A-Roll and B-Roll Video
This article explains the differences between A-Roll and B-Roll videos. Provides usage examples for each.
Why are they called A-Roll and B-Roll?
These terms derive back from the days of linear film editing when editors would use two identical footage rolls of film when creating transitions; an A-Roll and a B-Roll.
What is A-Roll video footage?
To further enhance a story begin told providing different angles of the narrator or main subject speaking. These are great for sales videos, gaming videos, interviews, news segments and talk shows.
What is B-Roll video footage?
Known as cutaway footage is supplemental videos. These are the videos that go along with the story being told. They provide enhancements to the voiceover. Examples of B-Roll videos would be things like:
- Drawing
- Faces
- Landmarks
- Location
- Painting
- People Playing
- Panoramas
- Tools
Doodles are all B-Roll. A-Roll videos can be placed in front of or integrated into a doodle by following our Intermediate Skill Level Doodly Tutorial #29: Rapidly Export Multiple Assets Insert a video into a doodle.
Other B-Roll Examples can be found on the Izzy’s video website: B-Roll Shot List
