B-Roll
Definition
The term B-Roll is used to describe secondary footage used in a production. Often used to cover edits, add visual interest to a primary shot, or to establish or inform a scene’s location, b-roll is a fairly generic term that can be applied to any creative asset that might appear in your program in place of the primary shot for any duration. In the world of corporate video, B-roll can mean camera-based footage, motion graphics, screen capture, static images, or any number of other shots.
For example, if you’re watching an interview with a zookeeper, and see occasional shots of the animals being spoken about, the animal shots are b-roll.
Usage
“We’re just going to grab some quick b-roll as long as we’re here…”
Synonyms
Secondary Shots, Scenery, Alternate Clips
About Rewatchable’s Video Production Glossary
The world of video production is filled with confusing jargon. Our glossary is designed to help you make sense of the words you’ll hear production professionals use on a regular basis.