logline-writing
// Craft compelling one-sentence story hooks that capture protagonist, conflict, stakes, and unique appeal for film/TV pitches
Logline Writing Skill
Purpose
Create compelling, marketable loglines that hook readers in a single sentence. A logline is the elevator pitch of your story—it must convey the essence of your narrative while creating intrigue and demonstrating commercial viability.
Logline Formula
When [INCITING INCIDENT], a [SPECIFIC PROTAGONIST] must [GOAL/ACTION] before [STAKES/DEADLINE], or else [CONSEQUENCES].
Core Components
| Element | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Protagonist | Specific, relatable descriptor | "a burnt-out detective" |
| Inciting Incident | What disrupts their world | "discovers his partner was murdered" |
| Goal | Active, specific objective | "must find the killer" |
| Stakes | What's at risk | "before he becomes the next target" |
| Irony/Hook | The unique twist | "only to realize he's the prime suspect" |
Quality Criteria
Must Have
- Active protagonist (not passive victim)
- Clear goal with obstacles
- Tangible stakes
- Specific details (not generic)
- Present tense
- 25-50 words
Must Avoid
- Character names (unless famous IP)
- Questions ("What if...?")
- Vague language ("must fight evil")
- Backstory dumps
- Multiple plotlines
- Passive voice
Format Variations
Punchy (Under 25 words)
A disgraced surgeon must perform an impossible transplant on a dying mob boss—using his own heart—to save his kidnapped daughter.
Descriptive (40-60 words)
When a disgraced cardiac surgeon's daughter is kidnapped by a ruthless crime syndicate, he's forced to perform an impossible transplant: remove his own heart and transplant it into their dying boss. With only hours to live, he must find a way to save his daughter without sacrificing himself.
High-Concept
"Saw" meets "Grey's Anatomy" - A surgeon must operate on himself to save his daughter from kidnappers.
Genre-Specific Elements
Action/Thriller
- Physical stakes
- Time pressure
- External threat
- Visceral verbs
Drama
- Emotional stakes
- Internal conflict
- Relationship dynamics
- Transformation arc
Comedy
- Comedic situation
- Fish-out-of-water
- Ironic juxtaposition
- Escalating complications
Horror
- Survival stakes
- Atmosphere hint
- Threat nature
- Isolation element
Output Format
## Logline Package
### Primary Logline
[Main logline - 25-50 words]
### Variations
**Punchy Version:**
[Under 25 words]
**Descriptive Version:**
[40-60 words]
**High-Concept:**
[X meets Y format]
### Hook Analysis
- **Ironic Element:** [What makes this unique]
- **Genre Signals:** [How genre is conveyed]
- **Commercial Appeal:** [Why this is marketable]
Examples by Format
Feature Film
"When a retired hitman's dog is killed by mobsters, he comes out of retirement to wage a one-man war against the entire criminal underworld—discovering they've put a $14 million bounty on his head."
TV Pilot
"A public defender discovers her new client—accused of a brutal murder—is actually her long-lost brother, forcing her to choose between her career and her family's darkest secrets."
Limited Series
"After a small-town sheriff arrests a drifter for murder, she uncovers evidence that her entire town has been covering up crimes for decades—and her own father may be the mastermind."
Short Film
"A grieving mother receives a phone call from her dead son, leading her to question whether she's losing her mind or being given a second chance."
Best Practices
- Start with conflict - The story is the struggle
- Be specific - "Astronaut" not "person"
- Show stakes - What's lost if they fail
- Create irony - The unexpected twist
- Imply genre - Through tone and situation
- End with hook - Leave them wanting more