Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered what is b-roll and how to shoot it, then this is the article for you. I’m going to show you three pro tips to shoot amazing b-roll: plan it, work smart, not hard, and maximize your time.
And at the end of this article, I'll share a pro tip for making B-roll videos with AI.
A Brief History: What is B-Roll?
Back in the old days, filmmakers used two separate rolls of film: one labeled A and one labeled B.
A-roll: The main story or subject.
B-roll: Everything you cut away to, bridging the gaps in your story.
B-roll serves several purposes:
Hiding mistakes or jump cuts in the A-roll.
Visually telling your story and enhancing it as a motif.
In documentaries, b-roll is often used as coverage to keep the audience engaged. In narrative films, it can serve a symbolic purpose, like in Spike Jonze’s film Her.
For example:
When the character explains how her consciousness is intangible, the filmmakers use a b-roll shot of dust clinging to a wall to symbolize her evolving state of being.
Tip 1: Plan It
To shoot b-roll effectively:
Figure out the what, when, and how ahead of time.
Use StudioBinder’s production software to organize your b-roll shots by:
Actors
Props
Camera movements
Tip 2: Work Smart, Not Hard
Professional films rarely shoot in chronological order, and neither should you.
Work with actors first: Their schedules are often tight, so prioritize shots involving them.
Save time: Shoot b-roll in your immediate surroundings.
Use downtime creatively: For example, use a lunch break to capture a time-lapse.
Tip 3: Maximize Your Time
Use cinematic techniques to make your b-roll shots stand out:
Shallow depth-of-field (e.g., f/1.4): Blurs distracting backgrounds for a cinematic look.
Slow motion (60–120 fps): Extends footage for dramatic effect.
Camera motion: Use a dolly or gimbal for smooth, dynamic shots.
Example: Dialogue and B-Roll Impact
Let’s say your script includes the line: “I buried her under that tree.” Depending on how you shoot the b-roll, the meaning changes:
Eerie tone: Use a low-angle dolly shot to emphasize tension and importance.
Peaceful tone: Use an eye-level wide-angle shot with a sun flare to convey serenity.
Both shots use the same equipment but evoke entirely different emotions with minor adjustments.
Use AI to Create B-roll videos in your Product Video Ads
If you are interested in making your videos more compelling with B-rolls but aren't sure if you got the time and the equipment to do it, consider using Creatify AI Avatars in your video ads, the Creatify AI Video Editor adds B roll to your clips automatically.
Conclusion
With upfront planning and efficient techniques, you can shoot meaningful b-roll without wasting time.
What are your favorite types of b-roll shots? How do you approach shooting them? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re planning to shoot b-roll, don’t forget to shot list your ideas
Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered what is b-roll and how to shoot it, then this is the article for you. I’m going to show you three pro tips to shoot amazing b-roll: plan it, work smart, not hard, and maximize your time.
And at the end of this article, I'll share a pro tip for making B-roll videos with AI.
A Brief History: What is B-Roll?
Back in the old days, filmmakers used two separate rolls of film: one labeled A and one labeled B.
A-roll: The main story or subject.
B-roll: Everything you cut away to, bridging the gaps in your story.
B-roll serves several purposes:
Hiding mistakes or jump cuts in the A-roll.
Visually telling your story and enhancing it as a motif.
In documentaries, b-roll is often used as coverage to keep the audience engaged. In narrative films, it can serve a symbolic purpose, like in Spike Jonze’s film Her.
For example:
When the character explains how her consciousness is intangible, the filmmakers use a b-roll shot of dust clinging to a wall to symbolize her evolving state of being.
Tip 1: Plan It
To shoot b-roll effectively:
Figure out the what, when, and how ahead of time.
Use StudioBinder’s production software to organize your b-roll shots by:
Actors
Props
Camera movements
Tip 2: Work Smart, Not Hard
Professional films rarely shoot in chronological order, and neither should you.
Work with actors first: Their schedules are often tight, so prioritize shots involving them.
Save time: Shoot b-roll in your immediate surroundings.
