TV script questions

Deception said:

Hey all,

When writing an incident which happened in a previous episode, how is it best to write about this in a new episode?

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I think it would mostly depend on a few factors. If your starting the episode with a reference to a previous episode/incident; I would say something simple to get the point across that this episode is starting right where the previous episode left off.

I.E. - This episode starts where Episode # (Title) left off. We see character A standing there with his hand bleeding. Etc. Etc.

If the reference is picking up the storyline of a character anywhere within the episode (not the start); keep the same idea (short, simple, to the point) but use it kind of like a spring board for the new action.

I.E. - When we last saw Character A, This event happened and Character A is bleeding from the hand. Etc. Etc.

That's just how I would do it. If your actually working on a show though, I would ask the, or one of the, EP(s) how they want it done. I'm sure everybody has different preferences.

As for the flashback, I don't really know how to do it but I would guess that it's mostly in the Slugline. I would still write the scene like normal though.

I.E. - EXT. HOSPITAL. DAY. - FLASHBACK

Again, just keep it simple, clear, and to the point; but also make sure it is visible. So anyone reading it would know "Okay, this scene is a flashback." I would also say that you might need to go as far as to say when the Flashback ends, so it doesn't confuse people. With that you could probably do it as it's own slugline but why waste the space? I'd just do it as a final line of action for the scene.

I don't see why any of this is necessary. When it comes to a TV show most people involved will read all the scripts, so the majority of them know that this is a leftover from the previous episode. Make it clear in dialog if you have to.

The directors of the episodes would have to coordinate to have the whole continuity thing work out.

Quaig got it right about the flashback. It goes in the slug line.

Quaig's right. A simple flashback would do.