Because If You Can’t Pitch It in One Sentence, You Can’t Sell It in a Lifetime
Every screenwriter dreads it: distilling a 120-page script into one sharp, irresistible sentence. Yet, that’s exactly what a logline is. And whether you’re entering screenplay contests producers 2026 or aiming for Hollywood, your logline is the hook that makes someone actually read your script.
Done right, it can win script competitions 2026. Done wrong, it sends your hard work to the reject pile before page one.
What Exactly Is a Logline?
A logline is a one- or two-sentence summary that captures your story’s essence. It usually covers:
Protagonist – Who’s at the heart of your story?
Goal – What do they want or need?
Conflict – What stands in their way?
Stakes – Why does it matter if they succeed or fail?
Example:
“A meek hobbit must destroy a powerful ring before a dark lord can enslave Middle-earth.” Boom. We get it, we’re intrigued, and we know the scale.
Why Loglines Are Crucial in Screenplay Competitions
First impression for judges: Producers and contest readers often see the logline before they open your script. If it’s weak, they may not even peek inside.
Marketing shorthand: Even if you win, your script will be pitched to others using that logline.
Contest categories: Some competitions (like the Page Turner Awards) even have specific awards for *best logline*.
How to Write a Logline That Stands Out
1. Be clear, not clever – Simplicity sells. Judges don’t have time to decode your riddle.
2. Highlight conflict – No conflict = no story. Make sure it’s front and centre.
3. Use strong adjectives – A “meek hobbit” is far more evocative than “a hobbit.”
4. Keep it under 40 words – The tighter, the better.
5. Test it aloud – If it trips your tongue, it won’t impress a producer.
Common Logline Mistakes in Screenplay Awards
Too vague: “A woman faces challenges in life.” (Um, don’t we all?)
Too complex: “A detective with PTSD and a troubled marriage investigates a conspiracy involving corrupt politicians, rogue AI, and interplanetary smugglers.” (Pick one lane!)
No stakes: If nothing’s at risk, no one cares.
Testimonial Spotlight
“My logline rewrite is brilliant! Everything is summarized in just two sentences, and the logline now lives and breathes action. Thanks ever so much for my logline rewrite!” — Karin, Screenplay Entrant
Practise: Three Example Loglines
1. A washed-up boxer must train a young fighter to face the son of his old rival — or risk losing his legacy forever.
2. An overworked nurse stumbles into a hidden world where dreams are currency and nightmares hunt the poor.
3. A group of astronauts stranded on Mars must decide whether to wait for rescue or terraform the planet with deadly consequences.
Notice how each one gives us a protagonist, goal, conflict, and stakes — all in one sentence.
Wrapping Up: Loglines Are Your Elevator Pitch to Success
If you’re entering *screenplay contests with producers 2026*, your logline isn’t just part of the application. It’s your ticket to getting read, remembered, and maybe even produced. Nail it, and you’ve done half the job before they flip a page.
And yes — the Page Turner Awards don’t just judge scripts; they actively highlight strong loglines and pitches. Want proof? Writers rave about the feedback and opportunities. Dive into their testimonials here: https://pageturnerawards.com/awards-testimonials
Got a killer logline — or one that needs a little polish? Sign up now, and we’ll remind you when next year’s Screenplay Award opens, so you can pitch your script with confidence.
Sign up today and we’ll send you reminders for next year’s deadlines, so you never miss a chance to shine.
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