Script writing loglines
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The document explains the concept of a logline, which is a brief description summarizing a script's essential narrative elements. It outlines key components to include, such as the protagonist, their quest, flaws, conflict, stakes, and tone, while cautioning against clichés and grammatical errors. A well-crafted logline is essential for capturing interest and conveying the unique selling points of a script.
Script writing loglines
- 1. Script writing logline Parameswari.P Assistant professor Dr.G.R.Damodaran College of Science Coimbatore
- 2. Script writing logline Parameswari.P Assistant professor Dr.G.R.Damodaran College of Science Coimbatore
- 3. LOGLINE • A logline is a one or occasionally two sentence description that boils the script down to its essential dramatic narrative in as succinct a manner as possible. • Crucially, logline contains all the elements necessary for the telling of a good story.
- 4. WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE IN THE LOGLINE? • Who is the hero? – You should identify the protagonist (though not necessarily by name), the person whose story this is, the character with whom we are meant to identify. e.g. an ageing baseball player, an alcoholic lawyer, a struggling single mother.
- 5. What is the Quest? • What is the Quest? – What does the hero want? What is the overarching external goal that is going to drive the events of the second act at least and possibly even the third act as well. e.g. has to kill a great white shark, rescue the princess from a dragon, find the groom.
- 6. What is the hero’s flaw? • What is the hero’s flaw? – Stories are plots that force the hero to grow. What is your hero’s failing? Does he lack courage or compassion? What sort of opportunity is there here for emotional growth? e.g. selfish, cowardly, greedy, materialistic, immoral, womanizing, ruthless, workaholic, obsessive.
- 7. Where is the conflict? • Where is the conflict? – Drama is all about conflict so we need to understand why this quest is going to be difficult for the hero. • What’s at stake? – For audiences to care, the hero has to have a very strong motivation. If they don’t achieve this goal, the consequences are massive – in their eyes any way.. You will generally try to convey in your logline what’s at stake
- 8. Who is the antagonist? • Who is the antagonist? – You won’t always include the antagonist – unless it’s a romantic comedy – but it can be a good way to establish the conflict and the impossibility of the hero’s quest. • What is the tone? – If it’s a comedy, it’s a good idea to try to convey that through either the title or the logline.
- 9. Unique Selling Point • What’s the USP – In advertising, they used to talk about Unique Selling Point (USP). The thing that set the product apart from its competitors. • What is it about your film that is most likely to appeal to the audience? Your logline should attempt to convey this quality or element to us.
- 10. How Not to Write a Logline • Don’t overlook the main character, the conflict, or the stakes. • Don’t use clichés. • A cliché in a logline is a red flag that tells every potential script reader that you’re not ready. Clichés are cheats. They’re a way to get around saying what you really mean. In a logline, clichés are usually a way to keep your logline short and to the point. • Don’t make grammatical errors or typos.