How to Write a Killer Logline
A logline is not poetry. It’s a precision tool: one sentence that proves your story has a clear protagonist, a clear conflict, and clear stakes — in a way that feels fresh.
Target length: 25–40 words. Shorter is harder. Longer is usually unclear.
1) The Logline Formula
A strong logline answers four questions, fast:
“When INCITING EVENT happens, a PROTAGONIST must GOAL before OBSTACLE, or else STAKES.”
2) Copy/Paste Worksheet
PROTAGONIST (who are they in 3–6 words?):
GOAL (what do they want?):
OBSTACLE / ANTAGONIST (what stops them?):
STAKES (what happens if they fail?):
UNIQUE HOOK (what makes this fresh?):
TONE (dark, comedic, hopeful, thriller, etc.):
BUDGET BAND (micro / low / mid / studio):
Draft logline #1:
Draft logline #2 (shorter, sharper):
Draft logline #3 (lean into hook):3) Examples (why they work)
Example A (Thriller)
Logline: When a rookie FEMA analyst discovers a wildfire drone program is being used for political blackmail, she must expose the truth before the next “accident” erases her and thousands of evacuees.
Example B (Comedy)
Logline: After a broke acting coach fakes a celebrity endorsement to save his studio, he becomes the internet’s new “guru” — and must keep the lie alive as real stars start showing up for help.
4) Common Logline Mistakes
5) The Rewrite Method (how pros sharpen)
Don’t “polish” a weak logline. Rewrite it using controlled variations.