What to Include in B-Roll for Better Video Interviews: A Guide for Business and Organization Leaders

stlouisvideocrew ♦ November 22, 2024 ♦ Leave a comment

When planning a video interview, the footage of your interviewee is only part of the story. To create a more compelling and visually engaging video, including B-roll is essential. B-roll is supplementary footage that enhances your main narrative, providing context and depth to your interview while maintaining viewer interest. As a business or organization decision-maker, understanding how to incorporate effective B-roll into your video production can elevate the final product.

When integrating B-roll into your video interviews, it’s essential to edit it in a way that enhances the story without overwhelming the audience.

Why B-Roll Is Crucial for Video Interviews

In video interviews, B-roll helps convey the message and tone without relying solely on talking heads. It allows you to:

Provide Visual Context: B-roll shows viewers what the interviewee is talking about. For example, if they discuss a product, B-roll can showcase close-ups of the product in use, highlighting features that support their words.
Enhance Storytelling: The right B-roll can tell a story even when there are no words. It’s the visual language that complements the spoken content.
Keep Viewers Engaged: Continuous shots of a person talking can become monotonous, but adding dynamic B-roll keeps the viewer’s attention, making the video more engaging.
Add Professionalism and Polish: Well-integrated B-roll gives your video a more polished, professional feel, enhancing the overall production quality.

Types of B-Roll to Include

When deciding what to include in your B-roll, the key is to ensure it aligns with the message you want to convey and adds value to the interview.

Environmental B-Roll Capture the surroundings of your interview to set the scene. This could include shots of the office, workplace, or the location where the interview is happening. If your interview is about a product or service, include shots of people interacting with your product in a natural setting.
Product or Service Shots If the interview discusses your company’s products or services, B-roll footage of those items in action is crucial. This type of B-roll can include close-ups, product usage, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of how the product is made or serviced.
Action Shots Incorporate footage of your team or business in action. For example, shots of your employees working, interacting with clients, or participating in events can give the audience a more holistic view of your company’s culture and operations.
Process or Workflow Show any processes or workflows mentioned in the interview. This could include footage of production lines, office interactions, or customer service moments, helping the audience visualize how things are done within your company.
Emotional or Candid Shots If your interview is personal or motivational, consider including emotional B-roll that reflects the tone of the conversation. These candid moments often resonate more deeply with the audience.
Productivity or Success Metrics If your interview touches on key achievements or successes, use B-roll to display metrics, charts, or accomplishments. This can be done through overlay graphics or even shots of employees celebrating milestones.
Establishing Shots These are wide-angle shots of your office building, event venue, or any location where the interview is conducted. Establishing shots help ground the viewer in the physical space and provide context.
B-Roll of Interviewee in Action Filming the interviewee during the interview in more natural poses or interactions can bring authenticity to the video. You might also capture the interviewee walking, interacting with colleagues, or speaking with clients.

How to Capture the Best B-Roll

Capturing the right B-roll requires thoughtful planning. Here are a few tips to ensure your B-roll supports your interview:

Shoot More Than You Need: You can always cut extra footage, but it’s hard to add it later. Make sure to film enough diverse B-roll to cover all aspects of the interview.
Stay On-Brand: All B-roll should align with your brand’s image, message, and tone. Whether it’s formal, casual, creative, or technical, ensure that the visuals match the overall atmosphere of your interview.
Use Natural Light: Whenever possible, use natural light or well-placed artificial lighting to highlight key elements in your B-roll. Avoid harsh shadows or overly dark shots.
Consider Motion: Static shots can work, but moving B-roll, such as a pan or a tilt, adds more dynamism and keeps the visual flow interesting.

Editing B-Roll Into Your Interview

When integrating B-roll into your video interviews, it’s essential to edit it in a way that enhances the story without overwhelming the audience. The B-roll should flow seamlessly with the interview, acting as a visual guide for what the interviewee is describing.

Use B-roll to cover cuts or awkward pauses in the interview. If the interviewee mentions something significant, like the launch of a new product, insert a corresponding B-roll shot of that product. Make sure the transitions between interview footage and B-roll are smooth, creating a natural rhythm for the viewer.

How St. Louis Video Crew Can Help with Your B-Roll and Video Production Needs

At St. Louis Video Crew, we understand the importance of B-roll in creating a compelling video interview. As an experienced videography and photography team, we specialize in delivering high-quality productions that incorporate all the essential elements for a polished and engaging final product.

With years of experience, St. Louis Video Crew has perfected the art of capturing the right visuals to complement and enhance your interviews. Our creative team uses state-of-the-art equipment, including drones that can even fly indoors for unique aerial shots, ensuring your B-roll and main footage are captured from the perfect angles.

Our full-service video production includes both studio and location shoots, along with editing and post-production. We can create custom lighting setups, perfect for small productions or interview scenes, and accommodate props for added set design. Whether you need sound and camera operators or a specialized drone pilot, we have all the resources to make your production smooth and efficient.

Since 1982, St. Louis Video Crew has been serving businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area. We offer tailored video and photography services that can repurpose your existing footage to give your branding more traction. Our expertise in all file types, media styles, and software ensures a seamless production process, allowing you to focus on what matters most—getting your message out to the right audience.

With St. Louis Video Crew, your next video production will not only include compelling interviews but also the B-roll needed to tell a complete and visually captivating story. Reach out to us today to start planning your next production!

314-913-5626 stlouisvideocrew@gmail.com