Step up your Filmmaking : The Importance Of B-Roll

Peter McKinnon

4 Feb 201711:39

Summary

TLDRIn this video, Peter McKinnon breaks down the concept of B-roll and its importance in enhancing video production. He explains how B-roll, which is supplemental footage, can be layered over main shots to make videos more engaging and tell a fuller story. Using examples from a VLOG, he demonstrates how combining B-roll of the environment, drone shots, and slow-motion clips can create a cinematic feel. Peter also shares practical tips, like shooting in 120 fps and using simple gear like smartphones, to capture great B-roll for future projects.

Takeaways

🎥 B-roll is supplementary footage used to enhance the main angle of a shot, making videos more engaging.
📹 It can be used to overlay on top of a static shot to add interest, convey a mood, or cover up less interesting parts of a video.
🌲 B-roll can set the tone for a video, like a VLOG, by showing the environment, weather, and the filmmaker's feelings.
🚗 An example given is starting a VLOG with a cinematic intro using B-roll to establish the setting and mood.
📸 It's important to balance B-roll of the subject with shots of the environment to provide context and a complete picture.
📹 Various devices can be used to capture B-roll, including drones and smartphones, which have improved significantly in quality.
💡 Creative elements like smoke grenades can add a dramatic effect to B-roll footage, but should be used appropriately and safely.
📱 High frame rates, like 120 fps, can make B-roll look more cinematic when slowed down, and many modern smartphones can achieve this.
📚 The value of having a backlog of B-roll footage for future projects is emphasized, as it can enhance storytelling and editing flexibility.
🔥 The importance of shooting a lot of B-roll is highlighted, as it can prevent the limitation of having too little material to work with during editing.
🎬 The script concludes with a final video example that integrates all the discussed B-roll elements to create a rich, engaging narrative.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Peter McKinnon's video?
-The main topic of Peter McKinnon's video is B-roll, explaining what it is, its uses, and how it can enhance videos and films.
What does B-roll mean in filmmaking?
-B-roll refers to alternative or supplemental footage that can be used to cut on top of the main angle to make the content more interesting, convey a point, or cover up less engaging parts.
How does B-roll help in setting the tone for a VLOG?
-B-roll helps set the tone for a VLOG by using shots that convey the mood, portray the creator's feelings, and show the environment, weather, and location, which helps immerse viewers.
What is an example of a situation where B-roll could be used?
-An example given is starting a VLOG with a cinematic intro using B-roll shots to show the forest, light conditions, and the creator's location before diving into the main content.
What is the importance of shooting B-roll that includes the environment?
-Shooting B-roll that includes the environment is important to provide context and information about the setting, which helps viewers understand the situation better.
What other types of footage can be considered as B-roll?
-Drone footage, iPhone shots, and any other supplemental footage can be considered as B-roll as long as they serve to enhance the main footage.
Why does Peter McKinnon use smoke grenades in his videos?
-Peter McKinnon uses smoke grenades to create visually appealing and dramatic effects, as they billow colored smoke that looks impressive on camera.
What is the significance of shooting B-roll at 120 frames per second according to Peter McKinnon?
-Shooting B-roll at 120 frames per second allows for slow-motion effects, which Peter McKinnon believes inherently makes footage look more cinematic.
What advice does Peter McKinnon give regarding the use of smartphones for shooting B-roll?
-Peter McKinnon suggests that smartphones, especially those with capabilities like 120 frames per second and image stabilization, should not be underestimated for shooting high-quality B-roll.
Why is it beneficial to have a backlog of B-roll footage?
-Having a backlog of B-roll footage is beneficial because it provides filmmakers with a variety of material to use in future projects, which can enhance storytelling and editing.
What is the final advice Peter McKinnon gives to his viewers about B-roll?
-Peter McKinnon advises viewers to always shoot more B-roll than they think they need, as it's better to have too much than too little, and to apply these concepts to their own projects for a richer viewer experience.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Introduction to B-roll

Peter McKinnon introduces the concept of B-roll, which is supplementary footage used to enhance the main angle of a shot. He humorously suggests that he should have used B-roll in his own introduction. B-roll is described as a tool to make videos more interesting, convey a point, direct the viewer's attention, or cover up talking for extended periods. McKinnon uses a VLOG example to illustrate the use of B-roll to set the mood and tone for the episode. He contrasts a VLOG without B-roll, which appears boring and lacks substance, with one that includes it, resulting in a more engaging and informative viewing experience.

05:01

🌲 Enhancing VLOGs with B-roll

The script explains how B-roll can be used to enhance VLOGs by starting with a cinematic intro that sets the mood and portrays the creator's feelings and environment. McKinnon points out the importance of not only shooting B-roll of oneself but also of the surrounding environment to provide context. He emphasizes the need to combine different types of B-roll, such as footage of the activity, the environment, and the creator's interaction with the environment, to create a complete narrative. The paragraph also touches on the use of drone footage and how it can add a new perspective to the VLOG, but cautions that it should be combined with other types of B-roll to provide a full picture of the event.

