Hi All,
Previously my latest thriller/horror screenplay was layered with flashbacks from different time periods throughout, and from different people/perspectives.
However, I now find that following feedback, I need to cut down the flashbacks and bring most of it to real-time with not so many cuts to enhance emotional attachment etc.
So now I plan to have an 18 page backstory (1960s) at the start of the screenplay, instead of being layered throughout. Then going to present day around pg.20 (with a final short revealing flashback later in the script).
Is this far too long for a backstory? Is there some sort of rule that prohibits this? (for example flash backs normally start from someone telling a story, or remembering something).
I have been thinking for days how the main characters could actively reveal the back story, but this is the best I could come up with...
The exorcist does a similar thing, with the archaeology dig of the cursed artifact at the beginning, although mine would involve more dialogue and character arcs etc...
I know this isn't the clearest of queries, but any pointers are greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Joe
Previously my latest thriller/horror screenplay was layered with flashbacks from different time periods throughout, and from different people/perspectives.
However, I now find that following feedback, I need to cut down the flashbacks and bring most of it to real-time with not so many cuts to enhance emotional attachment etc.
So now I plan to have an 18 page backstory (1960s) at the start of the screenplay, instead of being layered throughout. Then going to present day around pg.20 (with a final short revealing flashback later in the script).
Is this far too long for a backstory? Is there some sort of rule that prohibits this? (for example flash backs normally start from someone telling a story, or remembering something).
I have been thinking for days how the main characters could actively reveal the back story, but this is the best I could come up with...
The exorcist does a similar thing, with the archaeology dig of the cursed artifact at the beginning, although mine would involve more dialogue and character arcs etc...
I know this isn't the clearest of queries, but any pointers are greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Joe