(See how Stephanie Coulston and Christina Annabell of Derma Precision use A and B Roll in their brand videos below)

Many filmmaking and TV productions such as reality TV, news programs, documentaries and feature films mostly use two different types of footages to tell their stories which are A-Roll and B-Roll. But knowing difference between them is very useful. Not sure if A-Roll or B-Roll will be better to tell your brand story? Reach out and let’s connect so I can help you determine what is best to help your business grow!

(This is a portion of a full brand video that uses both A and B Roll)

A-Roll and B-Roll | KNOW-IT-ALL

In video production, A-Roll is the primary footage that focuses on the main subject. This could be an interview, someone explaining your business, or a direct message to your clients. A-Roll is the core of your video—it’s where the main story happens.

Main Content: A-roll is all about the interviews, direct address, talking head or the focus shot and sequence which outlines the storyline.

Focuses on People & Message: Usually the individuals smile, discuss, read, explain, or communicate, thus ensuring that the audience receives the brands message directly.

Tells the Story: A-roll is the primary story line and sets up a framework that the videographer uses to lead the viewer through the most relevant information in the video.

On the other hand, B-Roll is the supplementary footage that supports your A-Roll. This can include shots of your office, team members at work, or products being made. B-Roll adds depth and context to the video that give viewers a better understanding of what your brand is all about.

Supporting Footage: B-roll refers to extra shots that go well with the A-roll, the essence of the story or feature and could include shots of a place, an object, a person or event, among others.

Adds Depth and Visual Interest: It will sometimes be applied in order to supplement the primary story – so that the audience does not get bored looking at the same type of scenes over and over again.

Covers Edits: B-roll is the backup, as it covers over transitions in the A-roll or elaborates on what’s being discussed without having to physically jump to another scene.

How A-Roll Tells Your Story

(Just A-Roll of a Real Estate Consultant)

A-Roll is the backbone of your brand video because it directly communicates your message to the audience. Either you’re speaking to your clients, introducing a product, or explaining your services; it is where the heart of your story lies.

– Focuses on people and message: A-roll tells the story about key individuals such as its founder, its employees or its customers as they give their testimonial about the given brand.

– Creates an emotional connection: Through the process of direct narration to the audience or interviews A-roll make it easier to relate with the narrative.

– Tells the brand’s journey: A-roll communicates events, purpose, beliefs/ethics, and objectives of the brand through a storyline that easy to follow by the audience.

– Provides clarity and structure: It becomes working plot, which helps, its audience to get to the significant points, and thoughts, makes story rather tight and interesting.

– Makes the brand relatable: A-roll makes the story more personal and relatable which means that people can identify with your brand and Company.

When creating A-Roll footage, it’s important to focus on storytelling and it should be clear. Your video should address your audience’s needs and show how your explanation is a solution to their problems.

For example: Let’s imagine that you’re a small business owner, your A-Roll is you talking about the passion behind your brand and your goals that would be profitable for your clients.

How A-Roll is Valuable for Branding

A-roll can be effective for branding since it can deliver the brand’s message and narrate a story by including interviews, testimonials or storytelling. It improves storytelling by using context and framework to tell a story about your brand in the best way.

High quality A-roll also reflects professionalism and consistency to brand image which actually helps in creating consistency in all the platforms. To make the most of A-Roll footage make sure that it portrays your brand’s image and values.

Are you ready to tell your brand’s story using A-Roll? Let’s chat so we can determine how to best tell your brand’s story.