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#Scriptchat Transcript: Lane Shefter Bishop Talks Loglines June 26, 2016
Director/Producer Lane Shefter Bishop shares advice on writing great loglines from her book, 'Sell Your Story in a Single Sentence: Advice from the Front Lines of Hollywood." Enjoy! @jeannevb
- Hello crew! Reading tchat.io, researching next feature, listening to Wagner, eyeing bottle of Merlot for later. Let's logline! #scriptchat
- IT’S #SCRIPTCHAT O’CLOCK w/ guest prod/director @LaneShefterBish talking loglines. Lane’s bio here http://scriptchat.blogspot.com/2016/06/lane-shefter-bishop-talks-loglines-on.html …
- GREAT @karynfolan - RT @karynfolan: Got my copy of SELL YOUR STORY IN A SINGLE SENTENCE @LaneShefterBish. Great book! Helps #scriptchat
- Thanks! Excited to be here. #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish @jeannevb here and ready to be confused! #ScriptChat just kidding.. hopefully ready to be less confused. Loglines..
- Write everyday religiously if you want to win royally 📝📽️ #Hollywood #screenwriting #amwriting #movies #scriptchat https://twitter.com/screencrafting/status/747135010000543744 …
- Use this site to participate in #scriptchat - it auto-adds the hashtag. http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat …
- Use this site to participate in #scriptchat - it auto-adds the hashtag. http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat …
- Allo allo #scriptchat
- Show don't tell & show something that we've never seen. 📝📽️ #Hollywood #screenwriting #amwriting #movies #scriptchat https://twitter.com/TheScriptLab/status/747098125718982656 …
- Tons of writers struggle with loglines. 2 had for @LaneShefterBish to do logline coaching during #scriptchat so plz keep ? relevant to all
- *pours wine* @LaneShefterBish... I think we have you ready now. Let the questions begin! #scriptchat
- *pours wine* @LaneShefterBish... I think we have you ready now. Let the questions begin! #scriptchat
- Thanks for your time, Lane! What is your advice for newbies out there? (With a book and hopefully a good logline?) #scriptchat
- For those who don't know @LaneShefterBish, she's a director/producer also known as "The Book Whisperer" #adaptationqueen #scriptchat
- I'm a total newbie. Is it appropriate to ask about my actual logline here? This is my first script and am learning as I go. #scriptchat
- @bachelorfanoz a good logline is a great start! Also make sure you know whats most unique about your work - thats what sells it #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman we aren't going to do logline coaching during chat. More helpful to masses to keep questions general #scriptchat
- Got it. Thanks! #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish what's the most common mistake people make when tackling a logline? #scriptchat
- How long would you say a logline should be? General range? #scriptchat
- Blake Snyder (StC guy) gave quite a structured, script-paralleling method for logline generation. Does this sacrifice 'sizzle'? #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish What's the best logline you've ever read? #scriptchat
- @jeannevb great question! The most common mistake is being too general - which makes their story sound like many others #scriptchat
- @jeannevb great question! The most common mistake is being too general - which makes their story sound like many others #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy That was many many years ago and te entertainment industry has changed - time for a new way of logline creation #scriptchat
- Hi @LaneSherfterBishop Remember me? I wrote a script for you at TwinStar about a dog named Boomer Jack. #scriptchat
- Sorry I'm late... #scriptchat
- Do you respect the mountain you’re about to climb as you pursue a #screenwriting career: https://scriptcat.wordpress.com/2013/02/10/do-you-respect-the-mountain-youre-about-to-climb-as-you-pursue-a-screenwriting-career/ … #screenwriter #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman a logline should never be more than 1 sentence but the length of that sentence can vary... #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman a logline should never be more than 1 sentence but the length of that sentence can vary... #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish Do writers ever start with a logline and then develop a script from that logline? #scriptchat
- “Schemes and plots are the same thing.” ~ Tyrion Lannister #amwriting #screenwriting #scriptchat #writerslife
- @GreenSeaPro If they are smart that is exactly what they do - your logline is like your rudder keeping you on track #scriptchat
- Thanks, agree, found it daunting and constricting. Trying to be more organic these days, bring out what excites /me/ abt story #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy great call - if you are not excited, they wont be either #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish so what are your must-have ingredients to captivate someone in 1 sentence? #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish .... besides the words "Open bar." :) #scriptchat
- @jeannevb a protagonist, a journey that has high stakes you care about so that it matters, and SPECIFICITY #scriptchat
- @jeannevb a protagonist, a journey that has high stakes you care about so that it matters, and SPECIFICITY #scriptchat
- @jeannevb "open bar" works too : ) #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish a log line is the foundation #scriptchat
