Planning and Preparation: B-Roll 101

B-roll is one of the most important parts of visual storytelling, but it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to capturing engaging shots.

In this video from Daniel Schiffer he goes through the planning and preparation process of his signature quick and stylish b-roll style. One of the most important things that Schiffer goes through, in my opinion, is his recommendation to write things down. Writing things down in a physical manner really helps  keep things organized in your mind, especially as a one-man-band like so many of us are. It helps you know exactly how much work you have left, and if you are ahead of, behind, or on schedule. In top of that, you can be absolutely sure that you shot everything you needed to shoot. Nothing worse than getting into the editing bay and realizing that you missed something important.

While I would have liked a bit more information about lens choice, and some tips for how he gets such smooth handheld shots, the video is a great introduction on the types of things you have to think about when it comes to b-roll. The fact that Schiffer is so organized really helps give him the freedom to be creative: you have to have a plan in order to deviate from it.

What did you think of Schiffer's tips? Helpful at all or things you already knew? Sound off below!