logline

noun

log·​line ˈlȯg-ˌlīn 

ˈläg-

variants or less commonly log line or log-line

plural loglines also log lines or log-lines

: a simple synopsis of a screenplay, film, novel, etc. that is used for pitching (see pitch entry 3 sense 3c) or promotion

You're not telling a story in a logline. You're presenting the core concept of your script. You don't need to delve into twists, character arcs, and plot. You're simply conveying the core idea—the initial seed from that which the plot, characters, twists, turns, and ensuing conflict grows.

—Ken Miyamoto

The new series "tells the story of one year within the walls of the palace of a modern European regime as it begins to unravel," according to its official logline.

—Charna Flam

There are many formats you can use to write a good logline. (The one I currently use is: "When _____ happens to [your hero], he must do _____ in order to solve his problem.)"

—Linda Venis

[Brad] Pitt himself gave [screenwriter Steve] Conrad producing notes to help push the narrative beyond the surface gimmick. … But in spite of its bankable star and juicy log line, the film never went into production.

—Yohana Desta

Examples of logline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the new series logline, when one of their dearest friends dies suddenly, the OG residents of Melrose Place gather to honor the deceased. —Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2024

With a clever title style playing on ‘over’ and ‘L’ for love, the drama thriller explores how and why abusive control, sometimes mistaken for love, can be the greatest danger in a relationship, and what if ‘the one’ is the one who could destroy you?’, reads the logline. —Annika Pham, Variety, 6 Apr. 2024

According to its logline, a lonesome Frankenstein enlists the help of Dr. Euphronios to create a companion for himself. —Tatiana Tenreyro, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Apr. 2024

According to the logline, Maria then embarked on a questionable relationship with her stepbrother Raffy. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024

Details on the project, written by Murphy, Jon Robin Baitz and Joe Baken, are being kept under wraps — ABC didn’t even provide a logline for the show. —Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2024

The pilot will, like the original, feature an ensemble of characters, according to the logline. —Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024

According to the logline, Hank gets an unexpected diagnosis, leading him to reconnect with his responsible adult son Ben. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024

What sounds like the logline of a ‘90s sitcom is reality for Lars, a college instructor in her late 30s whose boomer parents didn’t save enough for retirement. —Jasmine Li, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

log entry 1 + line entry 1, originally in reference to the line in a TV program log that summarizes the plot of a show

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above