Back story: 1. History of something; events which took place before, usually necessary to explain action in a film. 2. Often deceitful attempt to suggest provenance for a product where there is none; fanciful guff trumped up by marketing department along the lines of “forged in the crucible of time”, “lovingly handpicked by Masai virgins”, or “individually blessed by the pope”. (see Authenticity; Provenance)