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 Per Season 3’s logline, the show will explore the joys and challenges of the forthcoming school year, which will see characters lean on each other amid relationship obstacles and university choices. —

Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2024 There have been no official details on the premise of the spinoff beyond the vague original logline of the Yellowstone franchise continuing the exploration of the Dutton family dynasty past and present with new locations and characters, as well as some crossover characters. —

Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2024 The official logline for the limited series is as follows: Amelia Sacks (Eve Hewson) is about to marry into one of the wealthiest families on Nantucket. —

Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 15 July 2024 Per the logline, the film focuses on a talented but past-his-prime wedding singer (Rudd) and a young rockstar (Jonas) who uses the wedding singer’s songwriting prowess to revitalize his own career. —

Brian Welk, IndieWire, 15 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for logline

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'logline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.