Difference between logline and tag line

[pstudios]

:confused: This question came up for me, after I posted some sample loglines for my screenplay. I think there's a lot of confusion on this, and it's not just me. A lot of books on this seem to have this confused too?

Jennifer

[TheRuleofThirds]

A tagline is a marketing tool that plays upon the right cliches to describe the plot in a short phrase (and they're likely to become cliches). A logline is like one sentence that sums up plot, conflict, characters, and how it has to be resolved.

[dpaterso]

See the "standard length for a logline" thread, post #17 (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=265071&postcount=17)

The important thing is:

The marketing department comes up with the tagline.

You only have to come up with the logline for your query letters.

-Derek
Derek's Web Page - stories, screenplays, novels, insanity. (http://hometown.aol.co.uk/DPaterson57/scripts.htm)

[NikeeGoddess]

the logline is a marketing tool as well. but, this is YOUR marketing tool. in order for the logline to work you must be able to convince a producer or agent to read your script based on the logline.

the tagline is created after production for the poster ads.

[maestrowork]

A logline is a one line synopsis of your premise. It should tell you what the story is about -- very difficult to do well.

A tagline is a marketing slogan. A catch phrase. Something punchy that makes you stop and take a second look. Go to IMDB and study the taglines of your favorite movies. Most often they won't tell you what the story is, but they catch your attention and hint at the essence of the film.

A logline:

"A sheriff must find and destroy a killer shark that terrorizes a summer resort town."

A tagline:

"You'll never go into the water again."

(p.s. can you believe that movie is 30 years old? Talk about timeless)

[IWrite]

:confused: This question came up for me, after I posted some sample loglines for my screenplay. I think there's a lot of confusion on this, and it's not just me. A lot of books on this seem to have this confused too?

Jennifer - are you confused by what you are reading in the books in question - or are the books communicating incorrect information regarding a logline.

If the writer of the book doesn't know what a logline is - then I would find myself questioning ALL the information contained in that book. You do not need any type of credentials to publish a book on any subject (including screenwriting).

Stick with books written by sources whose credentials you can verify and/or those with long standing reputations.

[pstudios]

:D Glad I posted this. I feel clearer now. Derek I skimmed the thread U recommeded, but I need to go back to it, now that I'm clearer on this. The learning process of screenwriting and life.


Going to IMDB is the next thing on my to do list.

Thanx everyone 4 feedback
:Hail: Your humble student Jennifer