Shoot Video Stock Footage

Video Implementation (Shooting)—5 of 9

Stock footage, also known as "B–roll," can add visual interest to your video by showing the surrounding environment, or the interviewee in action.

You can work these elements into your storyboard ahead of time or look on–site for good B–roll. You can also save your B–roll for later. For example, shots of a building’s exterior can be used for years.

One good B–roll method is to Pick 5 events you want to capture. For example, if you are shooting someone in an office, events might be:

• Walking into the office or down a hallway
• Typing on a computer
• Talking to people in a hallway
• Reading reports on a desk
• Giving a lecture/presentation

Then, for each event, take 5 shots (10 seconds per shot) of the following items:

• Hands
• Face
• Hands & face (wide shot)
• Over the shoulder
• Side

NASA B-Roll Clip

Switching between shots of the subject speaking and at work in various scenes can make any interview more compelling. Here's a NASA clip showing good use of B-roll in a video interview.

Next Step 

Go to our Video Implementation (Shooting) step 6: Conduct a Video Interview.

Return to the Main Video Guide.

Content Lead: Jonathan Rubin
Page Reviewed/Updated: May 4, 2012