Ask Dr. Format: A FLASHBACK WITHIN A FLASHBACK

DAVE TROTTIER has sold or optioned ten screenplays (three produced) and helped hundreds of writers break into the writing business.  He is an award-winning teacher and script consultant, author of The Screenwriter’s Bible, and friendly host of keepwriting.com.  Read more tips on the Ask Dr. Format page.

Dr. Format

A FLASHBACK WITHIN A FLASHBACK

QUESTION

I am stumped and cannot find a solution on the world wide web or anywhere else. I don't want to confuse the reader by signifying a flashback within a flashback. So my script starts with current time/space which is Act 1. During that first act, there is a flashback that takes up most of the story until the Climax. Within that flashback, at the Midpoint of Act 2, there is another flashback, which lasts 1 to 2 pages, and comes back to the more current flashback. How can I not confuse the reader?

ANSWER

You are using the storyteller device, which was also used in "Saving Private Ryan." That's where a character or a series of scenes introduces the main story that takes place in the past. Since most of the movie takes place in the past, use a SUPER (short for "superimpose") rather than a FLASHBACK. In other words, don't call the first flashback a flashback. Thus, you will label your first flashback as follows:

SUPER: "20 Years Earlier"

And then refer to the second flashback as a FLASHBACK. In other words, format the second FLASHBACK like you would any other FLASHBACK. No reader will get lost.

However, what if you have a FLASHBACK within a FLASHBACK where both are relatively short (that is, not using the storyteller device)? The solution is to be clear in your labeling and description. I'll illustrate with a brief example:

EXT. JUNGLE – DAY

Doris and Danny trudge through the jungle swinging their machetes. Doris swings at a tree branch and liberates it in one skillful swing.

BEGIN FLASHBACK SEQUENCE

EXT. FOREST – DAY

TEEN DORIS swings her axe at a tree limb, severing it.

EXT. GIRLS CAMP – NIGHT

Teen Doris drops her tree limbs next to a campfire.

FLASHBACK – DORIS IN HER CHILDHOOD BACKYARD

CHILD DORIS, wearing a safari helmet, swings a plastic sword at the bushes, trying to cut her way through. She proudly picks up a small branch.

BACK TO GIRLS CAMP

Teen Doris proudly throws some tree limbs on the campfire.

END FLASHBACK SEQUENCE

EXT. JUNGLE – NIGHT – BACK TO PRESENT DAY

Doris tosses a tree limb onto a campfire. Danny stands behind her and puts his arms around her waist.

                       DANNY

          It's like you've been doing this
          all your life.

Doris smiles contentedly.

Good luck and keep writing!

NOTICE: The latest edition of Dr. Format Tells All is now available. Check it out at https://www.keepwriting.com/drformat/index.htm.