offscreen

Offscreen is a term used in visual media and broadcasting to describe content, actions, or sounds that originate outside the visible frame of the shot. In film and television production, off-screen can indicate dialogue spoken by characters not currently in the camera's view, or effects and ambient sound that come from an unseen location. The term is distinct from on-screen, which refers to content visible within the frame. The concept is central to compositional storytelling, rhythm, and audience perception, allowing directors to imply presence beyond the frame and to shape space and narrative focus without additional cuts.

In addition to its general usage, Offscreen is also used as a title in various media. It has been adopted by independent magazines and publications focusing on design, technology, and culture, as well as by film and video projects. Each use employs the term to evoke content or influence that lies beyond the immediate visual field or outside the apparent scope of a work.

Notable applications of the term include its relevance to cinematography and sound design literature, as well as publication and project titles that foreground design critique, digital culture, or creative practice. The exact meaning of Offscreen in a given work depends on context, but the unifying idea remains content or influence that exists beyond the visible frame.