Imagine you're in an elevator with a top movie producer and you've got only a few seconds to sell your movie idea. How would you do it? You'd need to answer the question "What is it?" in a sentence or two. This brief description, known as a logline, should be so captivating that it immediately grabs attention. It should be ironic, create a vivid image of the story, hint at the genre, target audience and budget, and be complemented by a catchy title.

The best loglines are those that use unexpected contradictions. They quickly establish engaging conflicts, suggest a full story arc, and use imaginative language. Some might scoff at the idea of "high concept" pitches, but loglines force you to look at your story from a marketing angle, which is crucial in the competitive world of entertainment.

A great way to perfect your logline is by testing it out on real people. This can help identify any weaknesses and provide opportunities for improvement. While crafting a logline can be tough, it's a process that ultimately strengthens your story and screenplay.

So, if you're an aspiring screenwriter hoping to sell your work, mastering the art of pitching your movie idea in a nutshell is a vital skill. It's not just about telling a story, but selling a story. And that's where a compelling logline comes into play.