off-camera

American  

[awf-kam-er-uh, -kam-ruh, of-] / ˈɔfˈkæm ər ə, -ˈkæm rə, ˈɒf- /

adjective

1. occurring as part of a film or program but outside the range of the motion-picture or television camera.

   the off-camera shouts of a mob.

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adverb

1. out of the range of a motion-picture or television camera.

   The star walked off-camera at the end of his monologue.

2. (of an actor) in one's private rather than professional life.

   Off-camera the movie star liked to cook.

Etymology

Origin of off-camera

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

It was a reach—“I’m never mad,” Manley said—so he asked Chalamet to berate him off-camera to get worked up for a red-faced confrontation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

The actor enjoyed delivering the line so much he kept doing so with gusto even during every off-camera take when Reiner was shooting Cruise's character's reaction.

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2025

Meanwhile, the audience has perched between seasons, with little indication of whether the show will sufficiently account for its young stars’ off-camera maturation within the story once it returns.

From Salon • Nov. 24, 2025

With the production company, Parker and Benson have made a concerted effort to hire more women for on- and off-camera roles, exceeding standard mandates with “Divorce.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

Tony owes his success not only to his good looks and his acting ability, but also to his likable off-camera personality.

From 100 New Yorkers of the 1970s by Millard, Max