How can you enhance your news segments with b-roll footage?

B-roll footage is the extra video clips that you use to supplement your main story or interview in a news segment. It can help you create a more engaging and informative narrative, as well as cover up any awkward cuts or transitions. But how can you use b-roll footage effectively to enhance your news segments? Here are some tips and best practices to follow.

1 Choose relevant and diverse b-roll

The first step is to choose b-roll footage that matches your story and adds value to your message. You want to avoid using generic or irrelevant clips that distract or confuse your audience. For example, if you are reporting on a new policy, you can use b-roll footage of the people or places affected by it, or the events or actions related to it. You also want to use a variety of b-roll footage to keep your viewers interested and show different perspectives or angles. For example, you can use wide shots, close-ups, aerial shots, or timelapses to create contrast and depth.

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André Albuquerque

Art maker 📸🎥🎬🎭🕺🏾🎸🛹
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O b-roll é uma das técnicas mais antigas do audiovisual e ainda assim é uma das mais completas em todos os segmentos do filme. Na reportagem ela se torna fundamental pra dá ritmo e dinamismo na comunicação. Sempre tente fazer as cenas básicas do que representa a fala, mais também tente sair um pouco do obvío gravando cenas com mais emoções.

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Christine Akrey

Virtual Assistant - Corporate/Media/Events - Toronto
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B-roll footage is a fantastic tool for enhancing news segments. Here's how you can effectively incorporate it: Relevance: Ensure that your b-roll footage is directly related to the topic of your news segment. It should complement and reinforce the story you're telling. Visual storytelling: Use b-roll footage to visually illustrate key points or events mentioned in your segment. For example, if you're reporting on a fire, include footage of firefighters battling the blaze or of the affected area. Variety: Incorporate a variety of b-roll footage to keep the visuals engaging. This could include wide shots, close-ups, interviews, and action shots.

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2 Use b-roll to show, not tell

The second step is to use b-roll footage to show, not tell, your story. You want to use b-roll footage to illustrate or demonstrate what your interviewee or narrator is saying, rather than repeating or contradicting it. For example, if your interviewee is talking about the impact of a natural disaster, you can use b-roll footage of the damage or the rescue efforts, rather than showing their face the whole time. You also want to use b-roll footage to evoke emotions or reactions from your audience, rather than telling them how to feel. For example, if your story is about a social issue, you can use b-roll footage of the people or situations involved, rather than using text or graphics.

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Saquan Stimpson

ZUMAPress Contact Photojournalist
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Enhancing segments with b-roll footage significantly improve engagement and storytelling. By adding, VARIETY, Context, and relevant content.

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3 Use b-roll to create transitions and continuity

The third step is to use b-roll footage to create smooth transitions and continuity between your scenes or segments. You want to use b-roll footage to bridge the gaps or changes in your audio or video, such as when you switch from one interviewee to another, or from one location to another. For example, you can use b-roll footage of a related or common element, such as a sign, a logo, or a landmark, to connect your scenes or segments. You also want to use b-roll footage to maintain the flow and pace of your story, such as when you need to cut out or shorten some parts of your audio or video. For example, you can use b-roll footage of a relevant or interesting action, such as a gesture, a movement, or a reaction, to cover up your edits or jumps.

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Toni V.

Video Creator
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One of the best uses for b-roll is to hide jump cuts, which makes the viewing experience a lot better. You can also use it as an intuitive way to introduce a new person, for example by first showing b-roll of them doing something related to the news and then actually cutting to them talking about it.

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4 Use b-roll to enhance your style and quality

The fourth step is to use b-roll footage to enhance your style and quality of your news segment. You want to use b-roll footage that matches your tone and purpose of your story, such as whether it is serious, humorous, informative, or persuasive. For example, you can use b-roll footage that reflects your mood or attitude, such as bright or dark, fast or slow, or smooth or shaky. You also want to use b-roll footage that improves your technical and aesthetic aspects of your video, such as the lighting, the sound, the color, or the composition. For example, you can use b-roll footage that balances or complements your main footage, such as by adjusting the exposure, the volume, the saturation, or the framing.

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5 Use b-roll to add creativity and originality

The fifth step is to use b-roll footage to add creativity and originality to your news segment. You want to use b-roll footage that makes your story stand out and memorable, rather than boring or cliché. For example, you can use b-roll footage that surprises or challenges your audience, such as by using a twist, a contrast, or a metaphor. You also want to use b-roll footage that expresses your personality or voice, rather than copying or imitating others. For example, you can use b-roll footage that showcases your skills or passions, such as by using a special effect, a custom animation, or a personal touch.

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Toni V.

Video Creator
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While I somewhat agree with this, I must emphasise on the importance of respecting the format. If you are using b-roll for a news segment, the focus should be on informative b-roll rather than artistic b-roll. Prioritise shots that clearly show the subject matter rather than getting too creative with it. The main goal is to inform, and the best way to inform is by offering clarity.

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6 Use b-roll to optimize your time and resources

The sixth step is to use b-roll footage to optimize your time and resources for your news segment. You want to use b-roll footage that saves you time and money, rather than wasting or overspending them. For example, you can use b-roll footage that you already have or can easily access, rather than shooting or buying new ones. You also want to use b-roll footage that fits your format and platform, rather than having to resize or convert them. For example, you can use b-roll footage that matches your resolution and aspect ratio, rather than cropping or stretching them.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you enhance your news segments with b-roll footage?

1

2

3

4

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1 Choose relevant and diverse b-roll

2 Use b-roll to show, not tell

3 Use b-roll to create transitions and continuity

4 Use b-roll to enhance your style and quality

5 Use b-roll to add creativity and originality

6 Use b-roll to optimize your time and resources

7 Here’s what else to consider

Video Production

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How can you enhance your news segments with b-roll footage?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose relevant and diverse b-roll

2 Use b-roll to show, not tell

3 Use b-roll to create transitions and continuity

4 Use b-roll to enhance your style and quality

5 Use b-roll to add creativity and originality

6 Use b-roll to optimize your time and resources

7 Here’s what else to consider

Video Production

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