I can Google and get guidance on the differences between these, but it seems that this community may have different opinions on what should be in the Logline section in our bios. What do you all think?
On Writing : Logline vs Pitch vs Synopsis? by Jameel Anne Johnson
Other topics in Authoring & Playwriting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
1 person likes this
Try putting a whole script into a free ai and ask it to write a movie logline for it of 60 words. That will give you an idea.
1 person likes this
Hi, Jameel Anne Johnson. It might be different for books and stage plays, but a logline is a short summary of your script that you use to help sell it (or get people to watch your movie/show/etc.). Like "After/when ______ (the inciting incident/event that sets the plot in motion), a _______ (the main flaw the protagonist has to overcome in the script or an adjective that describes the protagonist’s personality) _______ (the protagonist’s title/job/career) tries to/attempts to/fights to/struggles to/strives to/sets out to/fights/battles/engages in/competes/etc. _______ (goal of story and try to add the obstacles here) to/so/in order to ________ (stakes)."
A pitch and synopsis tell the producer, director, etc. about the characters, their relationships, the key moments of the story (like the story beats), the obstacles, and the ending, but a pitch is looser than a synopsis/a pitch is more like a conversation (imagine telling your friend about a story).
I like to write a short synopsis (about 5-6 sentences) and a full synopsis (1 page to 1 & 1/2 pages, sometimes more than 1 & 1/2 pages) for a feature script.
1 person likes this
Great question, Jameel Anne Johnson! There can definitely be different expectations depending on who you’re talking to and where you’re sharing your work.
Traditionally:
- Logline: One to two sentences that capture the core concept of your story. It should include the protagonist, their goal, the stakes, and ideally a hint of the conflict or antagonist.
- Pitch: A more conversational or expanded version of your logline. Think of it as how you’d verbally share your story to get someone excited about it. It should include a hook or inciting incident, who your primary characters are, the general arc of the story, themes, etc. An elevator pitch should be 3-5 minutes long, but a more professional executive pitch to a buyer is usually 15-20 minutes.
- Synopsis: A one-page (or so) summary that covers the full arc of your story, including the ending.
On your Stage 32 profile, I recommend keeping the logline section clean and sharp, true to the industry standard. Think of it as a teaser that makes someone want to read more. If you’re unsure if your logline is doing the job, feel free to drop it in the Screenwriting Lounge and ask for feedback: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting
Hope that helps clarify things!