Master Your Logline: Elevate Your Story, Pitch to Win

A logline is your story’s elevator pitch, stripped down into one or two sentences.

Yup, just 27-35 words that stand between you and every opportunity your story needs. Why? Because a logline connects you to your audience, intrigues producers, and sells your script (or idea). So it should come as no surprise that your logline needs to make a lasting impression.

Whether you’re writing a feature film, short, or series, your logline should share the essence of your story without spilling all the beans.

But let’s be real, if loglines were that simple, why do so many writers get em wrong? Because they write the logline for themselves instead of remembering, your logline is like baiting the hook to get producers drooling over your script.

Define The Logline

A logline is a brief, compelling summary of your story that includes:

• The protagonist and their goal.

• The stakes or conflict.

• The unique element that sets your story apart from thousands of others.

  
  

If your story were a dating profile, your logline is how you create that swipe-right moment. It needs to be "secksy" baby LOL.

3 Mistakes Writers Make - And How to Fix Them

1. Too Vague A vague logline is like a Tinder bio that just says “loves walks, dogs and coffee.” That's cute, but nobody gets excited about basics. Producers need to know what makes your story pop! Avoid generic phrases like “a person faces challenges” or “something changes their life.” Instead, use precise language to paint a clear picture of your story’s core conflict.

   
   

   Example: Instead of “A man struggles to find himself,” try “A burned-out detective must solve a case to save his reputation—and his life.” Boom. Specific, intriguing, and full of stakes.

   
   

2. Overly Complicated If your logline reads like an IKEA instruction manual, you’re doing it wrong. Trying to cram every subplot and detail into a logline is like squeezing int a shoe that's too small - painful and overwhelming. Remember, a logline is NOT a synopsis. Focus on the main storyline and let the nuances unfold in the script.

   
   

   Tip: Ask yourself, “If I had 10 seconds to describe my story , what would I say?” Keep it simple, superstar.

   
   

3. Missing Conflict or Stakes Conflict and stakes are the secret sauce that makes your story sizzle. If your logline doesn’t hint at the “why it matters,” it’ll fall flat. Show what’s at risk if the protagonist fails.

   
   

   Example: “A rookie pilot must land a crashing plane to save 150 passengers—and redeem his late father’s tarnished legacy.” Drama, stakes, and emotion—that’s irresistable.

   
   

Ready to Write Your Logline?

Stop sweating and start slaying. Check out my YouTube channel for a step-by-step breakdown on crafting your compelling logline. You’ll learn what to include, how to structure it, and the secret sauce to make producers and audiences swipe right on your story.

Let’s make them drool, darling!