Exercise 1: Logline Creation

Objective: To develop the ability to craft concise and compelling loglines.

Instructions: 1. Choose a film genre that interests you. 2. Select a random object from your surroundings (e.g., a pen, a coffee mug, a pair of sunglasses). 3. Write a logline for a film that incorporates the chosen object and fits within your chosen genre. 4. Aim to capture the essence of the story in a single sentence, highlighting the main character, their goal, and the conflict they face. 5. Share your logline with the instructor for feedback.

Example: In a dystopian future, a rebellious artist uses a magical paintbrush to bring color back to a monochromatic world, but must outwit a totalitarian regime that seeks to suppress creativity.

Exercise 2: Logline Analysis

Objective: To analyze and critique existing loglines to understand their effectiveness.

Instructions: 1. Research and find five loglines from popular films across different genres. 2. Analyze each logline and identify the main character, their goal, and the conflict they face. 3. Evaluate the effectiveness of each logline in terms of its ability to capture attention and generate interest. 4. Write a brief analysis for each logline, explaining why you believe it is effective or ineffective. 5. Share your analysis with the instructor and discuss your findings in an online forum.

Exercise 3: Synopsis Development

Objective: To practice summarizing a film’s plot in a concise and engaging manner.

Instructions: 1. Choose a film that you are familiar with or have recently watched. 2. Write a synopsis for the film, summarizing the main plot points and key character arcs. 3. Aim to keep the synopsis between 150-200 words, providing enough information to generate interest without revealing major spoilers. 4. Focus on capturing the film’s tone, themes, and unique selling points. 5. Share your synopsis with the instructor and receive feedback on its clarity and effectiveness.

Example: In a small coastal town, a young girl discovers a wounded dolphin tangled in a fishing net. With the help of her friends, she forms an unlikely bond with the dolphin, whom she names Flipper. As they nurse Flipper back to health, they uncover a sinister plot by a local corporation to pollute the ocean and harm marine life. With time running out, the kids must rally the community and find a way to save Flipper and their beloved coastal paradise. This heartwarming family adventure explores themes of friendship, environmental conservation, and the power of standing up for what you believe in.

Exercise 4: Synopsis Rewrite

Objective: To practice condensing a film’s plot into a shorter, more concise synopsis.

Instructions: 1. Choose a film that you are familiar with or have recently watched. 2. Write a synopsis for the film, summarizing the main plot points and key character arcs. 3. Now, challenge yourself to rewrite the synopsis, condensing it into half the original length without losing its essence. 4. Focus on eliminating unnecessary details and tightening the language. 5. Share both versions of the synopsis with the instructor and discuss the impact of brevity on the overall effectiveness of the synopsis.

Remember, these exercises are designed to enhance your skills in logline and synopsis writing. Feel free to adapt them to suit your specific needs and interests in the film proposal class.