8.1 Loglines and elevator pitches

Loglines and elevator pitches are essential tools for TV writers to sell their ideas. These concise summaries capture the essence of a show, highlighting its unique aspects and central conflict. They're crucial for grabbing attention and opening doors in the industry.

Crafting effective loglines and pitches requires distilling complex stories into compelling, bite-sized packages. Writers must identify core conflicts, establish stakes, and showcase what makes their project stand out. Refining these tools is an ongoing process of feedback and iteration.

Definition of loglines

• Loglines are concise, one to two sentence summaries that capture the essence of a TV show or movie
• Encapsulate the central conflict, main characters, and overall premise in a compelling way
• Serve as a critical tool for pitching and marketing projects to industry professionals

Key elements of loglines

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• Protagonist: Clearly identifies the main character or characters driving the story
• Goal: Specifies what the protagonist wants to achieve or overcome
• Obstacle: Presents the central conflict or challenge standing in the protagonist's way
• Stakes: Conveys what's at risk if the protagonist fails to achieve their goal
  • Can be personal stakes (character's well-being) or larger stakes (fate of the world)

Length of loglines

• Typically one to two sentences long, ideally under 50 words
• Brevity is crucial to quickly capture attention and convey the core concept
• Every word counts; loglines must be carefully crafted and refined

Examples of effective loglines

• "A meticulous drug cartel accountant must survive a deadly cat-and-mouse game after his bosses frame him for theft." (Breaking Bad)
• "A high school chemistry teacher turns to a life of crime to secure his family's future." (Breaking Bad)
• "Two Soviet spies pose as an American married couple during the Cold War." (The Americans)

Purpose of loglines

• Loglines serve two primary purposes: selling and summarizing the project
• Act as a critical marketing tool to generate interest and entice decision-makers

Selling vs summarizing

• Selling: Loglines pitch the unique and compelling aspects of the story to attract attention
  • Focus on the most intriguing elements that set the project apart
• Summarizing: Loglines provide a clear, concise overview of the central story and characters
  • Convey the essential information needed to understand the project's scope and premise

Loglines as marketing tools

• Used to pitch projects to agents, producers, studios, and other industry gatekeepers
• Often the first point of contact; must quickly capture interest and leave a lasting impression
• Effective loglines can open doors and lead to requests for more information or script submissions

Crafting compelling loglines

• Crafting a compelling logline requires distilling the story down to its core elements
• Focus on the most unique, intriguing, and emotionally resonant aspects of the project

Identifying core conflict

• Pinpoint the central conflict that drives the story and challenges the protagonist
• Clearly convey the main obstacle or antagonistic force the characters must overcome
• Ensure the conflict is specific, relatable, and high-stakes to engage the audience

Establishing stakes and urgency

• Communicate what's at risk if the protagonist fails to achieve their goal
• Establish a sense of urgency and importance to invest the reader in the story
• Stakes can be personal (character's well-being, relationships) or larger in scale (societal, global)

Highlighting unique aspects

• Identify and emphasize the elements that make the project stand out from others in its genre
• Showcase the story's fresh perspective, unexpected twists, or innovative premise
• Unique aspects help the logline and project to be memorable and compelling

Definition of elevator pitches

• Elevator pitches are brief, persuasive speeches that summarize a project, usually delivered in under a minute
• Named for the idea that it should be delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator with a potential investor or decision-maker

Difference from loglines

• Elevator pitches are slightly longer and more conversational than loglines
• Provide more context and detail about the project, while still being concise
• Delivered verbally, allowing for more flexibility and interaction with the listener

Key elements of elevator pitches

• Hook: Attention-grabbing opening line that immediately sparks interest
• Premise: Brief summary of the central story, characters, and conflict
• Unique selling points: Highlights what makes the project stand out in its genre or market
• Call-to-action: Specific request or desired outcome (script request, meeting, etc.)

Structure of elevator pitches

• Elevator pitches typically follow a three-part structure: opening hook, concise plot summary, and conclusion with a call-to-action
• Structure helps to organize information and guide the listener through the key points

Opening hook

• Attention-grabbing first line designed to immediately engage the listener
• Can be a provocative question, surprising statistic, or intriguing statement related to the project
• Sets the tone and establishes the genre or theme of the story

Concise plot summary

• Brief overview of the main characters, their goals, and the central conflict
• Provides context and stakes without delving into excessive detail
• Focuses on the most unique and compelling aspects of the story

Conclusion and call-to-action

• Wraps up the pitch by reiterating the project's unique selling points and market potential
• Includes a specific call-to-action, such as requesting a script, setting up a meeting, or discussing collaboration opportunities
• Leaves the listener with a clear understanding of the project and the desired next steps

Delivering effective elevator pitches

• Delivering an effective elevator pitch requires a combination of clarity, enthusiasm, and tailoring to the audience
• Practice and refinement are essential to honing the delivery and impact of the pitch

Brevity and clarity

• Keep the pitch concise and focused, ideally under one minute
• Use clear, accessible language that avoids industry jargon or convoluted descriptions
• Ensure the main points are easily understood and memorable

Enthusiasm and confidence

• Convey genuine passion and enthusiasm for the project through vocal inflection and body language
• Speak with confidence and conviction, demonstrating belief in the story's potential
• Enthusiasm is contagious and can help persuade the listener to share your interest

Tailoring to audience

• Research the listener's background, interests, and production history to customize the pitch
• Highlight aspects of the project that align with their preferences or fill a gap in their portfolio
• Adapt the language and emphasis of the pitch to resonate with the specific audience

Refining loglines and pitches

• Refining loglines and pitches is an ongoing process that benefits from feedback and iteration
• Continuously seek opportunities to test and improve the effectiveness of these marketing tools

Importance of feedback

• Seek feedback from a variety of sources, including peers, mentors, and industry professionals
• Feedback helps identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in the logline or pitch
• Incorporate constructive criticism to refine and clarify the language and structure

Iterative process of refinement

• Refining loglines and pitches is an iterative process that requires multiple drafts and revisions
• Experiment with different wordings, emphasize various aspects, and adjust the structure based on feedback
• Continuously hone and polish the logline and pitch until they effectively communicate the project's essence

Testing with target audience

• Test the logline and pitch with individuals representative of the target audience or market
• Gauge their reactions, level of interest, and understanding of the project
• Use their feedback to further refine the language and approach to maximize impact and persuasiveness