The Logline Formula

A logline is a one- or two-sentence description that answers "What is it?" It's the most important marketing tool for your screenplay and the DNA of your story.

The Four Essential Elements

1. Irony

The logline must be emotionally intriguing — a hook that won't let you go.

What makes it ironic:

• Unexpected juxtapositions
• Contradictions that create tension
• Situations that defy expectations

Examples of irony:

• "A businessman falls in love with a hooker he hires to be his date for the weekend" (Pretty Woman)
• "A lawyer who cannot tell a lie" (Liar Liar)
• "A cop has to protect the mob witness who killed his partner" (ironic conflict)

Test: Does your logline make people say "Ooh, I want to see that"?

2. A Compelling Mental Picture

When you hear it, a whole movie should unfold in your imagination.

Characteristics:

• Implies the entire story journey
• Often includes a time frame ("one weekend," "24 hours")
• Sparks imagination about where the story goes
• Suggests the tone and style

Example breakdown: "A businessman falls in love with a hooker..."

• We see the world (business, high society)
• We see the contrast (hooker, streets)
• We imagine the complications
• We sense the romance

3. Audience and Cost

The logline should demarcate:

• Tone: Comedy? Drama? Thriller?
• Target audience: Date movie? Family? Horror fans?
• Scope/budget: Intimate or epic?
• Comparable films: What else is it like?

Why buyers care: They need to know if it can make a profit. A $200M epic and a $5M indie serve different markets.

Signaling cost:

• "A small town..." (low budget)
• "In a galaxy far, far away..." (big budget)
• "In one apartment, over one night..." (contained thriller)

4. A Killer Title

The title must work as a one-two punch with the logline.

Requirements:

• Has irony
• "Says what it is" (passes the "What is it?" test)
• Not generic or vague
• Works as the headline of the story

Good titles:

• Legally Blonde - Nails the concept, has irony
• Four Weddings and a Funeral - Structure and tone clear
• Die Hard - Action + attitude

Bad titles:

• "Untitled Thriller" - Says nothing
• "Hearts" - Too vague
• "The Smith Project" - Generic

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Character Elements in the Logline

Describe the Hero

Use an adjective that captures their essence:

• Risk-averse accountant
• Henpecked husband
• Agoraphobic widow
• Cynical journalist

This adjective hints at the character arc - what they'll need to overcome.

Describe the Bad Guy

The villain also needs an adjective:

• Megalomaniac CEO
• Overprotective mother
• Homicidal ex-boyfriend
• Ruthless corporation

The bad guy description raises the stakes.

The Compelling Goal

The goal must be something we identify with as human beings - PRIMAL.

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The Primal Test

Goals must connect to basic human drives:

• Survival - Stay alive
• Hunger - Get resources
• Sex - Find love/mate
• Protection of loved ones - Save family
• Fear of death - Avoid mortality

Primal Relationships

Characters work best when they represent relationships we all have:

• Romantic partners
• Parent and child
• Siblings
• Lifelong rivals
• Former friends

Why primal works: A caveman would understand the stakes.

Testing for Primal

Ask: "Would this matter to someone in a life-or-death situation?"

• ✓ "Save my daughter from kidnappers" - PRIMAL
• ✓ "Win the love of my life before she marries someone else" - PRIMAL
• ✗ "Get a promotion at work" - Not primal (unless...)
• ✓ "Get a promotion or lose my house and family" - Now it's primal

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Logline Structure Template

[Adjective describing hero] [hero type] must [goal] when [catalyst/situation], or else [stakes].

Or:

When [catalyst], a [adjective] [hero type] must [goal] before [time limit/or else].

Examples:

Die Hard: "When terrorists seize a Los Angeles skyscraper, a New York cop trapped inside must save his estranged wife and stop the criminals alone."

Liar Liar: "When his son's birthday wish magically comes true, a fast-talking lawyer is forced to tell only the truth for 24 hours - on the most important day of his legal career."

Jaws: "When a great white shark attacks a summer resort town, a police chief afraid of water must overcome his fears to stop the killings before the tourist season is ruined and more people die."

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Common Logline Mistakes

1. Too Vague

❌ "A man goes on a journey of self-discovery" ✓ "A burned-out accountant drives cross-country with his estranged father's ashes, discovering family secrets at every stop"

2. No Irony

❌ "A cop hunts a serial killer" ✓ "A cop must protect the serial killer who murdered his partner as the star witness against the mob"

3. No Stakes

❌ "A woman tries to get a promotion" ✓ "A woman has 48 hours to land the biggest account of her career or lose her apartment and custody of her daughter"

4. Too Long

A logline should be 25-50 words maximum. If it takes a paragraph, you don't have a movie - you have a mess.

5. Describing Plot Instead of Hook

Don't list events. Capture the essential conflict.

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Test Marketing Your Logline

The Stranger Test

Pitch your logline to "civilians" (non-industry people):

1. Find a distracted stranger (coffee shop, party)
2. Say "Can I tell you about my movie idea?"
3. Deliver the logline
4. Watch their eyes

If their eyes drift: You've lost them If they lean in: You have something

What to Watch For

• "Oh, that sounds cool" (polite - keep working)
• "Wait, so what happens?" (hooked - good sign)
• "Like [other movie]?" (they're comparing - clarify uniqueness)
• "Huh." (lost them - back to drawing board)

Adjust Based on Reactions

• If people look confused: Simplify
• If people look bored: Add more irony
• If people ask wrong questions: Clarify the core conflict

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From Logline to Title

The title should reinforce the logline:

Title Testing

Ask: "If this title was in a newspaper, would I know what kind of story it was?"

• "Legally Blonde" → Comedy about a blonde in law school ✓
• "The Project" → No idea ✗
• "Die Hard" → Action thriller ✓

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The Logline Litmus Test

Before finalizing, verify:

• Is there irony that makes you want to know more?
• Can you see the whole movie in your mind?
• Is the tone and scope clear?
• Does the title say what it is?
• Is the hero described in a compelling way?
• Is there a clear, primal goal?
• Are the stakes life-or-death (literally or figuratively)?
• Is it under 50 words?
• Would a stranger lean in to hear more?