What Is B-Roll & Why It’s Called That (and what’s the opposite?)


If you’ve ever watched a news story, documentary, or promotional video, you’ve seen B-roll—even if you didn’t know it had a name. B-roll is the supporting video footage that plays while a voiceover, interview, or narration is happening. It helps visually tell the story, adds context, and keeps the viewer engaged.

But why is it called B-roll? And what’s the opposite of it? Let’s break it down.What Is B-Roll? Why It’s Called That (and What the Opposite Is)

The Origin of the Term “B-Roll”

The term “B-roll” dates back to the days of film editing. In traditional editing rooms, editors would work with two rolls of film:

  • A-roll: The main footage—usually the interviews, talking heads, or primary scenes.
  • B-roll: Supplemental footage—shots that could be cut in to cover edits, add variety, or illustrate what’s being talked about.

The B-roll literally came from the “B” roll of film used alongside the main “A” roll. Over time, the term stuck, even in our digital era.

What’s the Opposite of B-Roll?

The opposite of B-roll is A-roll—your main footage. In a news segment, the A-roll might be the anchor speaking on camera or an interviewee telling their story. The B-roll would be shots of the location, related activities, or other visuals that support what’s being said.

Think of A-roll as the core message and B-roll as the visual reinforcement that makes the message richer and more compelling.

Why B-Roll Matters in Modern Video Production

High-quality B-roll can:

  • Make your video more visually engaging.
  • Cover jump cuts for smoother edits.
  • Provide context and detail for the story.
  • Increase the chances of your footage being picked up by media outlets.

Without strong B-roll, even the best interviews or scripts can feel flat.

How F&L Media Can Help with B-Roll Packages

At F&L Media, we understand that sometimes news crews simply can’t attend your event—whether due to scheduling conflicts, travel distance, or breaking news elsewhere. That’s where we step in.

We can produce professional B-roll packages that include:

  • Crisp, well-framed shots that tell your story visually.
  • Relevant close-ups, wide shots, and action footage.
  • Audio clips or natural sound for added atmosphere.
  • Proper formatting and delivery for newsrooms.

Our B-roll packages are ready-to-use, making it easy for TV stations, online outlets, and social media teams to cover your story without physically being there.

Final Takeaway

B-roll may have started as the “second roll of film,” but in today’s fast-paced media world, it’s essential for telling complete, compelling stories. Whether you’re making a promotional video, pitching to a news outlet, or building social content, strong B-roll is the glue that holds the narrative together—and F&L Media can make sure yours stands out.

Need professional B-roll for your next event?
Contact F&L Media today and let us help you get your story seen—even when the media can’t make it in person.