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

According to the episode's official logline, Quinta Brunson's Janine and Tyler James Williams's Gregory get excited to show off their couples costumes — though things don't go entirely according to plan. —Esther Kang, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024

The logline: Prime Target features a brilliant young math postgraduate, Edward Brooks (Leo Woodall, The White Lotus), on the verge of a major breakthrough. —Marc Berman, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

The show follows Willis, a background character trapped in a police procedural called Black & White, according to Hulu’s logline. —Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Oct. 2024

The logline is being kept under wraps but when Verve held the auction, the novel was being described as What Lies Beneath meets The Sixth Sense. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

log entry 1 + line entry 1, originally in reference to the line in a TV program log that summarizes the plot of a show

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above