Logline
A one or two sentence summary that captures the essential premise and hook of a film.
Definition
A logline is a concise summary—typically one to two sentences—that captures the core concept of a film in a way that suggests its commercial and dramatic potential. An effective logline conveys the protagonist, conflict, and stakes.
Loglines are essential tools for pitching, marketing, and internal discussions about projects throughout development.
Why It Matters
A strong logline sells your project in seconds during pitch meetings, helps marketing position the film, and keeps the creative team aligned on the core concept.
If you can't distill your story to a compelling logline, the concept may need refinement.
Examples in Practice
Logline: "A paleontologist must survive when a theme park's genetically engineered dinosaurs escape their enclosures." (Jurassic Park)
Logline: "A retired hitman comes out of hiding to track down the gangsters who killed his dog—a final gift from his dying wife." (John Wick)
A screenwriter revises their logline fifteen times before their pitch meeting, testing each version for maximum impact.