- I like to put a "stinger in the tail" - the ironic twist that makes it amazing as the last words. #scriptchat
- I like to put a "stinger in the tail" - the ironic twist that makes it amazing as the last words. #scriptchat
- @SemiAriana Buy my book, it will tell you exactly what to include and not include & I rec cutting names unless they are famous #scriptchat
- @JAEL488 absolutely! #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish i rarely work like this b/c i never know where the story might take me.. #scriptchat I wouldn't want to box myself in
- @SemiAriana it's important to keep focussed on who is the protagonist, what do they want & what is at stake no matter what #scriptchat
- @SemiAriana it's important to keep focussed on who is the protagonist, what do they want & what is at stake no matter what #scriptchat
- @SemiAriana @LaneShefterBish Then think of it as a trajectory, what they must accomplish, not how. #scriptchat
- @GreenSeaPro @LaneShefterBish I've started with a logline once for something that was very high concept. Much easier. #scriptchat
- How about genre dependence? I.e. shorter, plot-based loglines for less character-based stories e.g. scifi, have seen this advice #scriptchat
- Is a logline more important than my title? Can a good logline overcome a weaker title? I'm worried about mine. :( #scriptchat
- @ScripTipps @GreenSeaProyep - a logline always makes the entire writing process easier #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy check out my book chapter "Everything works" - loglines work for any genre #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish's book, Sell Your Story in a Single Sentence is here https://www.amazon.com/Sell-Your-Story-Single-Sentence/dp/1581573685 … #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish's book, Sell Your Story in a Single Sentence is here https://www.amazon.com/Sell-Your-Story-Single-Sentence/dp/1581573685 … #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish's book, Sell Your Story in a Single Sentence is here https://www.amazon.com/Sell-Your-Story-Single-Sentence/dp/1581573685 … #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman a logline is MUCH more important that the title - it is THE way you sell your work! : ) #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman a logline is MUCH more important that the title - it is THE way you sell your work! : ) #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish @ScripTipps I like to post it my logline onto my screen while I'm writing the script. #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish what helped me with loglines, the menu on my TV (cable guide) I read and still do the loglines #scriptchat
- @jeannevb tank you for helping my shameless plug : ) #scriptchat
- @jeannevb Thanks, now what did I miss while I was ordering that on Amazon (-8b #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish why do you think so many writers struggle with loglines? Overthinking? Or not understanding importance enough? #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish - is there an e-copy version of your book? I'm in Australia and can't get it on the Oz store. #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy haha you missed last call at the open bar! :) #scriptchat
- @jeannevb writers fall in love with their stories so they cant throw out the baby with the bathwater for logline creation #scriptchat
- @jeannevb writers fall in love with their stories so they cant throw out the baby with the bathwater for logline creation #scriptchat
- @bachelorfanoz theres a kindle download of my book on Amazon #scriptchat
- Thanks. That makes me feel better. Although it's possible (if not likely) that my logline sucks too and I just don't know it. #scriptchat
- I'm sure my trouble writing endings is directly correlated to my trouble writing loglines. #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish @Al_1701 @jeannevb Same with pitching. They try to tell every scene in a 5-min pitch. Doesn't work. #scriptchat
- I've found on one project that the logline got clearer with each rewrite as the story became better focused and describable #scriptchat
- I've found on one project that the logline got clearer with each rewrite as the story became better focused and describable #scriptchat
- @Al_1701 @jeannevb - a logline is NOT a summary of your story, it's highlighting what is most unique about your story! #scriptchat
- @Al_1701 @jeannevb - a logline is NOT a summary of your story, it's highlighting what is most unique about your story! #scriptchat
- @ScripTipps @Al_1701 @jeannevb Exactly! And if you could cram in your entire story - how does that help you sell it? #scriptchat
- Is it a good idea to include major secondary character in logline or just the protagonist? #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy sometimes the logline and story help eachother. Frequesntly the logline tells you whats missing in your story #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy sometimes the logline and story help eachother. Frequesntly the logline tells you whats missing in your story #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman Just the protagonist : ) #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman Not enough room for a major secondary character - unless it's a romcom or something. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann you think? #scriptchat
- I've always thought of my logline as that sentence printed in TV Guide to make you want to turn on the show. #scriptchat
