Story Sense - Script Analysis from a Hollywood Script Doctor

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Flashbacks and dreams place us in the mind of the character who is relating them.  This causes us to identify with that character, drawing us into their story.  Unless that character is our main character, though, our empathy will be split, and the dramatic force of the narrative weakened. 

Flashbacks interrupt the narrative flow, and should be used only when it's not possible to tell the story chronologically.  Don’t use a flashback to merely to illustrate what the characters are relating verbally.  It’s often more effective to remain focused on the character who is telling the story, so as to gauge what the experience means to them.

If you use flashbacks, make certain they are motivated.  Lead into the flashback by focusing on the character who is experiencing it, and then return to that same character after the flashback.  The events may not be as significant as how the character feels about them.  Consequently, it's essential that we see the character's reaction.

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The proper technique for taking us into a flashback sequence is to insert the line “BEGIN FLASHBACK:” (in ALL CAPS and without the quotes) formatted as an action element.  There should be only one blank line between this and the heading of the first scene of the flashback:

 
BEGIN FLASHBACK:

INT. MAIN CONTROL BOOTH (BUILDING 1) - NIGHT

Rachel puts down the phone.  A KNOCKING startles her.  She turns to see Sgt. Hughes peering up at her from the foyer.
 		  

 

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Each scene must have its own heading, even if it occurs in the same location as the character who is experiencing the flashback.

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Another action line takes us out of the flashback with the words “END FLASHBACK.”  (The period should be included.)  Again, we must follow this with a new scene heading, even if we are returning to the same place we were prior to the flashback (which is usually the case):

 
END FLASHBACK.

INT. POLICE DEPARTMENT/INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY

Tears are streaming down Rachel's face.

                            RACHEL
               It sounded like him.  I wish...
 

 

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If the flashback consists of only one scene, it’s acceptable to simply write “(FLASHBACK)” as the last part of the scene heading:

 
INT. CHEVY IMPALA - DAY - (FLASHBACK)
 

 

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The same applies for dream and fantasy sequences.

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Copyright © 2008 by Michael Ray Brown.  All rights reserved.
Last modified: May 07, 2008