Flashback

R

rahulvictor

Active member
I'm writing a script where the first scene is set in the present and then it cuts to a flashback for most of the rest of the script before returning to that present moment.

Wondering on suggestions as to how to format this into the script? Does it make sense to simply say EXT. BACKYARD - DAY (FLASHBACK) and then much later on say END FLASHBACK when it returns to that present moment, or (as I think makes more sense), should I put in a line like this "We cut to a flashback until returning to the present"?
 
I've seen it written both ways. But it would probably be easier to put, '[FLASHBACK] EXT. BACKYARD - DAY'. Simply because certain people have the capacity to be easily confused. You gotta spell stuff out ;)
 
For an individual flashback scene, labelling as above makes sense.

But I'd argue it isn't really a flashback in this case, as most of your movie happens inside it, the present day stuff is only a framing device, a similar structure to e.g. the movie Titanic. (Chances are good that script should be available online.) Or Saving Private Ryan.

Think about how your audience will understand the time transition (especially towards the end, it needs to be 100% clear to them that "oh, now we're back at the same time period as the start".
 
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Sometimes I write them as transitions:

DAVID
(sarcastically)
Oh, the main course was great.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. BATHROOM -- NIGHT

David sits on the can, face dripping with sweat.

DAVID
Damn burrito..ahhhh...


BACK TO PRESENT

David shivers at the the painful memory.

DAVID
The dessert was even better.
 
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