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Since I'm Here: Simply Scripts Format Police: Help re: Do I use a Flashback for the following screenplay situation?
My character has an important "memory" of a conversation he had with another character, earlier in the script. It's important that the exact same scene is shown (filmed). I'm using a Flashback. What do you think? This happens several times in my feature. Is there a better way?
Since I'm Here: Simply Scripts Format Police: Help re: Do I use a Flashback for the following screenplay situation?
My character has an important "memory" of a conversation he had with another character, earlier in the script. It's important that the exact same scene is shown (filmed). I'm using a Flashback. What do you think? This happens several times in my feature. Is there a better way?
If you're truly flashing back and showing the same scene again, then, yes, you need a Flashback.
Since I'm Here: Simply Scripts Format Police: Help re: Do I use a Flashback for the following screenplay situation?
My character has an important "memory" of a conversation he had with another character, earlier in the script. It's important that the exact same scene is shown (filmed). I'm using a Flashback. What do you think? This happens several times in my feature. Is there a better way?
A variety of ways to do it as long as your readers are clear - you're fine. If I have your scenario correct, the flashback takes place on the exact same location that the current scene takes place in. So, let's say that Jake and Jon are at a bar --
INT. BAR/CORNER BOOTH - NIGHT
JAKE Did you see the way she was looking at me?
JON She wasn't looking at you. She was married.
JAKE Bullshit.
JON She had a wedding ring. Remember?
Jake fumbles with his beer - thinks.
BEGIN FLASHBACK - SAME BAR, THE NIGHT BEFORE
Jake and Jon in their corner booth. A WOMAN (24) dressed in a red cocktail dress sips wine, at the bar. Glass in hand, she turns, shoots a smile towards Jake and Jon.
The Woman's wedding ring sparkles.
END FLASHBACK
JAKE The ring was on her right hand
That's how I would do it. You could also use BACK TO SCENE or anything else you think makes it clear that the flashback has ended and you're back in current time. Even a combo works as far as I am concerned (e.g., END FLASHBACK - BACK TO SCENE, or END FLASHBACK - BACK TO BAR - PRESENT DAY).
For me, if it is a short flashback, END FLASHBACK is enough because the reader didn't forget where we were. If it is an extensive Flashback, I may use something to rem ind the reader where we were in the first place) - But again - as long as it is clear
I have used this in scripts before. I think I used parenthesis to make sure it was clear that the flash was a replay of the scene already showed.
BEGIN FLASHBACK
INT. DANTE'S PUB - NIGHT(same scene as opening)
wejkefj
END FLASH
As Dave says, clarity is what matters most. There are different ways to do things depending on the need, For example, if you have a whole bunch of brief flashes, you might use
QUICKFLASH: Ruffian breaking a bottle over D***in's head.
Or just FLASH: Ruffian...
If you have a bunch of little flashes it's a waste of space to keep doing BEGIN FLASH and END FLASH
I have used this in scripts before. I think I used parenthesis to make sure it was clear that the flash was a replay of the scene already showed.
BEGIN FLASHBACK
INT. DANTE'S PUB - NIGHT(same scene as opening)
wejkefj
END FLASH
As Dave says, clarity is what matters most. There are different ways to do things depending on the need, For example, if you have a whole bunch of brief flashes, you might use
QUICKFLASH: Ruffian breaking a bottle over D***in's head.
Or just FLASH: Ruffian...
If you have a bunch of little flashes it's a waste of space to keep doing BEGIN FLASH and END FLASH