It’s no secret that the world of video production is constantly changing. As new technologies arise, so must our strategies for creating content. With this in mind, we’ve found new ways to provide streamlined and efficient services to production companies. As a leading provider of virtual sets and green screens in the film industry, St Louis Video understands how vital effective communication with clients is to their business—and any other company’s business, for that matter. We know that choosing the right partner can be difficult and involve a lot of back and forth before coming to an agreement. That’s why we’re here to streamline the process for you as much as possible.

What is b-roll and what does it do?

B-roll is short footage shot at the same time as a longer video clip, usually using a camera with a different framing or visual style. B-roll is often used in news, reality television, documentaries, and filmmaking to provide visual information about a subject that cannot be captured with a close-up or wide-shot. B-roll can be helpful in a variety of situations, such as when you want to illustrate a concept visually but don’t have the right actors or equipment on hand. B-roll can also be used to illustrate the context of the main video clip. If you’re filming an interview, for example, b-roll can be used to illustrate the setting or give more information about the interviewee’s environment.

Why do you need B-roll?

There are a variety of reasons why you’d want to use B-roll in your video content. It can help your audience better understand what’s going on in the shot, it can add visual interest, and it can help you show a larger amount of content in less time. Let’s say, for example, that you’re filming a documentary about the rise of modern technology. If the documentary is mainly interviews, your audience might find it hard to follow the information being discussed. In this situation, B-roll can be used to illustrate concepts being discussed in the interviews.

What does a typical B-roll shoot look like?

In a typical B-roll shoot, you would have a photographer on hand with a camera styled to create a different look. This photographer would be shooting footage that you would then be able to splice into the longer video clip, adding a more visual style to your video content. A B-roll shoot can also involve filming subjects that are relevant to the video you’re creating, such as people walking in a busy city or computer parts being assembled.

When to use B-roll in your video content

B-roll is an effective technique for illustration, but it’s not something you should overdo. You should only use it when necessary. If you’re filming a one-on-one interview, for example, you don’t have to have a cityscape in the background. Similarly, if you’re filming an interview, you don’t have to have a close-up of the interviewer’s face. B-roll can be useful in these situations, but only if it’s absolutely necessary.

Final Words

Now that you know more about B-roll and what it can do for your video content, it’s time to start planning a shoot. Of course, you may still be wondering who you should hire to film your b-roll. Fortunately, thanks to the streamlined communication of St Louis Video, it’s easy to find a virtual set and green screen production company to work with. Just fill out our online form today to get started.

314-913-5626
Mike Haller
St Louis Video Producer
stlouisvideos@gmail.com