Shots & framing
A-roll: definition and examples
What is A-roll?
A-roll is the primary footage in a production, typically the main interview, on-camera narration, or principal action that carries the story forward. It is the foundation of the edit, with b-roll cut in around it to add visual variety or cover transitions.
When you'd use it
- 1When planning an edit and deciding which footage will carry the narration or explanation.
- 2When briefing a shooter or editor on what to prioritize capturing on the day.
- 3When the talking-head or voiceover segment needs to be cut first before b-roll is layered in.
- 4When reviewing a rough cut to confirm the primary story track holds together on its own.
Example
A founder filming a product launch video records a two-minute on-camera explanation of the product as a-roll, then records separate b-roll of the product in use. The editor assembles the a-roll audio and video as a spine, then cuts in b-roll wherever a visual or a verbal stumble needs covering.
Use cases
- 1Anchoring a product launch video with a founder speaking directly to camera.
- 2Providing the base interview track that editors cut b-roll over in a brand documentary.
- 3Structuring a tutorial where step-by-step narration drives the sequence from start to finish.
FAQ
What is the difference between a-roll and b-roll?
A-roll is the primary footage, the main on-camera performance or narration that carries the content. B-roll is supplemental footage cut in around it for visual variety or to cover edits. A video can exist without b-roll; it cannot exist without a-roll or its equivalent.
Make on-brand short-form video from the footage you already have.