- Agree - and sometimes honing the pitch bubbles up a snappier logline from subconscious, was just doing that today #scriptchat
- @wcmartell @SamSquamchman check out the chapter "What if there are 2 Protagonists" in my book... #scriptchat
- It's just the absolute heart of the story, right? No twists or major plot points...? #scriptchat
- @jeannevb thats a great way to think of it. But unlike TV Guide - you only get 1 sentence : ) #scriptchat
- Is two sentences out of the question/amateurish? #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman Not 2ndary, but you want to hit main obstacle, which often means indicating the antagonist. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb That's great, but I'm one of those guys that those descriptions almost never work for me. #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman if you have a killer twist - that should be part of your logline. #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish - I know this is lame, but I can't find your Kindle version :( #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman I tell writers who want to save their twists surprise to GIVE IT AWAY - THAT'S how you get people to read #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman I tell writers who want to save their twists surprise to GIVE IT AWAY - THAT'S how you get people to read #scriptchat
- I'm not sure if I'm a hard sell or just indifferent, but rarely do summaries or loglines make me think "I wanna read this." #scriptchat
- So I'm sure that plays into my difficulty as well, there's too little that works for me to figure out what works. #scriptchat
- Do you work in the industry, Mr. Neumann? Do you find your perspective is common? #scriptchat
- @blueneumann if it doesn;t make you want to read it - its not a good logline : ) #scriptchat
- @blueneumann if it doesn;t make you want to read it - its not a good logline : ) #scriptchat
- @blueneumann troublemaker :) #scriptchat
- @Misfit_Mom yeah, you're here! #scriptchat
- Hey #scriptchat! What's the haps?
- Terminology Q - are we talking twist as critical plot twist, or particular twist we're putting on otherwise-familiar arc? #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy story twist - surprise in your story - something hugely unexpected #scriptchat
- #scriptchat Hello, just joining in.
- @jeannevb I know, story of my life, the one dude that can't do it like everyone else. #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish But to me, that's almost every logline. Even the so-called "good" ones. #scriptchat
- Is there a notable trend for how long loglines should be these days? (sorry if this has been discussed already) #scriptchat
- Loglines can be important but it also depends on who your pitching too! Some people want them, some don't. So do your homework. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann check out my book - lots of great loglines that I personally used to sell dozens of projects to the industry #scriptchat
- I'll have a good think about what's the most unexpected thing in 'Preincarnation', other than the actual setup. Thanks (-8b #scriptchat
- @JonFour one sentence : ) #scriptchat
- I'm writing what Blake Snyder calls a "Rite of Passage" story in STC. The "antagonist" = reality of hero's senescence. Thoughts? #scriptchat
- If your story is only the twist end, you have a problem. The *concept* needs a twist - something different and surprising. #scriptchat
- If your story is only the twist end, you have a problem. The *concept* needs a twist - something different and surprising. #scriptchat
- If your story is only the twist end, you have a problem. The *concept* needs a twist - something different and surprising. #scriptchat
- @markliterally in the ent industry these days, loglines are vital : ) #scriptchat
- @JonFour It used to be a good rule of them around 25-30 words. Is that still the case anyone? #scriptchat
- @JonFour It used to be a good rule of them around 25-30 words. Is that still the case anyone? #scriptchat
- What I keep finding is that if I can't get the logline right, I can't make the story work. #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy GREAT if you know whats most unique you can seLL it! #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @LaneShefterBish Awesome! In early versions, I typically use "When" to start my log lines. I find it helps.#scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish Much difference b/n screenplay logline and pilot? #scriptchat
- @markliterally @JonFour I don't tens to put a word limit on it - some loglines require longer sentences to achieve their goal #scriptchat
- @ValDPhillips I've found that difficulty with a logline shows that the story isn't yet coherent, it;s a good diagnostic #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy Thanks, and well said! #scriptchat
- @tobewan I'm thinking your bacon cover photo works better than a logline. #scriptchat
- @ValDPhillips Huge difference! Logline is your 1-sentence selling tool to market your material #scriptchat
- Hey everybody! I just got here. I am of the opinion to start with your logline and work from there :-) #scriptchat
- How important is theme vs. plot in loglines? #scriptchat
- @markliterally Hey Mark! Great to see you here. Mark, meet our guest @LaneShefterBish, AKA "The Book Whiserper" #scriptchat
- @LaneShfterBish Sorry-wasn't clear. I meant, much difference between the logline of a screenplay and logline of a pilot? #scriptchat
