logline-writing

Business

Craft compelling one-sentence story hooks that capture protagonist, conflict, stakes, and unique appeal for film/TV pitches

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Logline Writing Skill

Purpose

Create compelling, marketable loglines that hook readers in a single sentence. A logline is the elevator pitch of your story—it must convey the essence of your narrative while creating intrigue and demonstrating commercial viability.

Logline Formula

When [INCITING INCIDENT], a [SPECIFIC PROTAGONIST] must [GOAL/ACTION] before [STAKES/DEADLINE], or else [CONSEQUENCES].

Core Components

Element	Description	Example
Protagonist	Specific, relatable descriptor	"a burnt-out detective"
Inciting Incident	What disrupts their world	"discovers his partner was murdered"
Goal	Active, specific objective	"must find the killer"
Stakes	What's at risk	"before he becomes the next target"
Irony/Hook	The unique twist	"only to realize he's the prime suspect"

Quality Criteria

Must Have

Active protagonist (not passive victim)
Clear goal with obstacles
Tangible stakes
Specific details (not generic)
Present tense
25-50 words

Must Avoid

Character names (unless famous IP)
Questions ("What if...?")
Vague language ("must fight evil")
Backstory dumps
Multiple plotlines
Passive voice

Format Variations

Punchy (Under 25 words)

A disgraced surgeon must perform an impossible transplant on a dying mob boss—using his own heart—to save his kidnapped daughter.

Descriptive (40-60 words)

When a disgraced cardiac surgeon's daughter is kidnapped by a ruthless crime syndicate, he's forced to perform an impossible transplant: remove his own heart and transplant it into their dying boss. With only hours to live, he must find a way to save his daughter without sacrificing himself.

High-Concept

"Saw" meets "Grey's Anatomy" - A surgeon must operate on himself to save his daughter from kidnappers.

Genre-Specific Elements

Action/Thriller

Physical stakes
Time pressure
External threat
Visceral verbs

Drama

Emotional stakes
Internal conflict
Relationship dynamics
Transformation arc

Comedy

Comedic situation
Fish-out-of-water
Ironic juxtaposition
Escalating complications

Horror

Survival stakes
Atmosphere hint
Threat nature
Isolation element

Output Format

## Logline Package

### Primary Logline
[Main logline - 25-50 words]

### Variations

**Punchy Version:**
[Under 25 words]

**Descriptive Version:**
[40-60 words]

**High-Concept:**
[X meets Y format]

### Hook Analysis
- **Ironic Element:** [What makes this unique]
- **Genre Signals:** [How genre is conveyed]
- **Commercial Appeal:** [Why this is marketable]

Examples by Format

Feature Film

"When a retired hitman's dog is killed by mobsters, he comes out of retirement to wage a one-man war against the entire criminal underworld—discovering they've put a $14 million bounty on his head."

TV Pilot

"A public defender discovers her new client—accused of a brutal murder—is actually her long-lost brother, forcing her to choose between her career and her family's darkest secrets."

Limited Series

"After a small-town sheriff arrests a drifter for murder, she uncovers evidence that her entire town has been covering up crimes for decades—and her own father may be the mastermind."

Short Film

"A grieving mother receives a phone call from her dead son, leading her to question whether she's losing her mind or being given a second chance."

Best Practices

Start with conflict - The story is the struggle
Be specific - "Astronaut" not "person"
Show stakes - What's lost if they fail
Create irony - The unexpected twist
Imply genre - Through tone and situation
End with hook - Leave them wanting more