EPISODE 4
TV WRITING & DEVELOPMENT MASTERCLASS
How to Write a TV Show Logline
(Logline Examples and Formula)
Let's face it: a logline can determine whether your script is read... or not.
To give your script the best chance of getting noticed, we've dedicated episode 4 of our TV Writing & Development Masterclass to writing the perfect logline.
We'll teach you how to write a logline, give you access to our foolproof Logline Formula, and provide you with tv show logline examples.
How to Write a LOGLINE: EPISODE 4
What is a logline?
A log line or logline is a one-to-two sentence synopsis of a tv show's concept, plot and characters.
It often states the the central conflict of the story, often providing both a summary of a story's plot and a hook to engage readers.
A logline is often written by screenwriters to entice executives to review their work with the hopes of it eventually being optioned (or developed) into film or tv series.
How to write a TV show logline (with examples)
There are a lot of ways to approach TV logline writing, and our team has uncovered the two best paths for writing the best logline possible for your script.
TV SHOW LOGLINE FORMULA #1
Our first formula identifies four key elements that your logline must have:
- Inciting Incident
- Protagonist
- Action
- Antagonist
Let's take a look at a tv show logline example from Stranger Things:
When a young boy disappears (inciting incident), his mother, a police chief, and his friends (protagonists) must confront (action) terrifying forces (antagonists) in order to get him back.
TV SHOW LOGLINE FORMULA #2
Our second formula is similar, but adds two new elements: "goal" and "stake" to further identify a character's core desires:
- Protagonist
- Action
- Antagonist
- Goal
- Stake
Let's look at a tv show logline example from award-winning series Arrested Development:
A young man (protagonist) leads (action) his oddball family (antagonists) and their real-estate-development business (goal) following a securities-fraud fiasco that put the father in jail (stake).
Logline Formula
Now that you have a basic understanding of writing loglines...
...it's time to write your own.
Use our formula below to create a logline that stands-out from the crowd...
...and sells your project for you.
As always, cheers and happy writing!
Get your FREE Logline Formula
Take the pressure out of creating the perfect logline with our FREE logline formula and example. Enter your email address and you'll receive it instantly!
More logline examples and screenwriting resources
Since movie loglines are so short, it’s easy to write out twenty in under twenty minutes. Writing one that sells, however, is an art.
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