B-roll: the secret to professional-looking videos
B-roll is supporting footage that brings a story to life. Learn what to shoot, how much and how to use it in editing.
Photo by Gilbert Ng on Unsplash
A-roll is the main footage, such as an interview. B-roll is everything that supports it: hands at work, the location, details and action.
Why b-roll matters
It hides cuts in interviews, shows what the speaker describes, adds visual variety and sets the mood.
What to shoot
- Establishing shots of the location
- Wide, medium and close-ups of activities
- Details: hands, tools, textures, products
- People reacting and interacting
- Slow motion moments
- Transitions: doors opening, walking past camera
Shoot more than you need
Aim for three to five times more b-roll than you think you will use. Each clip should be at least 10 seconds long.
Movement
Mix static shots with slow pushes, slides and pans. Hold the start and end of each move for a few seconds.
Match the story
For a hacienda hotel video, b-roll might include morning light in arches, a waiter setting a table, a guest in the pool and close-ups of local crafts.
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