What does B-Roll mean?
B-Roll refers to supplemental or alternative footage that is intercut with the main (or A-Roll) footage in a film or television production. B-Roll typically includes shots of scenery, close-ups, or action sequences that support the main narrative or provide context for the viewer. It’s often used in documentaries, news reports, and interviews to visually illustrate what is being discussed.
Example:In a documentary about wildlife, the main footage focuses on the interview with an expert, while B-Roll shows scenes of animals in their natural habitats.
Example: During a news segment, B-Roll footage of a factory is shown while the reporter discusses changes in manufacturing processes.
Did you know?
The term “B-Roll” originated in early film production when editors needed secondary footage to cut into the main film to cover imperfections or to add visual interest!
