More Flashback - even weirder

[gruss]

Okay, here's a weird flashback dilemma. Suppose your FIRST flashback occurs after a series of illustrative scenes unrelated to the plot. (They're related to the story or the theme, but not the plot).

For example. Say the narrator explains something about hurricanes, VO, over hurricane footage. Complicate it futher by supposing that the hurricane VO was the climax of a sequence of VOs about tornadoes, earthquakes, etc. So far, no problem. However, then we cut to the hero in a hurricane. Technically, in terms of the plot, it's a flashback, but note that the immediate scenes previous were not PRESENT DAY.

Would you add FLASHBACK to the slug?

All else being equal, I'm inclined not to if the VO makes it clear that it's flashback, which it does. But here's the rub. In later temporal shifts between FLASHBACK and PRESENT DAY, the extra clarification in the slug would be useful.

Can I cheat, by leaving FLASHBACK off the first flashback (because it seems more confusing there than helpful, given the context), but still use PRESENT DAY and FLASHBACK later? And would it be confusing to the reader to have the first such SLUGLINE be PRESENT DAY, when there has already been a flashback?

Anyone taking the trouble to understand this and offer an opinion deserves some sort of prize.

[mavericks8181]

gruss,

Why isn't all of this story told in present day? It seems from your post that these flashbacks bog down the story.

[Deus Ex Machine]

You seem to have two very big problems with your story.

1) The POV is violated by your flashbacks. Without knowing when the opening scenes or weather are happening the audience will have no way of knowing a flashback has occurred, why is has occurred and whose memory we are seeing.

2) this section (bold added by me for emphasis)

Okay, here's a weird flashback dilemma. Suppose your FIRST flashback occurs after a series of illustrative scenes unrelated to the plot. (They're related to the story or the theme, but not the plot).

Everything should should be related to the plot, especially in the setup.

What ever format you chose is fine but format won't fix these problems.

[gruss]

I'm afraid I've muddled my question. I don't think the story problems posited actually exist, b/c:

1) the "illustrative scenes" do serve a plot purpose upon further examination. I think of them as being more thematic, but in fact they set the plot clock ticking...

2) the first flashback is not confusing to the reader because the time shift is made clear by the narration.

However, I'm still left with my question, since the first flashback follows a story element which is neither FLASHBACK nor PRESENT DAY.

[DUCPHO]

Addressing your "specific question" and taking into consideration the parameters you outlined I get it to be something like;

NARRATOR(V.O.)

Talking about the hurricane of 1498 with accompanying footage.

FLASHBACK

Your CHARACTER experiencing this hurricane.

I would end the FLASHBACK with BACK TO PRESENT if returning to scenes with continued NARRATOR (V.0.), if not, I would simply move onto next slug.

I don't think the fact that your initial scenes with accompanying NARRATION were not in (Real Present), they still would appear to be FLASHBACKS from the NARRATOR'S standpoint and I think writing it like that would clarify this otherwise potentially confusing sequence!

Just my own opinion. Best of luck!

[pantalone]

I wouldn't even bother saying FLASHBACK. I'd use one of those gimcracks with title cards, inserts whatever... and give a date. Then use one saying present day.

[altoption]

Give the reader an experience that's like viewing your film. Don't use FLASHBACK in slugs. No rule, just opinion. Force yourself to make the story work without, because that's exactly what your audience will have to do if this ever gets made. That may mean using SUPERS or TITLE CARDS, but even so, put visual cues in your description that lets the viewer understand what's going on without them.