Why it’s important to write a stellar logline before entering script contests

by Ann Marie Williams

Why Are Loglines Important When Entering Script Contests

Many screenwriting competitions require entrants to submit their script’s logline when entering the competition.  However, with a few exceptions, that logline is not used as part of the judging process.  And this begs the question: if the judges never see your script’s logline, why is it important to ensure the logline is concise, captivating, and an accurate representation of your script?

Two main reasons: Judge Assignment and Script Promotion

Judge Assignment

Sometimes, competition administrators use a script’s logline to help match the script to “the right judge” — a judge who has a knowledge of (and affinity for) the style, genre, and tone of the script. 

For example, comedy can encompass a wide variety of story types (e.g. romantic comedy, dark comedy, family-friendly comedy).  So, by writing a logline that conveys more about a script than the genre alone, that script stands a better chance of ending up in the hands of a judge who is A) more apt to like it, and B) better able to assess it (both for ranking purposes and for a written critique if applicable).

In addition to this, some competitions’ judges are actively seeking new writers or material.  So, getting your script to the judge that is seeking your type of script is in your best interest.

Script Promotion

If a script wins a competition (or places highly enough), there’s the chance that the competition will use the script’s logline to help promote the script.  The competition may include the script’s logline along with the public release of the competition results.  Or, the competition may use the logline while pitching the script to interested agents, managers, and/or producers.

Placing highly in a competition can be a great first step to generating interest in a writer and a script.  But the script’s logline will very likely be the next step.  So, after all the hard work you’ve put into your script and researching which competitions to enter, take the time to make your script’s logline really shine.

Post written by Ann Marie Williams

Ann Marie Williams is the author of Screenplay Competitions: Tools and Insights to Help You Choose the Best Screenwriting Contests for You and Your Script, which has been endorsed by Richard Walter, Ken Levine, Harry M. Cheney and Dave Trottier.

Use coupon code BLOG25 to save 25% off the book’s cover price when you purchase Screenplay Competitions direct from the publisher at: www.BluestockingPress.com

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