How to Write a Logline — TV Writing & Development Course: Ep4

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide to crafting an effective logline for your TV pilot. It outlines two main logline structures, one with four key elements: Inciting Incident, Protagonist, Action, and Antagonist, and another with six elements, including Goal and Stake. The video emphasizes the importance of specificity in creating memorable loglines, using examples from shows like 'Stranger Things' and 'Star Wars' to demonstrate how to add personality, tone, and clarity. It concludes by encouraging viewers to use a downloadable template to perfect their loglines and engage in a discussion about their favorite 'Stranger Things' character.

Takeaways

• 😀 A logline is a single sentence that encapsulates the essence of your pilot or show.
• 😀 A well-crafted logline follows specific formulas to convey key elements of the story.
• 😀 Formula 1 includes: Inciting Incident, Protagonist, Action, and Antagonist.
• 😀 The Inciting Incident disrupts the protagonist's normal life, kickstarting the plot.
• 😀 The Protagonist is the main character (or central figure in ensemble stories), around whom the plot revolves.
• 😀 The Action refers to what the Protagonist must do to move the story forward.
• 😀 The Antagonist is the force or character opposing the Protagonist’s goal or action.
• 😀 Formula 2 adds Goal and Stake to the structure, emphasizing the Protagonist’s purpose and what’s at risk.
• 😀 Specificity in a logline adds personality, tone, and clarity, making it more compelling to readers.
• 😀 Using descriptive language, such as calling a character a 'spirited farm boy' rather than just 'an orphan boy,' can make a logline stand out.
• 😀 The relationship between characters and the importance of their mission should be hinted at in the logline to provide deeper context.

Q & A

What is a logline and why is it important?

A logline is a single sentence that encapsulates what a TV pilot is about. It serves as a concise summary of the show's concept, helping to grab attention and convey the essence of the story in a clear and engaging way.

What are the four key elements of a great logline?

The four key elements of a great logline are: An Inciting Incident, A Protagonist, An Action, and an Antagonist. These elements help define the core of the story, the character's journey, and the conflict they will face.

What is an Inciting Incident in the context of a logline?

An Inciting Incident is an event that disrupts the normal life of the protagonist, setting off the main plot of the story. It is the catalyst for the character's journey, pushing them into the new circumstances of the story.

How is the Protagonist described in a logline?

The Protagonist in a logline is the main character, or in ensemble shows, the character around whom the plot revolves. They are typically the character the audience will follow and root for throughout the story.

What role does the Antagonist play in a logline?

The Antagonist in a logline is the force or character that opposes the protagonist's actions. This opposition creates the central conflict of the story, adding tension and driving the plot forward.

What additional elements are included in the second version of a logline formula?

The second version of the logline formula includes the elements of Protagonist, Action, Antagonist, Goal, and Stake. Unlike the first version, it removes the Inciting Incident and adds a Goal and Stake, which clarify the protagonist’s motivation and what is at risk.

How does the Goal in a logline differ from Action?

The Goal in a logline is the reason behind the protagonist's action. It explains what the protagonist wants to achieve, while the Action describes the specific steps they take to try to reach that goal.

Why is specificity important when writing a logline?

Specificity in a logline adds personality, tone, and texture, making it more engaging and memorable. By being specific, you convey not just the story's basic premise, but also the uniqueness and appeal of the show, helping it stand out.

Can you give an example of how specificity changes a logline?

For example, instead of saying 'an orphan boy joins the Rebel forces,' the logline could say 'a spirited farm boy joins Rebel forces to fight Darth Vader.' The word 'spirited' adds an emotional quality, giving a clearer image of the character's personality.

What is the significance of personality and tone in a logline?

Personality and tone in a logline help convey the style and mood of the show. By choosing the right descriptive words, you can suggest the emotional atmosphere of the story and create a connection with potential viewers or readers.