Remote Video Production 101: What is B-roll and why do I need it?

B-roll…it never really seems important, right? Wrong. For those who are unaware of its usefulness, or those who find themselves asking “what is b-roll?”...well, it’s your saving grace. The Han Solo to your Luke Skywalker, the Samwise to your Frodo, an often overlooked asset that can elevate your videos to be more engaging and entertaining. It’s an energy-shifter that should be treated as vital as the “a-roll” itself. 

Avoiding any swanky language, b-roll can directly be defined as the extra footage one captures that is separate from the main focus of your shoot. It’s your establishing shots, your close-ups, your cutaways, and any other shot that may only be used for a few seconds within your video. It may sound simple enough, but it should never be treated as a side project. It is essential.

There is no specific template or system to conducting B-roll, as it can be a number of things. Stock footage you find online, videos pertaining to the subject matter, quick shots you take around the set, or even photographs can be included as b-roll in whatever capacity you choose. There are many examples you can find online, but for now, it’s best to explore why b-roll is crucial to your production. 

Let’s say you’re filming an interview… Your subject matter is the most interestingly charming person and their responses are remarkable. Then that’s all you need, right? No, because no matter how compelling your subject is, audiences will eventually become bored. They want to be intrigued while listening to information, and not subjected to a lecture-esq situation. Use stimulating b-roll to compliment your soundbites and strengthen your imagery. There needs to be variety in your shots, and b-roll is a great way to mix up the tempo and keep your viewers engaged. 

Along with improving your video’s pacing, b-roll is a perfect way to provide visual context to what you are seeing on camera. If someone talks about a location, using b-roll to show that location allows the viewer to develop a stronger connection and put a “face to a name” of sorts. More importantly, it’ll help the viewer understand the topic further and hopefully allow them to collect the information easier through these additional visuals.

B-roll not only enhances your video dynamically, it can oftentimes save you in the editing process. Think of b-roll as the band aid that keeps your cuts together. Sometimes your subject will mumble, stumble, or speak about things that are irrelevant, or there could be a lull in between questions. B-roll allows you to edit around those hiccups to provide a seamless viewing.

Of course, b-roll can vary far and wide on the different types. Not to mention, the different camera moves & angles that can be implemented to make entire, visual b-roll sequences. Without understanding its significance and how to properly incorporate it, b-roll is commonly viewed as an afterthought. By adding context to ideas, ensuring your video’s appeal remains intact, and saving what would otherwise be a cluttered edit, b-roll can transform your bland-soup of a project into a hearty jambalaya.