Hello everybody!
I'm currently working on a fantasy action adventure screenplay and I am using flashbacks to tell a crucial part of the protagonist's story.
My question for everyone is, how do you use flashbacks in your screenplays? Any tips or techniques you would be open to sharing?
My style for this screenplay is to use the flashbacks to set up drama and conflict between the protagonist and his brother.
Happy writing everyone.
- Adrian Long
flashbacks slow down the rhythm and reduce tension. it is better not to use them in an action movie.
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Gotta be careful with Flash Backs, they're kinda like voice over. They can enhance a story but a lot of times they're used as a crutch and can turn an audience off. I'd say make sure they tie into the overall theme of your story, tie into the layers of conflict and push the story forward! They can be used to give extra context and if there's more than one then it creates a non linear approach which is cool. That's how I'd approach it. Hope that helps.
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I always ask myself 3 questions with flashbacks. 1. How does it push the story forward/bring about the next scene/beat? 2. How does it tie into the theme of the story? 3. What are my characters motivations in the Flashback and how do they tie into what the audience is seeing in present day?
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There are many good ways and a few bad ways, depending on several factors; for instance how long the flashback is. Probably the best online course about flashbacks is by David Trotter:
https://keepwriting.com/tsc/flashback.htm
... Although this many ways wants me to bang my head against the wall.l!!
I usually only use one method, for (semi )long flasbacks. If we're talking about a "short flash," i'll try to be creative within the limits of acceptance.
But I would certainlyalso buy The Hollywood Standard AND The Screenwriter's Bible.
That the fornat part.
Writing wise I use it for backstory if needed But better is to get that backstory through action lines and dialog
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Hi Adrian, I use flashbacks all the time, there useful
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A flashback should be well-timed and chosen wisely. Don't overuse it.
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i like to use flashbacks to provide twists that characters may not be who they previously seemed
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Los Flashbacks que utilizamos para dar información sobre los personajes suelen ser mucho más efectivos en términos narrativos y dramáticos si su presencia en en el relato cumple una función dramática ya sea para generar conflicto en el presente de la historia o generar en el espectador expectativas sobre el futuro del protagonista o de los personajes. El espectador no va a cine a que lo informen. El espectador quiere una experiencia Y quiere emoción. Vuelve al pasado si de alguna manera el Flash Back complejísima la experiencia del espectador o genera emociones profundas con los personajes.