How long or short is the best concept for a log line?
Screenwriting : Log lines by William Grey
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Thanks John.
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Are you referring to word count? I wasn't sure -- you mentioned "best concept?" If so, ideally, a logline is one sentence and 35 words or less. Less being better. :)
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Here's an interesting handout from Norman Hollyn that shows examples of good and bad loglines. Hope it helps. http://www.norman-hollyn.com/535/handouts/loglines.pdf
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Maximum like a tweet on twitter as a rule of thumb which is about 140 to 150 signs or so. The shorter the better. But it can be very individual as I found out. I recently read a logline which actually was built by only 4 or 5 catch words, like: 'Longline. Short. Clear. Capturing.'
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@ Chris - Thanks for the link. Great advice!
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Well, actually, tag lines and loglines are very different. A tag line is marketing copy used to go on posters or other marketing materials/promotion to heighten interest, for example; ALIEN "In space no one can hear you scream;" or X-Files "The truth is out there." A logline presents the basic description of your story plot in about 20-35 words, preferably in one sentence, and should contain all the necessary elements for telling a great story. :) A general description of story elements typically, but not always captured, in a logline is: ADJECTIVE/DESCRIPTION OF MAIN CHARACTER, who wants to DEFAULT ACTION, but when CALL TO ACTION, she must STORY GOAL, which seems impossible because CENTRAL CONFLICT. There are several other versions, formulas or descriptions on how to write a good logline. Find one or discover what works best for you. :)
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Thanks for all the great comments
Wow, thank you, Steven! You must have 'heard' that I was thinking about you and producing HSM while reading Richard's Blogs and Interviews here on S32. Don't want to spoil William's thread here and will post it on your profile.
Oh boy, Steven, you got me wrong. I am NOT producing HSM, but was reminded to your plans how to do it by crowdfunding when Richard explained how to do it and thought I must tell you this. And Steven, this is not my profile, but still Williams thread. Sorry, William!
lol, Steven, not that bad - and I understand the Yiddish :) Say hello to Ruppert. I like his paintings.