B-Roll

Term from Public Relations industry explained for recruiters

B-Roll is extra video footage that's used to make video stories and news pieces more interesting. Think of it as background footage that helps tell a story better - like scenes of employees working while someone is being interviewed about company success, or shots of a new product being used while it's being discussed. When PR professionals mention B-Roll on their resume, they're talking about their experience in planning, creating, or managing this type of supporting video content that's often sent to news stations or used in company videos.

Examples in Resumes

Coordinated B-Roll filming sessions for national product launch campaign

Distributed B-Roll footage to 50+ media outlets resulting in increased TV coverage

Created compelling B-Roll packages that secured broadcast coverage in major markets

Typical job title: "PR Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Public Relations Specialist Media Relations Manager Communications Coordinator Content Producer Video Production Coordinator PR Manager Corporate Communications Specialist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you determine the ROI of B-Roll content for a PR campaign?

Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss measuring media pickup rates, broadcast coverage value, audience reach, and how B-Roll contributed to overall campaign goals and message delivery.

Q: Describe a time when you had to manage a crisis communication situation using B-Roll.

Expected Answer: Should explain how they strategically used B-Roll to counter negative publicity, showcase positive company actions, or provide visual context during crisis management.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What elements make B-Roll footage most appealing to media outlets?

Expected Answer: Should discuss quality requirements, ideal shot types, length considerations, and how to match footage with current news trends and media needs.

Q: How do you coordinate B-Roll shooting to ensure you get all necessary coverage?

Expected Answer: Should explain planning process, shot list creation, working with videographers, and ensuring footage aligns with key messages and story angles.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is B-Roll and why is it important in PR?

Expected Answer: Should explain that B-Roll is supplementary footage used to enhance video stories and how it helps secure media coverage and tell better visual stories.

Q: How do you organize and distribute B-Roll to media outlets?

Expected Answer: Should discuss basic file organization, common distribution methods, and understanding of technical requirements for broadcast-quality footage.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of video production terms
  • Organizing and labeling B-Roll footage
  • Coordinating with videographers
  • Basic media distribution

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Planning B-Roll shoots
  • Managing video production teams
  • Media outlet relationship building
  • Content strategy development

Senior (5+ years)

  • Strategic B-Roll planning for campaigns
  • Crisis communication management
  • Budget management for video production
  • Measuring ROI of video content

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of broadcast media requirements
  • Lack of experience with video production basics
  • Poor knowledge of media distribution methods
  • No experience coordinating video shoots