Loglines and Treatments: How to Write Them Loglines These are used to pitch your story in one-two sentences. They reduce the story to a “hook.”
What is the purpose of a log line?
A log-line or logline is a brief summary of a television program, film, or motion picture often providing both a synopsis of the program's plot, and an emotional "hook" to stimulate interest. It is short, precise and usually includes a "hook" that would inspire the reader.
What is a logline in a script?
A logline is a condensed form of a movie plot consisting of a single sentence of 50 words. It has to be compelling enough to promote the movie or script. It should be present at the beginning of the script. Before getting into the intricacies of a logline and how to write it, it is essential to understand its purpose.
How to write a logline that kills?
How to write a logline that kills 1 Describe your protagonist with strong adjectives 2 Give your protagonist a clear goal 3 Use irony 4 Increase the stakes 5 Don't be afraid to break convention
How long does it take to write a logline?
Writing loglines can take time even though it possesses less than 50 words. However, that should not deter you from writing and re-writing it as many times as you feel is required. Remember, the goal is to give your story and script an advantage over every other script with just 50 words or one sentence.
What is a log line used for?
A logline is a one-sentence summary or description of a movie. Loglines distill the important elements of your screenplay—main character, setup, central conflict, antagonist—into a clear, concise teaser. The goal is to write a logline so enticing that it hooks the listener into reading the entire script.
What is a log line example?
Examples of Effective Loglines “The Godfather”: “The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son.” “Reservoir Dogs”: “After a simple jewelry heist goes terribly wrong, the surviving criminals begin to suspect that one of them is a police informant.”
Why is it called a log line?
In the film industry, loglines possess a sense of such importance that it even has its own nickname. Both producers and writers use the term “Elevator Pitches”. The reason behind the name is that one can use a logline to provide a quick rundown or pitch in the time that it takes for one to use an elevator.
What is a treatment in screenwriting?
A treatment is a detailed overview of a screenplay or script idea written in prose form that is used as a marketing tool for both spec and for-hire screenwriters to sell their project. It is sometimes referred to as a written pitch.
How do you write a log line?
The Simple Guide to Writing a LoglineShare the Core Concept, Not the Story.Start with a General Logline Structure.Stay Within 25-50 Words.Avoid Character Names.Search for Irony in Your Concepts.Write Multiple Options with Different Phrasing.Write the Logline Before the Script.Read Loglines on IMDb.
How do you write a treatment?
The point of writing a film treatment is to:Set up the world you want the reader to envision.Lay out the structure of your whole story.Help you identify plot holes, or parts of the film you're missing.Flesh-out characters and figure out the importance of each role.More items...•
What is the difference between a premise and a logline?
The logline is a one or two-sentence statement that expresses the plot of your story, whereas premise is just the first part of the logline. Usually, it is what makes our story different from others; what makes it unique. This is the element that most of the times, makes our story saleable and interesting and alluring.
How do you write a killer logline?
A killer logline is a must have....First, write down:SETTING: When and where your story takes place.PROTAGONIST: Who your main character (hero or heroine) is.PROBLEM: The issue or event that causes your Protagonist to take action.ANTAGONIST: Who or what tries to stop your Protagonist.More items...
When was the first recorded used of log line?
The log and line was first described by William Bourne in 1574 and was used for measuring ship's speed into the 20th century, although mechanical speed logs were introduced from the 19th century.
What is the difference between a synopsis and a treatment?
Treatments Are Longer Than Synopses Remember, a synopsis is a short but succinct description of your plot, main characters, and fictional world. It tells the whole story from beginning to end but in a breezy, brief, easy-to-read sort of way. Treatments give you more room to write, so they're naturally longer.
What is the difference between a screenplay and a treatment?
Typically a treatment is a much longer and more detailed description of the screenplay than a synopsis. Treatments are often written before the script is written as a guide for the screenwriter and producer so that the screenwriter doesn't waste time writing a draft that the producer isn't going to like.
What is a draft treatment?
The original draft treatment is created during the writing process and is generally long and detailed. It consists of full-scene outlines put together. Usually there are between thirty and eighty standard letter size or A4 pages (Courier New 12 point), with an average of about forty pages.
What is a logline in a screenplay?
What is a logline? A logline is a one or two sentence summary of your screenplay that conveys the premise but also adds an emotional aspect that hooks the reader. It includes the main character, set-up, and central conflict in a concise, enticing way.
What are some examples of Logline?
LOGLINE EXAMPLES. The Godfather: The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son. Titanic: Two star-crossed lovers fall in love aboard the R.M.S. Titanic and struggle to keep their relationship afloat as the doomed ship sinks into the Atlantic.
Why is a logline important?
Importance of a Logline. Before getting into the intricacies of a logline and how to write it, it is essential to understand its purpose. A logline can be useful to not only the one writing a script but also to other parties as well. A logline is of importance to the following individuals:
What to remember before writing a logline?
Points to remember before writing a logline: Determine the protagonists, antagonists, and other components of the project. The ideal log line will capture the curiosity of the viewers without reading a full synopsis. The components of a logline can be written in any order as per the whims of the writer.
Why do we need loglines in scripts?
Loglines can greatly benefit the scriptwriting process as it helps a writer to remember the main characters and their motivations. It can also help to direct the story on the desired path during the writing stage.
How many words are in a logline?
A logline refers to an extremely short summary of a film or a book. It can consist of 30 to 50 words and will function as a short synopsis to draw potential viewers or production deals. The logline will also be the foundation upon which the script will reside. In fact, it is a good standard practice to create a logline before writing ...
What is the ideal logline?
But there is a structure that most loglines follow. The ideal log line will work to hook an audience or a producer with the story that is at hand.
Where are loglines in movies?
Loglines usually present at the beginning of a movie script. It is also found on streaming sites. Taglines are present on the movie poster that plays a major role in the marketing of the film.
What is a slug line?
A slug line is a term that refers to the lines in a screenplay. These will denote a change in scenery or a scene in general. For example, a telephone conversation occurring between two or more characters can involve two or more characters. The camera will shift from person to person. However, in recent times, this term has not seen much usage.
What is a logline in a screenplay?
Loglines: The How. A logline should convey what happens in the story. That much is a given, and all six of the above loglines definitely do that. But a good logline should include all the same elements and structure that make up a fine screenplay: – A set of circumstances. – A protagonist with a clear goal.
Is a logline a tricky thing to master?
Well, not really. As you’ve no doubt already noticed, this post extends onwards and that’s because a logline is a surprisingly tricky thing to master…
Why do you need a logline?
Gain visibility. Loglines are often required for entry into screenplay competitions or film festivals , which offer the opportunity for aspiring screenwriters to showcase their work to a room full of development executives or producers. Writing a great logline can help you get noticed amid a sea of entries.
What is a logline in screenwriting?
A logline isn’t just an industry term, or a step in the screenwriting process: a great logline can help propel your career forward. Now that you’ve created your logline, here are three ways to put it to use: Gain visibility.
What is a logline in a movie?
A logline is a one-sentence summary or description of a movie . Loglines distill the important elements of your screenplay—main character, setup, central conflict, antagonist—into a clear, concise teaser. The goal is to write a logline so enticing that it hooks the listener into reading the entire script.
What is the difference between a logline and a tagline?
A tagline, meanwhile, is a witty slogan or dramatic statement, used to advertise a finished film to moviegoers. In other words, loglines are descriptive, while taglines are provocative.
