# Scene concepts: the realistic target look

These are AI-generated example frames (`python3 tools/scene_concepts.py generate --group scene`,
`openai/gpt-5-image-mini`, 1280×720) for the realism pass. They are art direction, not
assets. `tools/scene_concepts.py realism` pairs them with the in-game shots from
`src/test/capture_realism.gd` (see `SHOTS` in the tool). New generations never overwrite a
file here; they are saved as `<name>-vN.png`.

| Concept | Visual targets it sets |
| --- | --- |
| `hollywood_entrance_morning` | warm low sun, long soft shadows, brick with visible mortar and wear, stone plinth, potted topiary, haze that fades the far street to beige |
| `hollywood_entrance_golden_hour` | strong back light and rim light on people, marquee bulbs reading even in daylight |
| `hollywood_entrance_rain_night` | dark scene lit by practical lights only (marquee, sodium lamps), wet glossy ground with reflections, fog |
| `boulevard_skyline_day` | deep layered skyline with real towers and haze, palms lining the road, red curb paint, believable asphalt |
| `boulevard_skyline_dusk` | purple/orange gradient sky, neon signs, lit windows, car light trails |
| `joke_shop_alley_evening` | narrow brick alley, one warm wall lantern as key light, deep shadows, people in dark jackets |
| `joke_shop_door_closeup` | close material detail: brick, mortar, aged wood door, brass |
| `studio_stage_door_night` | granite facade, a bright bulb canopy as the main light, a glossy black car, stanchions and a barrier |
| `sidewalk_material_closeup` | paver joints, stains, granite curb, aggregate asphalt and a tree grate at grazing light |
| `entrance_steps_podium` | granite steps, handrails, glass doors, the check-in podium |
| `crowd_barrier_line` | steel barriers, a red carpet, a crowd with depth-of-field haze |
| `responder_arrival_wide` | fire engine, turnout gear, red/blue light spill on wet pavement |

Cross-cutting targets, for comparison with the 2026-11-01 captures in
`docs/screens/realism/2026-11-01-v2/sheet.jpg`:

- **Exposure.** The concepts keep the ground mid-grey. The game's sidewalk is close to white,
  so it is overexposed.
- **Night means dark.** The night/dusk concepts are lit by practical lights. The game's
  "Evening" phase is a bright pink-orange frame.
- **Depth.** The concepts show a layered skyline fading into haze. The new v2 skyline strips
  supply this; the old box skyline did not.
- **Geometry and foliage.** The facades have plinths, cornices and deep window reveals, and the
  trees and shrubs are organic. The game uses flat walls and blob trees.