- @AdamLRockwell themes are never in your loglines - they make them sound generic : ) #scriptchat
- @AdamLRockwell themes are never in your loglines - they make them sound generic : ) #scriptchat
- @ValDPhillips Ahhhhm nope. Check out my chapters "Everything Works" in my book. Examples from plays to tv shows to movies etc #scriptchat
- 20 min left with @LaneShefterBish talking loglines. *refills wine* #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish Ok, cool. That's more a less what I do now. [Protagonist][what they do][what their new conflict is]. #scriptchat
- I hope people are finding this helpful! #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish Thank you--look forward to getting and inhaling your book! ;-) #scriptchat
- Worth trying a 'tweetline' version (140 chars) or is that pointless/self-indulgent because you'd DM after a Twitter contact? #scriptchat
- @JonFour and don't forget "what happens if they don't achieve their goal" Impt - what is at stake #scriptchat
- @jeannevb yay - more wine ) #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish is there something you should absolutely, positively never do in a logline? Besides bore someone :) #scriptchat
- Hey guys! *waves* Sorry I'm late. Been watching the US Olympic swimming trials. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 You just had to come up for air #scriptchat
- @Angie_Lavallee @jeannevb @LaneShefterBish Definitely any temporal word is a great start imho #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish Thx. Glad to hear that. Hate when some gurus insist on talking only in terms of theme. #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish @jeannevb Welcome Lane! *waves* Thanks so much for joining us, and thanks to you Jeanne for having her on! #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish Hmmm... I could probably get better at that part. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 priorities, priorities (-8b #scriptchat
- @jeannevb never use proper names. Knowing if someone is Stephanie or Fred never helps you sell it #scriptchat
- @jeannevb never use proper names. Knowing if someone is Stephanie or Fred never helps you sell it #scriptchat
- @jeannevb never use proper names. Knowing if someone is Stephanie or Fred never helps you sell it #scriptchat
- @ValDPhillips @LaneShefterBish longline of a pilot should explain the hook, world, core wound and engine of the show. #scriptchat
- @ValDPhillips @LaneShefterBish longline of a pilot should explain the hook, world, core wound and engine of the show. #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish Q: What, in your opinion, is an "ideal" logline? #scriptchat
- @ScripTipps yeah, too esoteric - loglines are all about the specifics #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish Q: For an episode of a TV series w/multi storylines, how would you approach loglines? #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 defines protagonist, what they want & whats at stake if they don't achieve - AND uses the most UNIQUE answers #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 defines protagonist, what they want & whats at stake if they don't achieve - AND uses the most UNIQUE answers #scriptchat
- Is a villain/antagonist absolutely essential in any logline? #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish @jeannevb Fred has a complex so he doesn't want to be known, oh sorry too much wine! #scriptchat pic.twitter.com/aF2Lrlb5sl
- @bachelorfanoz hmmm not sure how the Oz purchase works. Maybe ask Amazon customer service? #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 you do a logline for the overall series arc - not the episodes themselves #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 you do a logline for the overall series arc - not the episodes themselves #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish Thanks Lane! #scriptchat
- What would you suggest for a character driven comedy that is set in a relatively mundane setting? Include word "comedy"? #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman no - only if they are the thing the protagonist must overcome (rather than what the antagonist is doing) #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish I see. How can doing a logline help during the planning process for a series w/multi characters/storylines? #scriptchat
- @ScripTipps I don't know that either are more important rather longline implies theme and plot through premise. #scriptchat
- @AdamLRockwell the tone of your logline should indicate that it is a comedy - if you have to say it theres an issue #scriptchat
- @AdamLRockwell the tone of your logline should indicate that it is a comedy - if you have to say it theres an issue #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish @filmwritr4 I might add: What they want AND what's keeping them from getting it. #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish @filmwritr4 I might add: What they want AND what's keeping them from getting it. #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish @filmwritr4 I might add: What they want AND what's keeping them from getting it. #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish @filmwritr4 I might add: What they want AND what's keeping them from getting it. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 it's like a rudder on a boat - keep you on track. No matter where the series goes the protag pursues one thing #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 it's like a rudder on a boat - keep you on track. No matter where the series goes the protag pursues one thing #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish Thanks! I am finding it difficult to convey so I probably have an issue... #scriptchat
