Formatting a flash-forward in a screenplay involves clearly indicating a jump forward in time from the current narrative present. The key is to make the time shift and the return to the present day immediately obvious to the reader.
Standard Flash-Forward Formatting
Generally, you can format a flash-forward using a clear indicator within a scene heading or as a separate heading before the action.
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Using a Slugline: The most common method is to modify the scene heading (slugline) to explicitly state the time jump.
- Include the location (INT./EXT.) followed by the specific location.
- Add "FLASH FORWARD:" or the specific future date/time.
Example:
INT. LIVING ROOM - FLASH FORWARD: 5 YEARS LATER Mary stands alone in the empty room. Dust motes dance in the sunlight. OR INT. PARK - MAY 2035 Kids are playing on equipment that didn't exist in 2025. John watches them. -
Using a Dedicated Heading: Some writers use a separate, centered, and underlined heading before the scene action to signal the flash-forward.
Example:
<u>FLASH FORWARD - 5 YEARS LATER</u> INT. LIVING ROOM Mary stands alone in the empty room. Dust motes dance in the sunlight.
Incorporating Reference Information
Based on the provided reference, formatting can also involve using a "Sequence" to encapsulate the flash-forward and ensuring a clear return to the present, often with "montage-like announcements."
Using a Sequence for Flash-Forward
The reference suggests using a "Sequence" heading. This can frame the entire flash-forward passage, especially if it's a series of quick shots or moments rather than a single continuous scene.
- Start the flash-forward block with a "SEQUENCE." heading (often centered and underlined, or just capitalized and underlined).
- Describe the future events within this sequence block.
Example:
<u>SEQUENCE - FLASH FORWARD: 10 YEARS LATER</u>
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Sarah, now older, sits at a large desk, looking tired.
EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT
A younger man, unfamiliar, walks purposefully down the street.
INT. APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY
A child plays with a toy on the floor. A woman, her back to us, watches.
<u>END SEQUENCE</u>Using "SEQUENCE" can effectively group related future visions.
Returning to the Present
The reference emphasizes that returning to the present must be "visibly clear to the reader." It highlights that "montage-like announcements are most common and easily understood."
This means you need a strong signal when you transition back to the story's original timeline.
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Explicit Slugline: The clearest way is often a slugline indicating the return and the current time.
Example:
... [End of flash-forward action] INT. DINER - PRESENT DAY John blinks, back in the diner. The waitress sets his coffee down. -
Montage-like Announcements (Text on Screen): As suggested by the reference, you can use parentheticals or action lines to indicate text that would appear on screen, similar to announcements in a montage.
Example:
... [End of flash-forward action] (ON SCREEN: RETURN TO PRESENT DAY) INT. DINER - DAY John blinks, back in the diner. The waitress sets his coffee down. OR The future image FADES OUT. On screen: PRESENT DAY INT. DINER - DAY John blinks, back in the diner. The waitress sets his coffee down.This use of explicit text ensures the reader immediately understands the shift back to the narrative's starting point.
Key Takeaways for Formatting Flash-Forwards
- Always make the time jump crystal clear in the formatting.
- Use modified sluglines (e.g., FLASH FORWARD, specific future date/time).
- Consider using a "SEQUENCE" heading if the flash-forward involves multiple quick scenes or a montage of future events, as suggested by the reference.
- Ensure the return to the present is equally clear, using explicit sluglines or "montage-like announcements" (text on screen) for easy understanding, aligning with the reference's guidance.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively format flash-forwards that are easy for readers to follow and understand within the flow of your screenplay.
