When a film story is being told, it is typically moving forward in time continuously and linearly, like real-life. However, a filmmaker might decide to interrupt the continuity to go back in time to give the audience information about the past and to give insight to a character’s thoughts. This technique is called a Flashback.

Sometimes filmmakers will use effects, like a soft filter, color filter, or speed effects to help build a contrast between the flashback scenes and the real-time scenes so the audience knows they are watching a flashback.

In the gif above, the editor uses a flashback to show us a memory of Cinder's kiss with Max at his party. The flashback has a slow motion style.

The opposite to the Flashback is the Flash Forward. Flash Forwards give the audience information about what happens in the future. Typically stories are told linearly, but we can be creative in filmmaking by breaking the rule of continuity and jumping forward in time.

Sometimes when this is done, the future is being told only to the audience, not the character. This method of discontinuity changes the audience’s journey because they might know something the main character doesn’t.

In the gif above, the editor takes us forward in time revealing what will happen before it happens.

Sometimes, the main character can see the future along with the audience, but the other characters do not see it. This method of discontinuity changes the audience's journey because they know a secret that only the main character knows about.

Filmmakers might use effects, like they would in Flashbacks, such as a soft filter, color filter, or speed effects, to give a contrast to the flash forward scenes and the real-time scenes and make sure those scenes stand out. Sound cues like sound effects and music also signal to the audience that they are watching a discontinuous scene.