B-roll, shot lists and batching

Goal

Add visual variety with b-roll, plan shots with a simple shot list, and film several reels in one session, so that consistency costs less time.

What is b-roll?

B-roll is any footage that is not the main talking shot: your hands working, the street, your screen, objects, a close-up of a detail. It is used to illustrate what you say, to hide cuts, and to keep the eye busy. A talking video cut with b-roll feels more dynamic than the same video with only your face.

Rule: b-roll should support the words. If you say “I opened the laptop at midnight”, show the laptop, not a random sunset.

Types of b-roll

• Action: hands typing, pouring coffee, walking, writing.
• Detail: close-ups of objects: a notebook, a key, a screen.
• Place: a short wide of the location.
• Screen recordings: if you talk about an app or a document (make sure there is nothing private on screen).
• Text and graphics: simple captions or number cards.

Shoot b-roll in short clips of 3-5 seconds, at least a second longer than you need, so you can trim.

The shot list

A shot list is a short checklist of every clip you need for a reel. It saves you from realizing in the edit that you missed something.

Example for a 25-second reel about checking email twice a day:

#	Shot	Type	Length	Done
1	Hook, to camera	main	4 s	[ ]
2	Hands closing laptop	b-roll	3 s	[ ]
3	Beat 1, to camera	main	6 s	[ ]
4	Phone with notification badge	b-roll	3 s	[ ]
5	Beat 2, to camera	main	6 s	[ ]
6	Payoff, to camera	main	4 s	[ ]

Before filming, list the shots for each reel. While filming, tick them. This takes five minutes and prevents re-shoots.

Batching

Batching means doing the same kind of task for several reels at once. It is the main trick for consistency.

Batch ideas and scripts

Once a week, choose 3-5 concepts and write their beat sheets (lessons 3.3 and 3.5).

Batch filming

Pick a session of 60-90 minutes. Steps:

1. Prepare: clean lens, lock exposure, charge, check sound.
2. Film all the main takes first, one reel after another. Change shirt or location only if you want to vary the look between reels.
3. Film all the b-roll afterward, in one sweep, to save time.
4. Record a room tone clip.
5. Back up the footage to your computer or cloud.

Batching works because setup is the expensive part. Once the light, mic and mood are right, each extra reel costs little.

Batch editing and posting

Edit all reels in a block, then schedule or post across days. This is covered in lessons 6.1 and 7.1.

Naming and organizing

Messy files cost time. Use a simple scheme:

• Folder per reel: reel-03_email-twice-a-day
• Inside: raw/, broll/, audio/, export/
• File names: A_hook_01.mov, B_beat1_02.mov where letters are order and numbers are takes.

Or simply note the best take number in your shot list so you can find it quickly.

Keep it simple at first

You don’t need b-roll for every reel. A clean talking head with good captions is a valid format. Add b-roll when it helps the content, not because it is expected.

Common mistakes

• Filming b-roll without a purpose.
• Too short b-roll clips that you can’t trim.
• Shooting everything on the same day without a plan, producing lots of footage you never use.
• Forgetting to back up.
• Filming under inconsistent light between batches.

Exercise

1. Choose two concepts from lesson 3.3.
2. Write a shot list for each.
3. Do a 60-minute batch: film mains for both, then b-roll for both, then room tone.
4. Name and file the footage using your scheme.

Daily practice

• Minimum (keeps the streak): a voice note of any length.
• Today’s take (about 30 seconds): Film one main take plus two 3-second b-roll clips for it.
• Weeks 1-2 everything stays private; from week 3 follow your publishing plan.
• Don’t watch the take right away (lesson 4.1). Tick the day in your tracker.

Reading (optional)

This week’s book, about 15-20 minutes: Austin Kleon, Show Your Work!. A loose suggestion; it does not have to match the lesson. More in resources and the schedule.

Checklist

• I know what b-roll is and when to use it.
• I wrote a shot list before filming.
• I filmed at least two reels in one session.
• My footage is named and backed up.
• I recorded today’s voice note and take.

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