B-Roll. It’s one of those terms that videographers and producers toss around, but it’s a term that anyone who picks up a camera should understand. (It's also quite simple!)
Ready for a quick history lesson?? The term “B-roll” originates from the method of 16 mm print production from an original camera negative. When an editor wanted to add an effect, the film had to be separated on two film rolls marked A and B. (A-roll and B-roll)
Now, zoom ahead a few generations, and we still use the term, but for digital video—something those early film guys could never have imagined!
The term "b-roll" is now used to mean additional video to cover narration, to illustrate what the speaker is talking about. If a reporter is describing the trade show floor, the “b-roll” would include wide shots of booths, and people walking the floor.
If you are planning to use video on your website, or your blog… be sure to include b-roll. Without it, you’re just a talking head. Not that there’s anything wrong with that… but it’s the pictures that tell the story.
Once you have the b-roll, be sure to write to it. Make sure the viewer knows what they’re seeing. An incredible journalist at the Poynter Institute once taught me that “When the eye and the ear compete… the eye wins”. If you don’t reference the video, the viewer will be lost, and will only see the pictures, they will no longer be able to focus on what you’re saying. The B-roll should emphasize what the narrator is saying, not distract from it.
B-roll, an old name, with a new purpose.
Great post Carrie! This is completely new to me, so I appreciate the education. With an ever increasing need for personal communication in a digital world, it's great to have tips like these to ensure a connection with our audience.
ReplyDeletegreat entry, Carrie! Love that it still works for non-commercial/digital work.
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