Hey guys, so I have a quick question about the use of FLASHBACKS on scene headings. I used them before but it was always regarding an already established character in the story. But now, I’m writing a scene where a teacher is giving a lecture about slavery to his students. I wanted to show a brief scene or two from back in that era but was not sure if that would really be considered as a FLASHBACK- because it’s not from anyone’s memory or dealing with any important characters from the story. But it is going back in time so I really don’t know what to do. Should I still use FLASHBACK in my scene heading or no?
Screenwriting : Flashbacks ? by James Banner
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I understand your reticence to use this device in this particular instance, but it's still okay. The key thing you're conveying is that this other scene isn't occurring at the same time or after. It sounds like it will be easy to comprehend what's going on as it's directly related to what the lecturer is talking about.
If it's a REALLY brief, you could call it a QUICK FLASH which might make you feel more comfortable.
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Hi James, that's not a flashback. I'd use CUT TO and BACK TO
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whose point of view is it? It can't be from no one. It wouldn't make sense in film narrative.
Does flashback solve something? I watched "Contagion" a while back and there is a flashback ending that shows how the virus started: From a bat to a pig to a chef cooking in the kitchen to killing an American by handshake.
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Alternatively, you could write a clear scene heading; something like:
EXT. MISSISSIPPI COTTON FIELD - DAY (1840)
This should work fine as long as it's introduced at the best moment during the lecture. Just make sure you're using this visual in a way that does more than just cover what the lecturer is saying.
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Thanks Phil, Shahin, and Dan. I have some things to think about on how to execute these scenes. But your advice is well noted. Great options to think about. Have a good and be safe out there.
Pleasure, James. Feel free to get in touch if you have any other queries. Either here or via www.philmscribe.com
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I don't know the story. If your scene is present day - teacher & students in a lecture; I likely would trail the teacher's voice into a FLASHBACk to a scene of the era. Continue the leacturere's voice as V.O. until you RETURN TO SCENE. Of course there could be dialog among characters during the flashback. Your call.
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I look at it from this aspect: what's the point? Why is it necessary to show the past? Does it drive the plot? Deepen the characters? These are the only two reasons any scene should be in a script, BTW.
Once you've answered that question, figure what you think is the best way to portray that on the page. Don't get hung up on format. If you've done your job as a writer and conveyed the point of the scene effectively, no reader will get hung up on format. You're not going to get a NO based on FLASHBACK, QUICK FLASH, CUT TO, whatever - the NO will come from less-than-compelling storytelling.
John Ellis nailed this. Is the flashback necessary? It might not even be necessary at the end. To your point James Banner if it isn't from a point of view from a character or adding new information, then it might not be needed. It sounds like the kind of scene that might end up on a cutting room floor in the interest of advancing the plot.
It is from the perspective of a student hearing the lecture and getting a view of what it was like in that time and place? A sort of video of the mind?