8 Steps on How to Write a Logline for Your Screenplay

How to Write a Logline for Your Screenplay

A logline is one of the most important tools a screenwriter has. Before anyone reads your script, they’ll read your logline—and often decide within seconds whether your story is worth their time.

A strong logline clearly communicates what your screenplay is about, why it’s interesting, and what makes it unique. Below are eight tangible steps to help you write a compelling logline that gets attention.

1. Identify Your Protagonist

Every effective logline starts with a clear main character. Readers want to know who the story follows right away.

Describe your protagonist using a defining trait or situation—not their name.

Example:
“A disgraced former detective…”
“A socially anxious high school senior…”

This instantly creates context and interest.

2. Clearly State the Central Goal

What does your protagonist want?

The goal should be specific, active, and easy to understand. Avoid vague phrases like “must face their past” or “learns the meaning of love.”

Strong goals sound like:

• “Must solve a murder before…”
• “Must win back…”
• “Must stop…”

A clear goal gives the story direction.

3. Highlight the Main Conflict or Obstacle

The conflict is what makes the goal difficult.

Your logline should hint at the primary obstacle—whether it’s a person, system, internal flaw, or ticking clock.

Ask yourself:

• What’s standing in the protagonist’s way?
• Why can’t they succeed easily?

This is where tension is created.

4. Establish the Stakes

Stakes answer the question: What happens if they fail?

Strong stakes make the story feel urgent and meaningful. They don’t have to be world-ending—but they must matter deeply to the character.

Examples:

• “…or lose custody of his daughter.”
• “…before the town is destroyed.”

Without stakes, a logline feels flat.

5. Hint at What Makes the Story Unique

Hollywood reads thousands of loglines. Yours needs a distinguishing hook.

This could be:

• An unusual setting
• A fresh genre twist
• A unique character perspective

You don’t need to explain everything—just enough to signal originality.

6. Keep It Short and Clean

A logline should typically be one sentence, ideally 25–35 words.

Avoid:

• Subplots
• Character names
• Backstory
• Theme explanations

Clarity beats cleverness. If the logline is confusing, the script will be assumed to be confusing too.

7. Match the Tone of Your Screenplay

Your logline should reflect the genre and tone of your script.

A comedy logline can be light or ironic. A thriller should feel tense. A drama should hint at emotional depth.

This helps readers immediately understand what kind of experience your screenplay offers.

8. Rewrite Until It’s Sharp

Great loglines are rewritten many times.

Test your logline by asking:

• Can someone understand the story instantly?
• Does it raise a question?
• Would you want to read this script?

If not, revise. Small word changes can make a huge difference.

Final Thoughts: A Strong Logline Opens Doors

Learning how to write a logline for your screenplay is a skill every screenwriter must master. A clear, compelling logline shows confidence, story awareness, and professionalism.

Keep it focused. Keep it specific. And don’t be afraid to revise.

A great script deserves a logline that does it justice.

Need help? Try ScreenAssist.ai today and get access to a strong and succinct logline for your screenplay.