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
Ken MiyamotoThe 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
Charna FlamThere 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
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
Yohana DestaExamples of logline in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The logline: Still reeling from the unexpected loss of his wife, a single dad navigates uncharted territory when his daughter’s comically dark, scribbled drawings begin to come to life and wreak havoc on their small town.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
The official logline for the show describes it as a modern reimagining of the popular cartoon show.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, according to the logline, Birdie becomes more entangled with Ford and his family, and Alice gets new insight during lunch with Patty.
—Claire Franken, TVLine, 24 Mar. 2025
Per the logline, lucky contestants will have the chance to enter Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but there’s a catch—only players who find a coveted golden ticket will gain entry to the factory.
—Peter White, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for logline
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Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
The official logline for the show describes it as a modern reimagining of the popular cartoon show.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, according to the logline, Birdie becomes more entangled with Ford and his family, and Alice gets new insight during lunch with Patty.
—Claire Franken, TVLine, 24 Mar. 2025
Per the logline, lucky contestants will have the chance to enter Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but there’s a catch—only players who find a coveted golden ticket will gain entry to the factory.
—Peter White, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for logline
Cite this Entry
“Logline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/logline. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.
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