QUICK THREAD: Loglines are always a big question topic, but I feel like they're often focused on way too late in the process. Treated like tumblers on a combination lock that will unlock the (already written) script's potential.

That hasn't been my experience. 1/

In my opinion, it's hard to write a bad logline for a script with an intriguing concept.

(At least without doing so on purpose as part of a Twitter meme.)

2/

You're likely trying to make something boring seem intriguing. And it's not working because reps can see through that.

Part of our job is helping craft loglines. So we can tell if the logline is covering up a conceptual issue. We've tried that ourselves. It doesn't work. 4/

If you've been querying for a good while (say 6 months) and not getting the response you like, then, sadly, it may be time to move on and focus on writing a new script. 5/

And with that new script, focus on cracking a concept that feels intriguing, novel, and unique. Something that it won't be hard to write a "must read" logline for

Workshop this concept. Be RUTHLESS with yourself about it. Don't accept "just okay." 6/

A great deal of my time with clients is spent discussing what they're going to write next. What makes the most sense, what is the most intriguing thing for them to put into the marketplace...

This work is as important as the actual crafting of the screenplay. 7/

Ideally, this makes cracking the logline for the script as easy and fluid as possible. In a sense, you're doing it before you even start writing the script.

So when the time comes to write the script, you know you're starting from a strong position. 8/

Now, the logline isn't a puzzle to crack, but something that seems so obvious and easy to figure out that it fits into place organically.

Make taking out the script EASY by working HARD early on. Early Pain for Later Gain. 9/

[Your Mileage May Vary / Parental Advisory Warning Goes Here] END