- I really whittled my logline down, but it should also include that which makes it unique? How many specifics would you put in? #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @ScripTipps @LaneShefterBish Seconded - Danny an essential on my most-wanted #screenwriting list (-8b #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 like Breaking Bad Walterr wants to make sure his family is taken care of - his motivator throughout every season #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 like Breaking Bad Walterr wants to make sure his family is taken care of - his motivator throughout every season #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish We discussed the pilot episode for Breaking Bad in my screenwriters' group #scriptchat
- @AdamLRockwell @LaneShefterBish You could practice by writing log lines of comedy shows you feel have a similar tone/humor. #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman what makes it unique is not separate - its the BEST answer to all three questions who, what, why #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman what makes it unique is not separate - its the BEST answer to all three questions who, what, why #scriptchat
- @tobewan @AdamLRockwell or buy my book - lol - but seriously, it has "workbooks" inside to practice #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish I'm looking through your book now #scriptchat
- @blueneumann cool - let me know if you have questions : ) #scriptchat
- Also, should logline be attractive/meaningful to target viewer audience say on ticket site summary (or is that an obvious q?) #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy the goal of the logline is to attract the WIDEST audience possible - get them to want to read your work #scriptchat
- @Dave_Bullis is your podcast interview with @LaneShefterBish live yet? If so, shoot out the link #scriptchat
- So focus on industry reader of the material, not ticket-buying public (another obvious q I guess) #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy Hey, if you can convince an audience to pluck down 15 bucks a head in today's economy, that's a good logline! #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy focus on gettng the reader of the logline to go "gotta read this!" that can be anyone - people know industry folks #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy focus on gettng the reader of the logline to go "gotta read this!" that can be anyone - people know industry folks #scriptchat
- Just saw ID: Resurgence, $6.41 matinee, no logline, just blind (and misguided) faith that it would be worth seeing !-8b #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy you never know who might know someone... #scriptchat
- Final 5 Plug: HITCHCOCK: MASTERING SUSPENSE is still $3.99. Suspense lessons from 17 of Hitch's films! https://www.amazon.com/Hitchcock-Mastering-Suspense-Hitch-Writers-ebook/dp/B01EZGTR4O/secretsofactions … #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy lolglines come in MUCH earlier - waiting til its in the theater is a bit late : ) #scriptchat
- Do I have to live in LA to write a logline? JK - #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish Hi. Is there a difference when creating a logline for a TV series vs a book series? #scriptchat
- So on your website, the level one help calls for 1 page synopsis as well as logline. Can you say what should be in the synopsis? #scriptchat
- This was my first #scriptchat y'all. Thanks for being so helpful and supportive, even to us newbies! Y'all are wonderful!
- @AdamLRockwell absolutely not! I've worked with writers across the country and around the world #scriptchat
- Loglines & Premises - WHERE'S THE DRAMA? http://www.wheresthedrama.com/loglinespremises.htm … #scriptchat #screenwriting #screenplays
- @LaneShefterBish And on that elliptical bombshell... thanks for your generous time and attention to our logline problems (-8b #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman just a full summary of the plot to give an idea of whats in the longer material #scriptchat
- @TwinPens nope : ) #scriptchat
- @ValDPhillips glad you enjoyed it, Val! We post transcripts & resources on http://scriptchat.com #scriptchat
- thanks @jeannevb for having me on your great group of folks #scriptchat
- Thanks @LaneShefterBish for the advice! Have a good start to the week! #scriptchat
- Good night, everybody. #scriptchat
- Thanks! #scriptchat
- Thanks for the help. This was fun! #scriptchat
- That hour flew by. Thanks for chatting with us Lane. #scriptchat
- Thanks so much @jeannevb #scriptchat
- No #scriptchat next week. Happy Independence Day!
- @ValDPhillips glad you liked it! #scriptchat
- @ScripTipps enjoyed it! And yeah, whew! That was fast! : ) #scriptchat
- @LaneShefterBish thanks so much for the tips tonight, Lane! We really appreciate it. I'll grab the transcript & post asap. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb thank YOU! #scriptchat
- @TheFilterGuy tequila is pouring over here! #scriptchat
- Thanks again, everyone. Hard to believe we've been chatting every Sunday since 2009. All thanks to YOU! #scriptchat
- Caramba! El Burro Esparcolo! (no kidding, a #Seattle company does a tequila called 'Sparkle Donkey') (-8b #scriptchat
- Bummer - Totally missed it! What/who did I miss? #scriptchat
