scenebackgrounds

Scenebackgrounds, also called scene backgrounds, are the visual elements shown behind the principal figures or objects in a composition, scene, or shot. They establish setting, time of day, mood, and context, and can be physical or digital. In theatre, film, television, and game design, scenebackgrounds are part of the broader discipline of production or scenic design.

In live theatre, backdrops are often painted drops or flats mounted on frames, with cycloramas or scrims providing curved or translucent back walls. In traditional scenic design, painters create perspective to suggest distance. In film, backdrops may be painted matte paintings or projections; rear projection and green screen allow backgrounds to be composite with live action. In modern production, digital backgrounds and CGI replace or augment physical elements, enabling dynamic parallax, weather effects, and multiple locales without set changes.

Choosing a scenebackground involves location accuracy, historical period, tonal palette, and lighting. It must integrate with foreground elements and be scalable for different shot sizes. Perspective, color, and texture help establish depth, while practical constraints—budget, space, and safety—shape what is feasible. Continuity across scenes is also important, especially in long shoots or theatre seasons.

Scenebackgrounds contribute to storytelling by implying space beyond the visible area, guiding audience focus, and supporting mood. They are curated by production designers in collaboration with directors, cinematographers, and visual effects supervisors.

See also: matte painting, cyclorama, scenic design, green screen, backdrops.