What does 'B-roll' refer to in video production?

B-roll refers to supplemental footage that enhances the main story in video production. It is used to provide additional visual context, support, and depth to the primary narrative, which is often captured through what is known as 'A-roll.' B-roll can showcase a variety of scenes, demonstrations, or relevant activities that help illustrate the topics being discussed, making the final video more engaging and informative for the audience. For example, in a documentary about a chef, B-roll might include shots of the chef preparing ingredients, the restaurant ambiance, or diners enjoying a meal, all of which complement the main interview footage of the chef.

While the main footage captures critical moments and dialogue (often considered A-roll), B-roll plays a crucial role in storytelling by providing visual support that can help maintain viewer interest, establish the setting, and illustrate points made in the main storyline. The other options, such as main footage representing the central story, behind-the-scenes footage, and audio recordings, do not capture the essence of what B-roll entails, which is specifically about enhancing the storytelling aspect through additional visuals rather than serving as the primary content or focusing solely on behind-the-scenes or audio elements.