B-roll

American  

[bee-rohl] / ˈbiˌroʊl /

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.

   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.

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Etymology

Origin of B-roll

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

Example Sentences

It showed B-roll shots of gleaming hospitals with futuristic-looking technology.

From Slate

Cinematographer Carlos Rigo and editor Arturo Sosa groove along with eye-catching colors and skateboard-video-style visuals, even inserting B-roll from a camera strapped to a horse’s head and doing a dramatic zoom to a sheep.

From Los Angeles Times

The footage often opened with b-roll from around the neighborhood, followed by introductions to hidden neighborhood gems, like coffee shops or restaurants.

From Slate

I often think of it as like B-roll that I’m shooting on that first day.

From Los Angeles Times

As for how Allred has been going after Cruz, though, consider the B-roll shown in the second half of this response ad.

From Slate