San Diego, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/20/2015 -- The screenplay flashback: that most controversial and oft-debated aspect of screenwriting. Though often derided as amateurish and cliche, screenplay flashbacks can an important tool for moving a story forward. (And expressing the vision of the screenwriter.)

But the big question is: what's the best way to execute a screenplay flashback? How do you know if a scene warrants writing a screenplay flashback?

In his new video, "How to Write a Screenplay Flashback," Michael Rogan of ScriptBully magazine shares some tips and tricks for screenwriting hoping to master the screenplay flashback.

"Most screenplay flashbacks royally suck," said Rogan. "There's just something inherently undramatic about them."

"I see them as sort of like fire extinguishers - only use in emergencies."

That being said, Rogan wrote his column because of the many screenplay flashback questions he had gotten over the years. "Try to take a movie flashback from a writer, and they'll fight you tooth and nail."

In the column, Rogan offers tips for "diguising" screenplay flashbacks. "You don't have to employ a screenplay flashback with those cheesy 'Scooby Doo' effects," said Rogan. "Instead, just try to use time in a fluid way, like 'Inception,' and you'll get more story bang for your buck."

But not matter how a screenwriter intends to use flashbacks, Rogan recommends screenwriters tread very carefully.

"Film industry folks laugh about the use of flashbacks in newbie's scripts," said Rogan. "Ya don't want to be water-cooler fodder."

"Unless of course that water-cooler talk leads to a sold screenplay."

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