a5c-ai/logline-writing

Logline Writing Skill

Purpose

Create compelling, marketable loglines that hook readers in a single sentence. A logline is the elevator pitch of your story—it must convey the essence of your narrative while creating intrigue and demonstrating commercial viability.

Logline Formula

When [INCITING INCIDENT], a [SPECIFIC PROTAGONIST] must [GOAL/ACTION] before [STAKES/DEADLINE], or else [CONSEQUENCES].

Core Components

| Element | Description | Example | |---------|-------------|---------| | Protagonist | Specific, relatable descriptor | "a burnt-out detective" | | Inciting Incident | What disrupts their world | "discovers his partner was murdered" | | Goal | Active, specific objective | "must find the killer" | | Stakes | What's at risk | "before he becomes the next target" | | Irony/Hook | The unique twist | "only to realize he's the prime suspect" |

Quality Criteria

Must Have

• Active protagonist (not passive victim)
• Clear goal with obstacles
• Tangible stakes
• Specific details (not generic)
• Present tense
• 25-50 words

Must Avoid

• Character names (unless famous IP)
• Questions ("What if...?")
• Vague language ("must fight evil")
• Backstory dumps
• Multiple plotlines
• Passive voice

Format Variations

Punchy (Under 25 words)

A disgraced surgeon must perform an impossible transplant on a dying mob boss—using his own heart—to save his kidnapped daughter.

Descriptive (40-60 words)

When a disgraced cardiac surgeon's daughter is kidnapped by a ruthless crime syndicate, he's forced to perform an impossible transplant: remove his own heart and transplant it into their dying boss. With only hours to live, he must find a way to save his daughter without sacrificing himself.

High-Concept

"Saw" meets "Grey's Anatomy" - A surgeon must operate on himself to save his daughter from kidnappers.

Genre-Specific Elements

Action/Thriller

• Physical stakes
• Time pressure
• External threat
• Visceral verbs

Drama

• Emotional stakes
• Internal conflict
• Relationship dynamics
• Transformation arc

Comedy

• Comedic situation
• Fish-out-of-water
• Ironic juxtaposition
• Escalating complications

Horror

• Survival stakes
• Atmosphere hint
• Threat nature
• Isolation element

Output Format

## Logline Package

### Primary Logline
[Main logline - 25-50 words]

### Variations

**Punchy Version:**
[Under 25 words]

**Descriptive Version:**
[40-60 words]

**High-Concept:**
[X meets Y format]

### Hook Analysis
- **Ironic Element:** [What makes this unique]
- **Genre Signals:** [How genre is conveyed]
- **Commercial Appeal:** [Why this is marketable]

Examples by Format

Feature Film

"When a retired hitman's dog is killed by mobsters, he comes out of retirement to wage a one-man war against the entire criminal underworld—discovering they've put a $14 million bounty on his head."

TV Pilot

"A public defender discovers her new client—accused of a brutal murder—is actually her long-lost brother, forcing her to choose between her career and her family's darkest secrets."

Limited Series

"After a small-town sheriff arrests a drifter for murder, she uncovers evidence that her entire town has been covering up crimes for decades—and her own father may be the mastermind."

Short Film

"A grieving mother receives a phone call from her dead son, leading her to question whether she's losing her mind or being given a second chance."

Best Practices

1. Start with conflict - The story is the struggle
2. Be specific - "Astronaut" not "person"
3. Show stakes - What's lost if they fail
4. Create irony - The unexpected twist
5. Imply genre - Through tone and situation
6. End with hook - Leave them wanting more