Why B-roll matters
A single talking-head shot can quickly feel static. B-roll adds rhythm, illustrates abstract ideas and lets you cut without the cut being obvious. It’s also the backbone of faceless content: the voiceover carries the message, the B-roll carries the picture.
How to use B-roll in short-form video
- List your supporting shots while you script, sequence by sequence.
- Shoot more B-roll than you need: a few extra seconds per shot.
- Pick shots that add information, not just decoration.
- Example: for a finance video on forgotten subscriptions, film your statement screen (data blurred), your finger hitting cancel, your morning coffee.
Common B-roll mistakes
- Using shots unrelated to what’s being said.
- Holding shots too long and breaking the rhythm.
- Using footage you don’t have the rights to.
In Flowers
From your script, Flowers prepares a shot list that separates main shots from supporting shots. You know what’s left to film before you start shooting.