10:36

💥 Creative B-roll Techniques

In this section, McKinnon discusses the use of smoke grenades to create visually striking B-roll. He advises on the responsible use of such effects and shares his personal preference for the dramatic impact they add to his videos. He also talks about the importance of shooting B-roll at higher frame rates, like 120 frames per second, to achieve a cinematic look when slowed down. McKinnon mentions that while not necessary, it can enhance the footage. He encourages the use of smartphones with good image stabilization and accessories like the DJI Osmo to capture high-quality B-roll easily. He stresses the value of consistently capturing B-roll during various activities and keeping an archive for future projects.

📚 Wrapping Up B-roll Tips

McKinnon concludes the video script by summarizing the importance of B-roll in enriching the viewer's experience and aiding filmmakers in telling their stories effectively. He reiterates that details matter and using various layers of B-roll can create a more immersive experience. The script ends with a call to action for viewers to apply the discussed B-roll techniques to their own projects. McKinnon also encourages viewers to like and subscribe and expresses excitement for the next video, signing off with an upbeat tone.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡B-roll

B-roll refers to supplementary footage that is intercut with the main footage to enhance storytelling, provide context, or cover edits. In the video, Peter McKinnon uses B-roll to add visual interest to his VLOGs, setting the mood and providing additional information about the environment or actions not shown in the main angle. For instance, he contrasts a plain talking-head shot with one enriched by B-roll of a forest, illustrating how it can dramatically improve the viewer's experience.

💡Main angle

The main angle is the primary footage or perspective from which a scene is viewed. It is the central visual element that the B-roll complements. In the script, McKinnon mentions that if a frame of his face is the main angle, B-roll can be used to overlay and cut on top of this shot to create a more engaging narrative.

💡VLOG

A VLOG, or video blog, is a form of video content where individuals document their personal experiences or thoughts. The script describes how B-roll is used in VLOGs to set the tone for the episode, such as starting with a cinematic intro that uses B-roll shots to convey the mood and environment of the day.

💡Cinematic

Cinematic refers to the quality of something being similar in style or appearance to a film. In the context of the video, McKinnon talks about using B-roll to create a cinematic intro for his VLOGs, which helps in setting the mood and engaging the viewer right from the start.

💡Drone footage

Drone footage is aerial video or photography captured using a drone. The script mentions using drone footage as a type of B-roll to add a unique perspective and enhance storytelling. McKinnon suggests that including drone footage of the environment along with the action provides a more complete picture of the scene.

💡iPhone

The iPhone is a smartphone that has advanced camera capabilities, including the ability to shoot high frame rate video. McKinnon points out that even smartphones can be used to capture B-roll, such as the iPhone's capability to shoot at 120 or 240 frames per second, which can contribute to a cinematic effect when slowed down.

💡Cinematic effect

A cinematic effect refers to techniques used in filmmaking to create a specific mood or visual style. The video discusses how shooting B-roll at higher frame rates, like 120 frames per second, and then slowing it down can create a more cinematic effect, making the footage look more professional and engaging.

💡Smoke grenades

Smoke grenades are devices that release colored smoke, often used for visual effects in photography and videography. In the script, McKinnon uses smoke grenades to create dramatic B-roll footage, adding a visually striking element to his VLOG that captures attention and enhances the overall production value.

💡DJI Osmo

The DJI Osmo is a handheld gimbal stabilizer used to create smooth and stable video footage. McKinnon mentions using his smartphone with a DJI Osmo to capture high-quality B-roll, emphasizing how this combination can produce professional-looking footage that is stable and cinematic.

💡Backlog

To backlog means to accumulate or store items for future use. In the context of the video, McKinnon advises filmmakers to backlog B-roll footage taken from various trips and events. This practice ensures that they have a rich archive of material to draw from when editing future projects, which can be invaluable for enhancing storytelling.

💡Editing

Editing is the process of selecting and arranging film or video material to create a coherent final product. The script discusses the importance of having enough B-roll during the editing process to ensure that the final video has a good balance of visual elements and narrative content, avoiding the scenario where there is too much main angle footage and not enough B-roll to support it.

Highlights

Peter McKinnon discusses the importance of B-roll in enhancing videos.

B-roll is defined as alternative or supplemental footage.

B-roll can be used to overlay on top of the main angle for more interesting content.

B-roll can cover up uninteresting or excessive talking head footage.

VLOGs often start with a cinematic intro using B-roll to set the mood.

B-roll can show the environment and context of the main footage.

It's important to shoot B-roll that includes both action and environment.

Various devices can be used to capture B-roll, including drones and smartphones.

Drone footage can add a new perspective to B-roll.

Including the operator in B-roll can provide context to the footage.

Creative elements like smoke grenades can make B-roll more visually appealing.

B-roll should be used to complement and complete the narrative.

Shooting B-roll at higher frame rates can create a cinematic slow-motion effect.

Modern smartphones are capable of shooting high-quality B-roll.

Combining a smartphone with a stabilizer can result in professional-looking B-roll.

It's beneficial to have a backlog of B-roll for future projects.

Having an excess of B-roll is better than not having enough.

B-roll helps to create a richer viewing experience by adding details.

The video concludes with a compilation of the discussed B-roll techniques.