1. FVP 12

2.  a logline conveys the dramatic story of a screenplay in the most abbreviated manner possible  more complicated screenplays may need a two sentence logline

3.  to form the dramatic narrative  to keep the scribe on track during the writing process  to market the screenplay  in e-mails, casting minutes, cover letters to investors and financiers  to lure talent  in press packages, and will eventually be seen on DVD boxes and in the TV Guide

4. A logline must present:  who the story is about (protagonist)  what s/he strives for (goal)  what stands in his/her way (antagonistic force).

5.  do not use a character name  use an occupation or life-status like politician or teenager, brain surgeon or homeless man  Use a well-chosen adjective, like “liberal” politician or an “angst ridden” teenager. The adjective should be accurate in describing who the character is.

10.  Also, do not confuse a movie poster tagline with a logline. A tagline is a catch phrase used in advertising. One of the most famous was created for JAWS II: “Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water….”  a tagline does not demonstrate the necessary story elements to allow the reader to see the dramatic narrative. A tagline fails to educate the reader on the story essentials.  The Jaws logline might read: After a series of grisly shark attacks, a sheriff struggles to protect his small beach community against the bloodthirsty monster, in spite of the greedy chamber of commerce.

11. CHICAGO: After murdering her lover, an aspiring singer struggles for stardom by using her crime as a stepping-stone to fame and fortune. HAMLET : After learning his father was murdered, a brooding prince struggles with whether or not to kill the culprit, his uncle - the new king. THE FUGITIVE: A doctor - falsely accused of murdering his wife - struggles on the lam as he desperately searches for the killer with a relentless federal agent hot on his trail. LIAR LIAR: When his son wishes he will only tell the truth, an attorney, and pathological liar, is magically compelled to be honest for one day and struggles to win the biggest case of his career - without telling a lie. In groups of 2 or 3: Find the protagonist, goal, and antagonistic force for each of the above loglines. *all information from http://www.twoadverbs.com/loglinearticle.htm Author: Christopher Lockharthttp://www.twoadverbs.com/loglinearticle.htm