Use downtime creatively: For example, use a lunch break to capture a time-lapse.
Tip 3: Maximize Your Time
Use cinematic techniques to make your b-roll shots stand out:
Shallow depth-of-field (e.g., f/1.4): Blurs distracting backgrounds for a cinematic look.
Slow motion (60–120 fps): Extends footage for dramatic effect.
Camera motion: Use a dolly or gimbal for smooth, dynamic shots.
Example: Dialogue and B-Roll Impact
Let’s say your script includes the line: “I buried her under that tree.” Depending on how you shoot the b-roll, the meaning changes:
Eerie tone: Use a low-angle dolly shot to emphasize tension and importance.
Peaceful tone: Use an eye-level wide-angle shot with a sun flare to convey serenity.
Both shots use the same equipment but evoke entirely different emotions with minor adjustments.
Use AI to Create B-roll videos in your Product Video Ads
If you are interested in making your videos more compelling with B-rolls but aren't sure if you got the time and the equipment to do it, consider using Creatify AI Avatars in your video ads, the Creatify AI Video Editor adds B roll to your clips automatically.
Conclusion
With upfront planning and efficient techniques, you can shoot meaningful b-roll without wasting time.
What are your favorite types of b-roll shots? How do you approach shooting them? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re planning to shoot b-roll, don’t forget to shot list your ideas
Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered what is b-roll and how to shoot it, then this is the article for you. I’m going to show you three pro tips to shoot amazing b-roll: plan it, work smart, not hard, and maximize your time.
And at the end of this article, I'll share a pro tip for making B-roll videos with AI.
A Brief History: What is B-Roll?
Back in the old days, filmmakers used two separate rolls of film: one labeled A and one labeled B.
A-roll: The main story or subject.
B-roll: Everything you cut away to, bridging the gaps in your story.
B-roll serves several purposes:
Hiding mistakes or jump cuts in the A-roll.
Visually telling your story and enhancing it as a motif.
In documentaries, b-roll is often used as coverage to keep the audience engaged. In narrative films, it can serve a symbolic purpose, like in Spike Jonze’s film Her.
For example:
When the character explains how her consciousness is intangible, the filmmakers use a b-roll shot of dust clinging to a wall to symbolize her evolving state of being.
Tip 1: Plan It
To shoot b-roll effectively:
Figure out the what, when, and how ahead of time.
Use StudioBinder’s production software to organize your b-roll shots by:
Actors
Props
Camera movements
Tip 2: Work Smart, Not Hard
Professional films rarely shoot in chronological order, and neither should you.
Work with actors first: Their schedules are often tight, so prioritize shots involving them.
Save time: Shoot b-roll in your immediate surroundings.
Use downtime creatively: For example, use a lunch break to capture a time-lapse.
Tip 3: Maximize Your Time
Use cinematic techniques to make your b-roll shots stand out:
Shallow depth-of-field (e.g., f/1.4): Blurs distracting backgrounds for a cinematic look.
Slow motion (60–120 fps): Extends footage for dramatic effect.
Camera motion: Use a dolly or gimbal for smooth, dynamic shots.
Example: Dialogue and B-Roll Impact
Let’s say your script includes the line: “I buried her under that tree.” Depending on how you shoot the b-roll, the meaning changes:
Eerie tone: Use a low-angle dolly shot to emphasize tension and importance.
Peaceful tone: Use an eye-level wide-angle shot with a sun flare to convey serenity.
Both shots use the same equipment but evoke entirely different emotions with minor adjustments.
Use AI to Create B-roll videos in your Product Video Ads
If you are interested in making your videos more compelling with B-rolls but aren't sure if you got the time and the equipment to do it, consider using Creatify AI Avatars in your video ads, the Creatify AI Video Editor adds B roll to your clips automatically.
Conclusion
With upfront planning and efficient techniques, you can shoot meaningful b-roll without wasting time.
What are your favorite types of b-roll shots? How do you approach shooting them? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re planning to shoot b-roll, don’t forget to shot list your ideas