LOGLINES–and why you should write a GREAT one!

A good logline is like a good movie. It features a character we can root for driving toward a clear, high-stakes goal against insurmountable obstacles. And all of that gets packed into one or two simple declarative sentences. *ScriptHollywood.com

Why is a great logline so important?

Producers don’t have time to read every script they receive. This is the reality of the film business. Nowadays, the 1st step in grabbing the interest of any producer is through the logline! This can be your one and ONLY chance to get their attention and impress them. So it needs to be GREAT, like these!

Sample Loglines!

“Raiders of the Lost Ark”
Just before the outbreak of World War II, an adventuring archaeologist named Indiana Jones races around the globe to single-handedly prevent the Nazis from turning the greatest archaeological relic of all time into a weapon of world conquest.

“Chicago”
A struggling stage performer kills her lover in a jealous rage, causing a media sensation.

“Jaws”
After a series of grisly shark attacks, a sheriff struggles to protect his small beach community against the bloodthirsty monster, in spite of the greedy chamber of commerce.

“Pirates of the Caribbean”
A 17th Century tale of adventure on the Caribbean Sea where the roguish yet charming Captain Jack Sparrow joins forces with a young blacksmith in a gallant attempt to rescue the Governor of England's daughter and reclaim his ship.

“Midnight Cowboy”
Naïve Joe Buck arrives in New York City to make his fortune as a hustler, but soon strikes up an unlikely friendship with the first scoundrel he falls prey to.

“Spy Kids”
After segueing from a life of espionage to raising a family, Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez are called back into action. But when they are kidnapped by their evil nemesis, there are only two people in the world who can rescue them... their kids!

“Rushmore”
A precocious private high school student whose life revolves around his school competes with its most famous and successful alumnus for the affection of a first grade teacher.

“Seabiscuit”
The extraordinary story of a thoroughbred racehorse – from his humble beginnings as an under-fed workhorse to his unlikely rise and triumphant victory over the Triple Crown winner, War Admiral.

“The Fugitive”
After being falsely convicted of the murder of his wife, a once prominent surgeon escapes custody to find the real killer and clear his name.

“Identity”
Hours before a convicted murderer's scheduled execution, a prison psychiatrist attempts to convince the court that his life should be spared by reason of insanity.

“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”
Complications arise when a thirtysomething Greek woman falls in love with a non-Greek man.

“Liar Liar”
An attorney, because of a birthday wish, can't tell any lies for 24 hours.

“The Last Boy Scout”
A private detective must team up with an ex-football star to catch the killer of a topless dancer.

Writing a great logline is as important as writing a great script! You work tirelessly to write then re-write your script. Have you put the same effort into your logline? If not then you are making one of the most critical mistakes you can make as a writer!”

Did you know if you re-write your logline, you can re-enter it in the EMERGING SCREENWRITERS Screenplay Competition for only $10? All versions of your logline will be judged independently so you can rewrite it over and over and try a new approach to pitching your script without having to pay the full fee. We urge you try something completely different each time you re-enter. You never know what’s going to grab that producer’s attention!