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
Once the logline is established, everything else—including technical details—serves to support it.
—Carmine Gallo, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Character details are under wraps, as is the film’s logline.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 May 2026
Related Stories Below are five, randomly selected, projects in various stages, and their posters and loglines that have to be seen to be believed.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 17 May 2026
The series follows Nicky (Levy) and Morgan (Taylor Ortega), two deeply incapable siblings who are in over their heads when a misguided theft for their dying grandmother accidentally pulls them into the world of organized crime, the season one logline tells us.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for logline
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Carmine Gallo, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Character details are under wraps, as is the film’s logline.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 May 2026
Related Stories Below are five, randomly selected, projects in various stages, and their posters and loglines that have to be seen to be believed.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 17 May 2026
The series follows Nicky (Levy) and Morgan (Taylor Ortega), two deeply incapable siblings who are in over their heads when a misguided theft for their dying grandmother accidentally pulls them into the world of organized crime, the season one logline tells us.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for logline
Cite this Entry
“Logline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/logline. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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