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what is an example of stage directions used for flashback in a screenplay? I am doing a screenplay and need some help. The man in my story starts to have some flashbacks. like i did the lights get dimmer on him and like a yound version of him shows up and so so .. I just dont want to make it obvious . like i dont want to say: Flashbacks starts blah blah blah present day again.   Any help i would really appreciate it (:

Expert Answers

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A FLASHBACK is a marker, just like a CUT TO, and so you right justify it to show a new scene (even though I can't format it below correctly in this window).  When you are finished with the flashback you put BACK TO PRESENT left justified as you jump back into the previous scene.

The the flashback is a scene within a scene:

INT. SAIGON HOTEL ROOM – DAY (1983)

Kim gets up from the sofa. Crosses the room to the window. Gazes down at people 
walking along the street. She stares at a mother and a young girl about her
own age.
FLASHBACK TO: 

INT. SAIGON HOSPITAL – DAY (1981)

Kim's mother is in a hospital bed. Kim is holding her hand, squeezing hard.

KIM
Mother, mother open your eyes.

Kim drops her mother's lifeless hand. She stares with unbelieving eyes.
A voice calls her name, "Kim! Kim!"

BACK TO PRESENT

Kim turns away from the window. Steve is calling her name.

STEVE 
Kim! Kim! Are you okay?

KIM
Yes.

 

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