Logline Skill
Invocation Triggers
Apply this skill when:
- Distilling a story to its essential hook
- Preparing pitch materials
- Testing if a concept is clear and compelling
- Marketing a screenplay
What is a Logline?
A logline (also called a "hook") is a one to two sentence description of your movie that captures the essence of the story in a way that makes people want to see it.
The Four Components of a Hook
Per WTFB methodology, every effective hook contains these four elements:
1. Characters
- Who are they?
- What do they want?
- What are their goals?
2. Conflict
- What is the main obstacle to achieving their goal?
- Who or what opposes them?
3. Setting
- Time period
- Genre
- Style/tone
4. Action
- What exciting things happen?
- Never be boring!
Logline Formula
[ADJECTIVE] [PROTAGONIST TYPE] must [GOAL/ACTION]
when [INCITING INCIDENT/CONFLICT],
or else [STAKES].Alternative Formula
When [SETUP], a [PROTAGONIST] must [OBJECTIVE]
before [ANTAGONIST] [THREAT].Genre-Specific Formula
A [GENRE] about [PROTAGONIST] who [SITUATION]
until [CATALYST] forces them to [ACTION]
against [ANTAGONIST/OBSTACLE].Classic Logline Examples
Raiders of the Lost Ark
"An archeologist is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis."
Breakdown:
- Character: Archeologist (implies adventure, intelligence)
- Conflict: Race against Nazis
- Setting: Implied WWII era, adventure genre
- Action: "Find" + competing with Nazis = excitement
Gladiator
"A Roman general is betrayed and his family killed by an insane emperor. Now a gladiator, he comes to Rome for revenge."
Breakdown:
- Character: Roman general (status, skill)
- Conflict: Betrayal, loss, revenge against emperor
- Setting: Roman era, epic drama
- Action: Gladiator combat, revenge journey
Logline Development Worksheet
Step 1: Core Elements
PROTAGONIST: ___________________________________
(Be specific: not "a man" but "a disgraced surgeon")
GOAL: ___________________________________
(What do they actively pursue?)
ANTAGONIST/OBSTACLE: ___________________________________
(Person, force, or circumstance opposing them)
STAKES: ___________________________________
(What happens if they fail?)
UNIQUE ELEMENT: ___________________________________
(What makes THIS story different?)Step 2: Draft Loglines
Draft 1 (Basic):
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________Draft 2 (Add specificity):
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________Draft 3 (Add stakes):
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________Final Logline:
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________Logline Quality Checklist
Must Have
- Protagonist clearly identified
- Goal/objective stated
- Conflict/obstacle present
- Implies genre
- One to two sentences maximum
- Creates desire to know more
Should Have
- Unique hook or twist
- Stakes implied or stated
- Active voice (character DOES something)
- Specific rather than vague
Must Avoid
- No questions ("What if...?")
- No character names (unless famous)
- No theme statements
- No backstory
- No "and then" chains
Common Logline Mistakes
| Mistake | Example | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Too vague | "A man faces challenges" | "A retired hitman hunts the men who killed his dog" |
| Too long | Multiple sentences | Cut to one powerful sentence |
| No conflict | "A woman discovers her past" | "A woman must confront the cult that raised her" |
| Passive | "A story about love" | "A dying man races to reconnect with his estranged daughter" |
| Lists events | "First X, then Y, then Z" | Focus on central conflict |
| Theme not story | "An exploration of grief" | "A widow must solve her husband's murder" |
Genre-Specific Tips
Action/Thriller
- Emphasize physical stakes and ticking clock
- "Must stop X before Y happens"
Comedy
- Hint at the comedic situation or irony
- Include the fish-out-of-water element
Drama
- Focus on internal conflict made external
- Emphasize emotional stakes
Horror
- Establish the threat
- Imply isolation or helplessness
Romance
- Show the obstacle to love
- Include what makes this couple unique
Logline Testing
Share your logline and ask:
- Do they understand the genre?
- Do they know who the protagonist is?
- Can they identify the conflict?
- Do they want to know what happens?
- Can they picture the movie?
If "no" to any, revise.
Validation Checklist
- Logline is 25 words or fewer
- Protagonist is specific and interesting
- Goal is clear and active
- Conflict/obstacle is compelling
- Stakes are implied or stated
- Genre is clear
- Creates curiosity to see the film
- No character names used
- Active voice throughout