When you are preparing to write a screenplay, the first question you need to be able to answer clearly is: what is it about? Sometimes the answer to this question is obvious, as in the case of sequels, or films that are based on books, comics or video games: these films are usually successful because they leverage an already solid fan base, and also because the public already knows what they are talking about, and believe that going to see them is a safe bet. This is the precise reason why it is essential that you are able to answer this question when tackling other types of film scripts, as it is only when you are able to explain what your script is about that you will intrigue and attract the attention of, first the producers, and then, the public.
To answer this question and, therefore, to grasp the true essence of the idea behind your story, you need a logline: those one, or two sentences that summarise everything there is to know about the script.
But how do you write the perfect logline? First of all, irrespective of whether the film is a comedy or a drama, the logline must contain a hint of irony, or surprise, at the very least. The logline of the film Die Hard, for example, reads: "A cop comes to L.A. to visit his estranged wife and her office building is taken over by terrorists". There is a very subtle trace of irony, of the unexpected - something that arouses attention on an emotional level.
Secondly, the logline must give the reader the ability to glimpse the full potential of the film: by reading it, people can form an idea and instantly visualise what will happen. Furthermore, you must remember that the first people that will read the logline are the producers and their purchasing departments: it must give them at least a vague, implicit hint as to how much the film will cost, and who the target audience is.
Finally, the title of the film needs to be closely tied to the logline: it needs to catch people’s attention, and give them an idea of what the story is about at the same time. Precisely because it needs to tell the story in as few words as possible, choosing a title that is too generic would be a counterproductive, and not very courageous, choice.
Once you have created an effective logline, you will be able to write the script more easily: the story will be more precise, and the characters more defined. Therefore, you have to put a lot of energy into developing the logline, and, to help you keep fine-tuning it, you can try presenting it to other people, or have as many people read it as possible, so as to receive plenty of feedback. Whether it be in a cafeteria, or while waiting in line at the counter, politely strike up a conversation with people from different walks of life and age groups, even if it is always better to focus on your target audience. If the people you talk to get distracted easily or look away while you’re talking about the film, it is a clear indication that the logline has failed to keep them engaged, and therefore needs to be revisited. Why is this "market research" so important? Because movie theatres are filled with strangers, and they are who you need to please: you need to find a way to make them understand what the film is about, draw them in, and tell them a story that means something to them.
