scene-setting
Creating the backdrop
Scene-setting establishes context, background, or atmosphere before the main action begins.
A novelist's opening paragraphs do scene-setting; so does a manager explaining circumstances before announcing a decision.
As an adjective, it describes preliminary material: a scene-setting chapter, scene-setting remarks at the start of the meeting.
Systematic explanatory presentation
- establishing shotOpening scene showing location
- openingGap or start
- prologueIntroductory literary section
- introductionPreliminary section or presentation
backdrop · atmosphere · context · preamble · setup · framing · world-building · mood
Impeding forward progress
- stagingPreparing for presentation
- propsTheater accessories or praise
- backdropRear stage scenery
- lightingArt of illuminating spaces
set design · wings · flats · cyclorama · backdrops · production design · tableau · set pieces
Opening scene showing location
- location scoutingFinding places to film
- production designCreating a film's visual environment
- art directionManaging visual style choices
- cinematographyMotion picture visual craft
wide shot · opening sequence · visual storytelling · mise-en-scène · set decoration · atmosphere · lighting design · framing
Foundational preparation for something
- preparationArranging things in advance
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- backgroundOne's formative experiences
- preamblePreliminary statement before content
preliminaries · orientation · briefing · preface · setup · framing · positioning · situating
exposition
Systematic explanatory presentation
- establishing shotOpening scene showing location
- openingGap or start
- prologueIntroductory literary section
introduction · backdrop · atmosphere · context · preamble · setup · framing · world-building · mood · tone
blocking
Impeding forward progress
lighting · set design · wings · flats · cyclorama · backdrops · production design · tableau · set pieces · stage direction
establishing shot
Opening scene showing location
- location scoutingFinding places to film
- production designCreating a film's visual environment
- art directionManaging visual style choices
cinematography · wide shot · opening sequence · visual storytelling · mise-en-scène · set decoration · atmosphere · lighting design · framing · composition
groundwork
Foundational preparation for something
- preparationArranging things in advance
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- backgroundOne's formative experiences
preamble · preliminaries · orientation · briefing · preface · setup · framing · positioning · situating · priming
- descriptionsdescription, character sketch, portrait, profile, summary
- descriptive languagedescriptive writing, vivid language, vivid detail, sensory language, sensory detail
- literary journalismcreative nonfiction, longform, gonzo journalism, narrative nonfiction, Tom Wolfe
scene-settingclimax
Point of greatest intensity
rising action · payoff · dramatic action · plot development · turning point
scene-settingconclusion
End or deduction
resolution · denouement · ending · finale · wrap-up
scene-settinggetting to the point
Stating the essence plainly
cutting to the chase · main point · crux · directness · substance
scene, setting, scenes, setter, setters, settings, scenic, scenery, scenically