Show-stopping b-roll needs these 7 Vital steps.
Whether you’re crafting your first marketing video or looking to spice up your existing content, stunning B-roll footage is your secret weapon. It not only enriches your storytelling but also keeps your viewers glued to the screen.
Let’s dive into the seven vital steps you need to follow to create show-stopping B-roll that totally enhances your video content.
1. Plan Your Shots
Step one is all about planning. Before you even pick up a camera, think about the story you want to tell. What additional footage could complement your main narrative? Sketch out a shot list that includes various types of B-roll you might need, like shots of your workspace, product close-ups, or the bustling environment in which you operate.
For instance if I were planning B-roll for a someone works in the beauty industry I might include these things:
- A person walking into the clinic, from behind and with someone who works at the clinic greeting them.
- A branded mug being placed on to industry magazines.
- Close up of hands doing a treatment
- Beauty products sliding across a table, all different colours
- Someone scrolling on a phone – the phone is showing how to book an appointment.
2. Invest in Good Equipment
Good quality doesn’t always mean high cost, but investing in the right equipment can make a huge difference.
Consider a reliable camera and a stabiliser like a gimbal or tripod to help you capture smooth, professional-looking footage. Good lighting and proper microphones are also key for those shots where ambient sound adds value.
If you don’t want to mess around with extra equipment for lighting, make sure you do the videos when it’s light outside (to avoid that horrible orangey glow from artificial lighting).
3. Keep It Diverse
Vary your shots by using different angles, distances, and compositions. Mix up static shots with dynamic ones where you move about. This diversity not only adds interest but also gives you more options when it’s time to edit.
Try to get into the habit of shoot one thing from several different angles.
- From above
- From below
- On the same level
- From a distance
- Up close
4. Capture More Than You Need
When it comes to B-roll, more is more. Shoot more footage than you think you’ll need. This gives you flexibility during the editing phase, allowing you to choose the best clips that enhance your storytelling. Remember, it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!
When I first started doing more b-roll last year I stupidly thought that 5 second videos would be fine… but they’re not. It’s often just not enough video to work with, especially if you want to tie in music or have something happen to a beat. I now take 10-20 second videos.
5. Focus on Quality
Every shot should be intentional and high-quality. Pay attention to lighting, focus, and stability. High-quality B-roll can elevate the perceived quality of your entire video, so don’t skimp on the details.
Even if you’re using your phone, there’s no excuse for blurry or badly lit videos if you just take a bit of time to work out how you want the video to look.
6. Edit Thoughtfully
When it comes time to editing, be thoughtful about how you edit them. Do you really need to add a filter? Perhaps all you really need is to use Capcut and increase the exposure (make it brighter), add a bit of contrast (this makes the blacks blacker and adds definition to objects) and maybe just add a little bit of sharpening.
7. Maintain Consistency
Ensure your B-roll matches the style and tone of your primary footage – on my Instagram I tend to go with darker moodier videos .
Consistent colour grading (that’s the fancy term for editing the look/exposure of a video), similar angles, and complementary scenes all help create a cohesive look that enhances your brand’s identity and message.
Your Next Big Step
Creating compelling B-roll isn’t just about having fancy equipment or cinematic skills; it’s about enhancing the story you want to tell about your business.
Are you ready to take your content to the next level? Join my Content Club where every quarter you get Brand Videos and Brand photos . Join now and let’s make every second of your video count!
And when you’re ready, here are three other ways that I can help you:
1) Visit my blog for tips on VISIBILITY.
Every week I discuss strategies to improve your visibility, get over your fear of visibility and my latest shoots. Read more on the blog
2) Plan a bespoke photoshoot.
We can plan a shoot based on what you actually need (read all about it) or you could join me at a Branding Day Photoshoot.
3) Join ‘Visibility School’.
Visibility school is a membership group where you get 12 months of photoshoots, a fab little Facebook group and lots of bonus content too (new for 2024 members) . Read about Visibility School
