In Post: Interesting Flashback

[Keela Candler]

My short film was shot with video. The present day shots will be in black and white(don't ask why, that's how I want it). There are three flashbacks and at the moment, I have them in color. What I want to do is create an interesting look, like perhaps washing it out or heavy saturation. I want it to really stand out as it goes back to a better time in the lead's life. Any HELPFUL suggestions are welcome. I am editing with Final Cut Express, if this helps.

[Gordon Highland]

There are lots of treatments you could do. The best effects for flashbacks in my opinion emulate memory by removing details in some way. Give the edge of the frame a soft white vignette with a mask. Crank the levels and the contrast. Tint it (with or without taking it to B&W first). Use time-based effects to simulate a slow shutter or lower frame rate. Time remap. Use animated masks to blur everything but the subject. Or any combination of these things; just experiment and see what you like, then be consistent with each flashback sequence.

 

I just reread your post and it said this was supposed to be a "better" time. With that in mind, I'd probably keep it in color, duplicate the layer on top of itself, blur one layer a little and experiment with changing the Composite Mode (gives you a diffused look) and opacity. You could also offset one of those layers by several frames in time for a trippy look. Try desaturating everything but the reds (or other color) with the Color Correct filter's Limit feature by eyedroppering a skin tone and inverting it with the Saturation pulled back maybe halfway (you'll probably have to widen the initial selection). A subtle recurring music theme will do wonders too.