Perfect for Creative Writing Agents needing concise story hooks and pitch materials Creative project template for screenplays, novels, and film production. Multi-AI harness with upstream sync.

How do I install logline?

Run the command: npx killer-skills add bybren-llc/story-systems-template/logline. It works with Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code, Claude Code, and 19+ other IDEs.

What are the use cases for logline?

Key use cases include: Distilling complex stories into one-sentence hooks, Preparing pitch materials for film production, Testing concept clarity and compellingness, Marketing screenplays with captivating loglines.

Which IDEs are compatible with logline?

This skill is compatible with Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code, Trae, Claude Code, OpenClaw, Aider, Codex, OpenCode, Goose, Cline, Roo Code, Kiro, Augment Code, Continue, GitHub Copilot, Sourcegraph Cody, and Amazon Q Developer. Use the Killer-Skills CLI for universal one-command installation.

Are there any limitations for logline?

Requires understanding of storytelling principles. Limited to screenplays, novels, and film production contexts.

Logline Skill

Name: logline
Availability: InStock
Author: bybren-llc

Invocation Triggers

Apply this skill when:

Distilling a story to its essential hook
Preparing pitch materials
Testing if a concept is clear and compelling
Marketing a screenplay

What is a Logline?

A logline (also called a "hook") is a one to two sentence description of your movie that captures the essence of the story in a way that makes people want to see it.

The Four Components of a Hook

Per WTFB methodology, every effective hook contains these four elements:

1. Characters

Who are they?
What do they want?
What are their goals?

2. Conflict

What is the main obstacle to achieving their goal?
Who or what opposes them?

3. Setting

Time period
Genre
Style/tone

4. Action

What exciting things happen?
Never be boring!

Logline Formula

[ADJECTIVE] [PROTAGONIST TYPE] must [GOAL/ACTION]
when [INCITING INCIDENT/CONFLICT],
or else [STAKES].

Alternative Formula

When [SETUP], a [PROTAGONIST] must [OBJECTIVE]
before [ANTAGONIST] [THREAT].

Genre-Specific Formula

A [GENRE] about [PROTAGONIST] who [SITUATION]
until [CATALYST] forces them to [ACTION]
against [ANTAGONIST/OBSTACLE].

Classic Logline Examples

Raiders of the Lost Ark

"An archeologist is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis."

Breakdown:

Character: Archeologist (implies adventure, intelligence)
Conflict: Race against Nazis
Setting: Implied WWII era, adventure genre
Action: "Find" + competing with Nazis = excitement

Gladiator

"A Roman general is betrayed and his family killed by an insane emperor. Now a gladiator, he comes to Rome for revenge."

Breakdown:

Character: Roman general (status, skill)
Conflict: Betrayal, loss, revenge against emperor
Setting: Roman era, epic drama
Action: Gladiator combat, revenge journey

Logline Development Worksheet

Step 1: Core Elements

PROTAGONIST: ___________________________________
(Be specific: not "a man" but "a disgraced surgeon")

GOAL: ___________________________________
(What do they actively pursue?)

ANTAGONIST/OBSTACLE: ___________________________________
(Person, force, or circumstance opposing them)

STAKES: ___________________________________
(What happens if they fail?)

UNIQUE ELEMENT: ___________________________________
(What makes THIS story different?)

Step 2: Draft Loglines

Draft 1 (Basic):

___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

Draft 2 (Add specificity):

___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

Draft 3 (Add stakes):

___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

Final Logline:

___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

Logline Quality Checklist

Must Have

Should Have

Unique hook or twist
Stakes implied or stated
Active voice (character DOES something)
Specific rather than vague

Must Avoid

Common Logline Mistakes

Mistake	Example	Fix
Too vague	"A man faces challenges"	"A retired hitman hunts the men who killed his dog"
Too long	Multiple sentences	Cut to one powerful sentence
No conflict	"A woman discovers her past"	"A woman must confront the cult that raised her"
Passive	"A story about love"	"A dying man races to reconnect with his estranged daughter"
Lists events	"First X, then Y, then Z"	Focus on central conflict
Theme not story	"An exploration of grief"	"A widow must solve her husband's murder"

Genre-Specific Tips

Action/Thriller

Emphasize physical stakes and ticking clock
"Must stop X before Y happens"

Comedy

Hint at the comedic situation or irony
Include the fish-out-of-water element

Drama

Focus on internal conflict made external
Emphasize emotional stakes

Horror

Establish the threat
Imply isolation or helplessness

Romance

Show the obstacle to love
Include what makes this couple unique

Logline Testing

Share your logline and ask:

Do they understand the genre?
Do they know who the protagonist is?
Can they identify the conflict?
Do they want to know what happens?
Can they picture the movie?

If "no" to any, revise.

logline — community logline, story-systems-template, community, ide skills, Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf

About this Skill

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