What is B-roll footage? And, 4 reasons it’s so awesome for small business owners
What is B-roll
Adobe’s definition is that “B-roll describes all of the footage that isn’t the main action”.
Traditionally this means any film footage of scenery, shots from above, sweeps of scenery, close ups of minor movements, still moments of the actors. B-roll was recorded mainly to be used in between the bits of the mail A-roll to reduce the obvious inconsistencies, but it also helps to tell the story. Each small moment captured on B-roll is helpful to create the atmosphere and story in the film.
The concept of B-roll has changed a lot in the last few years, with the growing popularity of short-form videos on social media. B-roll for small businesses now feels like the supporting footage that compliments the main product or service on offer.
Imagine scattering short video clips in between graphics about your new coaching programme or showing your making process alongside images of items for sale.
Knowing many small businesses in my community may not fully understand the benefits of B-roll, I thought it would be super useful to put this blog together.
4 reasons why B-roll is so awesome for small businesses…
Reason 1 – B-roll is great for introverted business owners
Like most small business owners, I’m really camera shy, but for some reason filming timelapses while I work feels less daunting than having my photo taken.
There’s something relaxing about videoing yourself in the zone, doing what you do best, working on your small business.
It’s just a great way to show up as yourself, and share behind the scenes of your business.
Reason 2 – B-roll helps you to connect with your audience.
Customers love seeing the humans behind the brands, getting a glimpse of how products are made, or the processes involved in your services.
Sharing B-roll is a great way to build on this bond and connect with your audience by sharing your story.
Reason 3 – B-roll is simple to create
One of my favourite things about B-roll for small businesses is that you’re already doing the work…you just need to remember to video it!
When I’m editing client work, it’s so satisfying to pop my phone on a tripod beside me and click record.
This simple video can be easily shared as a reel, on insta stories, or on tiktok within minutes.
It doesn’t have to be polished, it just has to exist in order to be shared, and you’re doing the work already so why not video it!
Reason 4 – B-roll is easy to repurpose
Just because you’ve shared a video on your stories, doesn’t mean you can’t repurpose it.
Hannah at Hi Communications is a big believer in this!
If you have a video, why not experiment with the ways you can use it.
Short videos are so versatile…they’re great to use as a background for some text i.e. for some fun facts about you.
You could edit clips together, create a highlight reel of your month, share a day in the life video, or show the making process of a product from start to finish.
…the options are endless!!!
Your next steps for capturing B-roll for your business
Hopefully you’re now feeling up for filming some B- roll! You know what is it, what it does, why it’s awesome, and how it can help you promote your business.
Whether you’re planning on digging out your tripod and setting up your iPhone, or you want complete support and guidance from me, you’re about to have a whole lot of fun with video.
Interested in finding out more about how I can help you with your video.
Go check out my “Meet the Maker” and “I Video, You Edit” B-roll packages