B-roll

[ bee-rohl ]

noun

1. stock footage from film or digital libraries used to establish locale, atmosphere, etc., or to provide generic thematic video, such as for a category of television news story.
2. video footage shot for a story, television show, or film, often by a secondary film crew, especially depicting building exteriors and used to establish the locale in which a film or show is set: Compare A-roll.

   The actors all filmed in Toronto, but the show’s opening theme song played over B-roll of the New York skyline and a block of brownstones.

Word History and Origins

Origin of B-roll¹

First recorded in 1980–85; A-roll ( def )

Example Sentences

But Roitfeld, ever the captivating subject, saves the film from feeling like B-roll.

From The Daily Beast

Buzzfeed caught a glimpse over Gaga's pre-Photoshopped body on b-roll from the magazine's cover shoot.

From The Daily Beast

And his owner is, like, “Ruh-roh,” before they throw to b-roll of beans being lovingly baked.

From The Daily Beast

The whole United Center had to sing it for B-roll for the show.

From The Daily Beast

He observed rehearsals, meetings, and performances, and crafted his B-roll into something brilliant.

From The Daily Beast