potential representatives. A durable form identifies the central character, destabilizing situation, pursuit or challenge, and the differentiating pressure. It should describe the movie, not praise it.
Put it to work
- Use concrete nouns and active verbs.
- Include the choice, opposition, or stakes that generate the movie.
- Test several versions with people who have not read the script, then ask what movie they expect.
Common mistakes
- Listing themes instead of events.
- Hiding the premise to protect a twist.
- Calling the project “gripping,” “unique,” or “award-worthy.”
Sources & further reading
Pitcheroo’s guidance is original synthesis. These are the main sources used for this guide.