Offscreen

Offscreen is the space that is not visible in the frame at a certain moment. However, it exists in the diegetic world of a narrative film.

Offscreen space becomes significant when the viewer’s attention is drawn to something in the diegesis that is not visible in the frame.

Examples include:

• Someone looking offscreen at someone else
• Light ray 
• Shadow entering the frame from offscreen
• Sound heard from offscreen

Offscreen space is often later revealed through camera movement and is commonly used for suspense in horror and thriller films.