Flashbacks: are they really frowned upon, or okay to use?

by Matt Misetich (General Manager)
March, 2009

As this question has been asked recently. . . .

Why in so many screenwriting and filmmaking books are flashbacks looked down upon?

The reason why emerging writers are strongly discouraged from using flashbacks in their work is that many use this device as a kind of quick fix for plot/character holes.  Rather than finding a subtle way to reveal story information, the writer simply resorts to a flashback scene.  As a result, the scene tends to seem out of the blue and inorganic.

While many great scripts and films incorporate flashbacks, the thing to remember is that it's actually very difficult to include flashbacks in a way that doesn't feel contrived.

Before including a flashback in a script, consider whether there is another way to convey this information. If so, do it. Keep the reader/viewer in the here and now of the story.  Only use flashbacks if essential and if they fit with the overall tone of the story.