What is B-roll in video production?

B-roll refers to supplemental or alternative footage that is used in a video production to enhance the narrative. This type of footage often complements the primary content, which might include interviews or main action scenes (referred to as A-roll).

The key characteristic of B-roll is that it typically contains visual elements without dialogue. It serves to provide context, illustrate points, or add visual variety to the main narrative, making it an essential aspect of storytelling in video projects. By using B-roll, filmmakers can maintain audience engagement and support the information conveyed in the voiceover or main dialogue.

In contrast, audio for an interview is specifically tied to the spoken content, guidelines for lighting focus on technical aspects of production rather than the footage itself, and text overlays are used for providing subtitles or annotations, none of which directly define the purpose and nature of B-roll.