What is B-Roll?
When asked "What is B-roll?", GPT-3.5 generated:
"B-roll refers to supplemental footage that is used in video production to visually enhance the main content or narrative. It's the additional footage that accompanies the primary shots (A-roll) and helps provide context, illustrate points, and add visual interest to the video.
In the context of a documentary or educational video, B-roll can serve various purposes:
• Visual Context: B-roll can provide context by showing scenes, locations, or visuals that are relevant to the subject being discussed. For instance, if the documentary is about a historical event, B-roll might include shots of the event's location.
• Illustration: B-roll can visually illustrate what the narrator or interviewee is discussing. If someone is talking about a scientific concept, B-roll might show images or footage related to that concept.
• Transitions: B-roll can be used to smooth transitions between different segments or topics in the video. It can act as a bridge between scenes.
• Engagement: B-roll helps keep the viewer engaged by adding visual variety and breaking up the monotony of watching talking heads.
• Emotional Impact: B-roll can evoke emotions or create a mood that complements the narrative. For instance, in a documentary about environmental issues, footage of natural landscapes can evoke a sense of awe and concern.
• Demonstration: B-roll can demonstrate actions, processes, or techniques being discussed. For example, if a documentary explains how a particular craft is done, B-roll might show someone performing the craft.
When creating B-roll for educational videos or documentaries, it's important to ensure that the footage is relevant, high-quality, and adds value to the viewer's understanding. As an instructional designer, you can leverage B-roll strategically to enhance the learning experience and engage your audience effectively.
Project Considerations
Submit a collection of B-roll video material. Your collection should include a combination of original video captures, external videos you found in your research, still images, and audio. Your collection should include several minutes of content spanning multiple subjects and sub-topics. (For example: Don't just submit three videos of a sunrise. That would comprise just one piece of the collection that you submit).
Resources
What is B Roll? (Storyninetyfour Video Production Blog)
LinkedIn Learning: Camera Moves in Unscripted b-roll (other camera moves and filming tips in the associated LinkedIn Learning course)
More from Adobe
Film a Video Interview to Tell a Nuanced Story with b-roll (Instructions, student samples, links to resources and examples)
What is B-roll footage and why is it important? (Premiere Pro Tips Included)