"Log lines" versus "Taglines": Understanding the difference

QUESTION:

What is the difference between a "log line" and a "tagline?"

Simply put:

A log line tells your story.

A tagline sells your story.

That's it ...

Ok, I'll elaborate.

THE LOG LINE

Its purpose:

• To spark the imagination of the reader wherein they can envision your story unfolding.

Rules:

• Keep it 1- 2 lines (preferably 1)

• Keep it clear

• Keep it concise

• Keep it interesting

• Imbue it with your flavour and style

• Give it irony (often found in the main character themself)

• Give it a hook

• Pair it with a great title (Black Snyder "Save the Cat" calls this the 2 - punch)

Its components:

(Not necessarily in this order)

• Character description (A name tells us nothing about the character-usually.)

• Location (Where are they?)

• In what situation

• Conflict

• Goal

• Stakes

When to use:

• When crafting your sales doc.

• When pitching your script to industry professionals or any one who will listen.

Tips:

• Rework your log line till every single word is crafted to perfection.

• Try it out on people. See what the response is. When they love it and get it. It's a keeper.

• Memorize it! Know it like the back of your hand.

Warning:

A friend of mine ended up in a bathroom with a famous producer. As they were washing their hands and making small talk out of the blue the producer gave him 30 seconds to give him a pitch. My friend didn't have his log line ready and froze. The producer walked. Be ready with your log line!

Examples of Effective Log lines:

• "A young boy discovers he's a wizard and attends a magical school where he must face the dark wizard who killed his parents." - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

• "A computer hacker learns from mysterious rebels about the true nature of his reality and his role in the war against its controllers." - The Matrix

• "A washed-up superhero actor attempts to revive his fading career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway production." - Birdman

THE TAGLINE

Its purpose:

• To grab audience attention and make them want to know more.

Rules:

• Short

• Catchy (hook 'em in)

• Capture the essence of the show

• Create interest

• Create intrigue

• Evoke emotion

• Be unique

Components:

• Single words or short phrases

When to use:

• On marketing materials like posters, ads, and trailers.

Warning:

Do not use taglines in your one-sheet sales doc. Nobody cares about your tagline until they know what your story is.

Examples of Famous Taglines:

• "In space, no one can hear your scream." - Alien

• "Who you gonna call?" - Ghostbusters

• "Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water." - Jaws

Conclusion:

Understanding the difference between, and mastering the art of, crafting log lines and taglines will give you the confidence to tell and sell your script. Though both should hook the reader, the log line sparks the unfolding of the story in the mind's eye whereas the tagline will, as Arnold Schwarzenegger would say, "pump you up" to see it. With these tools you'll be one step closer to capturing the attention of producers, directors, and actors getting the eyes you want on your script.

For more tips and useful information check out the above blog posts or for personal assistance with your latest project reach Susanna at scriptsbysusanna@gmail.com.