Screenwriting : Loglines - Before or After Writing Screenplay? by Jorge J Prieto

I find having a logline before diving in can be a huge help in knowing what my script is really about.

Whenever I get an idea for a script, I put it in my notes on my phone and it is a "sort of" logline. Once I'm done with my first draft, I tweak that original logline to better fit the story, but my completed logline always has elements of the initial notes I jotted when I first had the idea.

I start with a logline. Once the screenplay is complete and I receive my notes, then finish the rewrites, the logline usually changes.

Great suggestions, but really, like they say if isn't broken why fix it? What works for any of us , works. I have an idea, theme, conflicts, protagonist with a goal, a core wound, something or someone is in his/her way. I always know my ending , although at times it changes a bit, now what happens in between is always a surprise to me or else I get bored. I'm not only the writer, I'm also the audience. Thanks everyone. Great conversation Dan MaxXx short and sweet. Does damn xXx , they are like a logline , I keep forgetting the capital X goes in the middle, between the two little ones. What is that all about? Just curious. Short & brief please.:)

@Jorge I agree, I think there are plenty of different methods and each writer should use what works best for them.

@Jody Thanks, girlfriend. Some of us are on the same page. You and I. Well close enough. LOL

Lol Jorge. Thinking more on this, I think this is just one of those things that, like I said, depend on what works best for the writer. For example, I don't really do outlines. I've had people here say that you MUST do an outline if you want your script to be good. But that isn't the case for me. I prefer to jump into the thick of it all, with the only real outline being the one in my head. And it works for me. But I get that it doesn't work for others and I realize everyone has a different process. In short, writers should find whatever method works for THEM and it's okay if it's not the method others use.

@Dan I think you mean a bible don't you? That's entirely different. I know tv shows need a bible. I am talking about people writing things like beat sheets or outlines for features. I don't do that. I did actually just finish a tv pilot that is being considered by a producer. If they want to move forward, at that point I'll create a bible for it. But the pilot episode, all 59 pages of it, was written without any kind of outline.

I am not talking about someone writing on an established series. I'm talking about writing a spec pilot. Nobody cares about seeing the outline of a spec pilot or spec script. It's about the individual writers own process. Edited to add, I should clarify, I personally have never been asked to provide the outline or beat sheet I used to write my script. Maybe others have?

I like writing my logline first. It's me get direction for what the center idea of my script will be. But then I go back and revise it when I'm done!

Jody: No only here on screenplays. Only once, and that's because it's a crime drama and needed to keep track of all the evidence. Other than that, never. I know my beginning, my ending, have my protagonists, what it is facing, take it from there. Writing #8 now. Hey, what works, works. Period. Love this, everyone. Thanks

After - Definitely. I've tried before, only to have the story take a left turn on me and no longer match the logline. I have to let the story run its course and then sum it up in a logline. Some writers follow an outline that dictates the story. I can't. I have to let creativity flow. My muse tells me what to write and I dare not go against her.

@Dan G same here. I stopped worrying about doing outlines when I realized they didn't seem to make a big difference in how my scripts turned out. I'd rather just churn out that first draft. It's what works for me.

Jody, Dan: I agree with both of you. TV? Well, we or I should be so lucky. Really difficult to break in from the get go . Thanks guys. Anthony: Great points

I feel like once the overall writing is strong and the idea is solid the logline should write itself - be it before or after.

I always write them before I write the script to make sure I keep my story on track. I tape the logline to my monitor and anything that is not that logline doesn't get written into the script.