As a professional video interviewer, I know the impact that well-crafted visuals can have on an audience. Whether you’re looking to create engaging content for your brand or simply want to capture a compelling interview, B-roll footage can elevate your video to the next level. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about using B-roll footage in your video interviews, including the types of footage to consider, the benefits of using it, and tips for incorporating it seamlessly into your videos.
What is B-roll and how it enhances video interviews
B-roll footage refers to the supplementary footage used in a video, often used as a cutaway or to enhance the story being told. B-roll footage is usually used to support the primary footage or interviewee, providing a visual context that helps to tell the story. It can be used to break up long interviews, add context to a topic, or simply to add visual appeal to a video. In a video interview, B-roll footage can be used to illustrate the interviewee’s point, provide context for their story, or simply to add visual interest.
Types of B-roll footage to consider for video interviews
There are several types of B-roll footage to consider when creating video interviews. These include footage of the interviewee’s workplace or environment, footage of relevant objects or props, and footage of the interviewee engaging in an activity related to the topic being discussed. For example, if you’re interviewing a chef, B-roll footage of them cooking in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, or plating dishes could be used to provide visual context to their story. Alternatively, if you’re interviewing a CEO, B-roll footage of their office, employees, or products could be used to add visual interest to the video.
Benefits of using B-roll footage in video interviews
Using B-roll footage in your video interviews can have several benefits. First and foremost, it can make your video more engaging and visually appealing. By breaking up long interviews with cutaways or adding context to the interviewee’s story, B-roll footage can help to keep your audience engaged and interested in the content being presented. Additionally, B-roll footage can add credibility to your video by providing visual evidence to support the interviewee’s claims.

The process of filming B-roll footage to complement video interviews
Filming B-roll footage to complement your video interviews requires careful planning and preparation. Before you begin filming, it’s important to have a clear idea of the types of footage you’ll need, as well as the equipment and tools required to capture it. Depending on the type of footage you’re looking to capture, you may need additional lighting, audio equipment, or camera accessories. Once you’ve identified the types of footage you need and the equipment required, it’s important to create a shot list or storyboard to guide the filming process.
Tips for incorporating B-roll footage in video interviews
Incorporating B-roll footage into your video interviews requires careful planning and execution. To ensure that your B-roll footage complements the primary footage and interviewee’s story, it’s important to consider the pacing and timing of your shots. You should also be mindful of the audio and lighting conditions when filming your B-roll footage, as this can have a significant impact on the overall quality of the video. When editing your video, be sure to use B-roll footage sparingly, using it only when it adds value to the story being told.
Examples of successful video interviews with B-roll footage
There are countless examples of successful video interviews that incorporate B-roll footage. One notable example is the Netflix documentary series “Chef’s Table,” which features interviews with some of the world’s most renowned chefs. In these interviews, B-roll footage is used to illustrate the chef’s cooking techniques, provide context for their story, and add visual appeal to the video. Another example is the TED Talk “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brene Brown, which uses B-roll footage to illustrate the concepts being discussed and provide visual interest to the talk.
Importance of location filming in video interviews
Location filming can be an important aspect of video interviews, particularly when it comes to capturing B-roll footage. Filming on location can provide visual context to the interviewee’s story, adding authenticity and depth to the video. When filming on location, it’s important to consider the lighting and audio conditions, as well as any potential distractions or interruptions that may impact the quality of the footage.
Tools and equipment needed for filming video interviews with B-roll footage
To film video interviews with B-roll footage, you’ll need a range of tools and equipment. This may include a high-quality camera, lighting equipment, audio equipment, and editing software. Additionally, you may need specific accessories or tools depending on the type of footage you’re looking to capture. For example, if you’re filming footage of a chef cooking in the kitchen, you may need specialized camera lenses or a tripod.
Conclusion: Elevating your video interviews with B-roll footage
Incorporating B-roll footage into your video interviews can have a significant impact on the overall quality and engagement of your videos. By carefully planning the types of footage you need, preparing your equipment, and executing your shots with precision, you can create compelling and visually appealing videos that capture the attention of your audience. Whether you’re creating content for your brand or simply looking to capture a compelling interview, B-roll footage is a powerful tool that can elevate your videos from boring to brilliant.
Call Me, I can help!
Ready to take your video interviews to the next level? Contact me today to learn how I can help you create compelling and visually appealing videos that capture the attention of your audience.
314-604-6544 Fred Hamann stlouisfilmproduction@gmail.com