behind the scenes
Out of view
Behind the scenes refers to what happens out of public view, especially the private workings that support a public performance or presentation.
In theater and film, it literally means the backstage area where preparations occur away from the audience.
More broadly, it describes any activity conducted privately or secretly: Behind the scenes, executives were negotiating a merger.
As an adjective (usually hyphenated), it modifies nouns: behind-the-scenes footage, behind-the-scenes drama.
Theater's hidden area
- crewWorking team aboard
- stagehandsBackstage technical workers
- techniciansSkilled equipment handlers
- unsungNot praised or honored
offstage · unseen · unnoticed · underappreciated · support · roadies · grips · runners
Meant to stay secret
- classifiedRestricted from disclosure
- privateRestricted to certain parties
- covertIntentionally concealed
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
discreet · hush-hush · off-the-record · undisclosed · backroom · insider · privileged · restricted
Pre-performance practice session
- planningArranging for future events
- setupHow something is arranged
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- stagingPreparing for presentation
choreography · scripting · drafting · logistics · scheduling · organization · arrangement · programming
backstage
Theater's hidden area
- crewWorking team aboard
- stagehandsBackstage technical workers
- techniciansSkilled equipment handlers
unsung · offstage · unseen · unnoticed · underappreciated · support · roadies · grips · runners · production team
confidential
Meant to stay secret
- classifiedRestricted from disclosure
- privateRestricted to certain parties
- covertIntentionally concealed
clandestine · discreet · hush-hush · off-the-record · undisclosed · backroom · insider · privileged · restricted · sensitive
rehearsal
Pre-performance practice session
- planningArranging for future events
- setupHow something is arranged
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
staging · choreography · scripting · drafting · logistics · scheduling · organization · arrangement · programming · preproduction
- filmmovies, film, filmmaking, cinematography, film editing
- videovideo, AVI, clip, footage, film
- videosvideos, clip, clips, video clip, films
- secrecysecrecy, secret, secrets, confidential, classified
- DVD stuffbox sets, collector editions, special editions, extended editions, anniversary editions
- Instagram contentselfies, food photos
behind the scenesin the spotlight
Receiving public attention
front and center · in the limelight · publicly · visibly · in full view
behind the scenescenter stage
Position of maximum attention
onstage · in the spotlight · front and center · in the limelight · on camera
behind the scenesin the open
Visible, not concealed
transparently · on the record · aboveboard · out in the open · in plain view
scene, behind, scenery, scenic, scenes, scene-stealer, scenically, sceneries, behind-the-scenes