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format Hello! :-) And FLASHBACK, MONTAGE, and SERIES OF SHOTS formatting question...

Hi guys,

I am new here, so *hello*! :-)

I have a couple of questions regarding FLASHBACKs, MONTAGEs, and SERIES OF SHOTS'. There seem to be differing opinions on how to format there.

FLASHBACKS

Are flashbacks used EVERY time one goes "back" in time? I am currently writing a script where we start with the main character - having been running for some time - stopping and resting. As he is resting, we flashback to the events of the day.

So, it is a flashback, but the flashback provides the main part of the scene, and the events leading up to the flashback are only a minimal part of the scene. Would it not be easier to use a DISSOLVE TO and then have a scene heading EXT. BLAH BLAH BLAH - EARLIER THAT DAY?

Imagine a Tarantino screenplay... Would that use flashbacks all over the place, or would it be simplified?

Incidentally, if I WAS to use FLASHBACK, how would I format it? I am currently using transitions:


As he closes his eyes.

FLASHBACK TO:​

EXT. FLASHBACK SCENE HERE - TIME

Etc etc.

BACK TO SCENE:​

He suddenly opens his eyes with a start etc etc etc.....



Is this acceptable?

Also, Montages and Series of Shots'. What exactly is the difference? Is it ok to mix them in a screenplay, or should one use just one and not the other?

Many thanks,

Martin
 
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