What purpose does B-roll footage serve in video production?

B-roll footage plays a crucial role in video production by providing supplemental context and enhancing the main narrative. It consists of secondary footage that is intercut with the primary footage (A-roll), helping to illustrate and support the story being told. By using B-roll, producers can visually represent concepts, emphasize key points, and create a more engaging viewing experience. This additional footage can include scenes related to the main subject or thematic elements that bring depth to the storytelling, allowing the audience to better grasp the context and making the overall production more dynamic.

In contrast, promotional footage is typically more direct and focused on marketing a product or event, while the main footage represents the core content of the video. As for background noise, while it may add some ambiance to a scene, it does not encapsulate the significant visual storytelling aspect that B-roll provides. Thus, the use of B-roll enriches the narrative rather than merely serving as filler or distraction.