Film Courage: Houston, what do you talk about regarding loglines in your current book?
Houston Howard, Author and Instructor: So I always like to approach a logline of one being able to explain the story that you are talking about. The plot of your story needs to be teased in the logline.
But at the same time if you can also set up the larger play in the logline which primarily is creating a world and be able to communicate the story world in that logline, then not only do you tease the plot, you also tease the world (which is the bigger play).
So the logline is just the starting point that your project has to exist beyond the logline. Your logline is just one story that is going to take place (hopefully) in this larger world where multiple stories take place and crossover and connect in all of these interesting ways.
But if you can even approach your logline with an interesting world attached and embedded in the logline, then that’s going to intrigue people maybe even more than the plot itself.
If you remember The Trailer Guy, a guy name Don LaFontaine, he was “In a world…” [imitates the famous voice], he as the movie trailer guy, he would always do those voiceovers.
He sort of coined that “In a world…” thing and what he’s doing is “In a world…” he sets up the context of a story world. Then he’s going to tell you in the midst of a trailer what the story is inside that world…(Watch the video interview on Youtube here).
Special thanks to The LA Film School for allowing us to film this video interview on their campus.
BUY THE BOOK – MAKE YOUR STORY REALLY STINKIN’ BIG
https://amzn.to/2A5ynQn
BUY THE BOOK – YOU’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER STORY
MORE VIDEOS WITH HOUSTON HOWARD
https://bit.ly/2u6sf7n
CONNECT WITH HOUSTON HOWARD
One3storytelling.com
LinkedIn
Twitter
Advertisement – contains affiliate links
GIRL LOST by Filmmaker Robin Bain – tackles the very real issue of underage prostitution as told through the eyes of a wayward teen. Groomed by her own mother to work in the underbelly of Los Angeles, the young girl struggles to survive in this dark world. Stream GIRL LOST on Amazon Prime Video today.
AllCasting.com has created an easy-to-use platform that helps performers build careers in one of the most exciting industries out there. AllCasting.com lets you easily find auditions for the most coveted projects, while also curating educational and news content, guiding both performers and professionals through the entertainment industry.
There are days when New York City seems to open its doors to you and every single piece falls nicely into place supporting the dream that brought you to that big wonderful city. Then there are the other days…the days when those same pieces become ill-fitting sharp-edged shards ganging up against you and any goal you may have. Those are the days when the cruel heartless city itself seems to be conspiring against you. Those are the days you know you’ve been…New YORK’d. It WILL happen to you…
