What should B-roll planning include?

• A. Just existing stills from stock library.
• B. Music choices and sound design.
• C. Only a single shot of the subject speaking.
• D. Establishing shots, cutaways, reaction shots, relevant details, and permission/rights for footage.

Answer: (D)

B-roll planning should map out a range of visuals that support the narrative rather than relying on a single shot or on audio-only elements. It should include establishing shots to set the scene and location, cutaways to smoothly bridge actions or transitions, and reaction shots to convey emotion and engagement. Adding relevant details—the close-ups or specific visuals that illustrate what’s being discussed—helps ground the story in real life. And crucially, planning must cover permissions and rights for footage and music so everything used can be legally cleared.

Relying only on existing stock stills misses the opportunity to tailor visuals to your story and often lacks the necessary context. Focusing solely on music choices and sound design addresses the audio layer, not the visual storytelling. Limiting to a single shot of the subject speaking provides little texture or pacing. The best approach combines establishing, cutaway, and reaction shots with detail shots, plus clear rights, to create a cohesive and engaging B-roll package.