What is a Logline?
A complete guide to the logline — the essential element of any film project
Defining the logline
A logline is a single sentence that summarizes your film's story, capturing the main character, central conflict, and stakes. It's the first thing a producer, agent, or reader sees — and often the only thing that determines whether they'll read further. A good logline isn't a description of the film; it's a promise of the experience the audience will have.
The structure of an effective logline
A strong logline follows a proven formula: [Main character] + [active verb] + [obstacle/opponent] + [stakes/consequences]. For example: "A haunted detective must catch a serial killer before they strike again — but every clue brings him closer to his own dark past." Notice how each element builds tension and curiosity without revealing too much.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most frequent logline mistakes are: (1) Too much story — the logline isn't a summary, it's a spark. (2) No conflict — without tension, there's no reason to follow the story. (3) Vague language — "a man must change his life" says nothing specific. (4) Spoilers — the logline should open the door, not close the story. (5) Lack of originality — if your logline sounds like every other film, you won't stand out.
How to test a logline
The best test for a logline is simple: tell it to someone and watch their reaction. If they ask "and then what happens?" — the logline works. If they nod politely and change the subject, it needs refinement. Also, a logline must fit in one sentence of no more than 50 words. If you need two sentences, you haven't found the essence of the story yet.
Use the Logline Generator
Our logline generator uses AI to create three unique variants of your logline, each with a different approach to conflict and tone. Enter your idea, select the genre and tone, and you'll receive not just one logline, but three creative directions you can choose from or combine elements from.