How to Write a Flashback in a Script Like a Pro Screenwriter | Script Reader Pro

Forget the advice to "never use flashbacks in a script." In this video, we’ll show you how to incorporate a flashback in your script the RIGHT way.
Here’s what’s coming up:
• A breakdown of the two main flashback categories.
• Flashbacks intentions: stakes, story, character, & theme.
• Formatting flashbacks: memory hits, full scenes, and montages.
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READ FLASHBACK EXAMPLES HERE:
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THE 40-YEAR OLD VIRGIN
WANTED
GOING THE DISTANCE
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Over to You:
• Ask yourself, am I using flashbacks effectively in my story?
• Learn by example. Take note of flashbacks as they occur in movies.
• What do you think of our methods outlined in this video?
Let us know in the comments section below the video.
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[@garyjones3896]

Everytime I’m working on something in my script you all come through in the clutch with tips. Thank you for all you do

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

We love that Gary! It's our pleasure. Enjoy the watch!

[@basseyjoyce2814]

Thanks for sharing! I'm writing a screenplay at the moment and watching this video made me realize I've checked all the boxes as regards this theme! 💃That's all thanks to you too. 👍

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

That's great to hear! It's our pleasure Bassey

[@geoffhoutman1557]

Great vid! Love using AIRPLANE and FIGHT CLUB as your examples

[@macruise]

awesome - thanks

[@brendametube]

Thank you so much for the time to take to make this awesome content! So helpful! I’m completely new at screen writing. Having a hard time morning my question properly. Can you please tell me a bit about writing a flashback through a narration? I’m not sure if I’m supposed to write the dialogue and then write a sequence of the flashback… Or do I write the flashback and then write the dialogue describing it? That seems backwards. It’s kind of a long narrative my character is giving, explaining why another character became a bad guy. It seems strange to write too much dialogue about it because when I write the flashback it’s like telling the story completely over again from beginning to end. **How do I indicate to the reader/director which flashback is for what part of the narration/dialogue? I apologize sorry if my questions are confusing. I’m also very concerned I may be doing it wrong because maybe I’m supposed to write the ENTIRE flashback before or after my character tells the story? Maybe it’s wrong to do it in sequence? Is it OK to simply provide all the information by writing the entire flash back and then the entire narrative … And then leave it up to the Director to decide where the scenes get inserted during the narration? My goodness...I find this so intimidating😅 Thanks for any help you can share💜

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

Hi Brenda, we recommend reading the article that goes along with the video, as it gives plenty of examples for different types of flashbacks. Hope that helps!

[@theatreartsekkda4443]

You can go to your first thought. May be it'll helps viewers to understand the proper scenario

[@onuohaudochukwu6180]

I format mine by writing: (FLASHBACK) at the end of the slugline. Thanks for sharing!

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

Pleasure, and yes, that format works well!

[@jonathangriffin8060]

"Casablanca" is another classic film that uses flashbacks really well. It is my favorite classic film from 1942.

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

so true, Jon!

[@jonathangriffin8060]

@@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles Thank you! I am currently writing a satirical film noir screenplay that has a lot of flashbacks (at least three) and during the fourth, a character jokingly says, "We have had too many flashbacks in this film!"

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

@@jonathangriffin8060 We are always looking to support the action. Of course, the goal is to make sure the flashbacks move the story forward, but if the heave use is acknowledged, then it can also put a smile on the audience's face too!

[@MrRic716]

Thank a lot

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

Thanks for watching!

[@Demeach]

I am too scared to use a flashback, and this helps. Can you also give more advice for a montage?

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

Here you go! www.scriptreaderpro.com/how-to-write-a-montage-in-a-script/

[@tamarakepreyeomgbuayakimi.1379]

Nice thnks ...

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

thanks for watching!

[@classicalperformances8777]

How do you write flashback glimpses, seconds in time?

[@mimicrybypravesh]

Well, one of the Greatest Movies of All Time "Citizen Kane" is one big flashback.

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

very true!

[@kidsomagnificent]

I gotta question so what if I'm writing an experience about another character but from the protagonist's perspective. It also has an effect on the protagonist's world, using the same format is it still the same or no?

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

Hello! You can use the same formatting, but make it very clear via dialogue in the scene that triggers the flashback of how the protagonist is connected / able to give this perspective. Hope that helps!

[@kidsomagnificent]

@@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles Thank you because as I watch this video they show the same format almost but and of course there's a different for all of them

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

@@kidsomagnificent of course! Some formatting rules are subjective, meaning that it's up to you how you want to present the writing style. Our advice is always to make it flow, where it's the most understandable to read. Have a great Sunday!

[@kidsomagnificent]

@@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles Happy Sunday! Thank you so much for all your help!

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

@@kidsomagnificent it's our pleasure!

[@monteur9117]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ignimiusi]

beautiful lady, it was hard to keep my focus

[@faibabernard]

Another spoiler in an excellent Fincher film🤦🏽‍♂️

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

We hope you were able to learn from the video itself regarding how flashbacks can really shift the perspective, such as with these types of reveals. But your note is noted!

[@faibabernard]

Please give an indication of a spoiler alert, please... You just spoilt a film for someone who might have not watch that shaymalan thriller

[@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles]

Hi Faiba, we will make a note for our future videos to make a disclaimer in the beginning. Thank you for pointing this out!

[@geoffhoutman1557]

The ending has been known for 24 years now....

[@stijnvdv2]

A flashback is not a problem. The problem comes when it's not properly executed. A flashback has te be used for a reason, it has to be important for the plot (A-story) or your B-story. With a flashback you are interrupting the natural flow of your story and takes you out of it, so there better be a good reason to do so. But when properly executed, they can become the best part of a story.