A talking head is just a person talking to a camera, and that only holds attention for so long. B-roll gives the viewer something to look at while the person keeps speaking.
The goal is not to hide the speaker. It is to support them, so their words land with an image that makes the point concrete.
Show the face when the person matters. Show the world when the idea matters.
Always return to the speaker when a line is emotional or personal. The viewer wants to see a face when the words carry weight.
Coming back also resets the eye, so the next round of b-roll feels fresh instead of constant.
B-roll supports a talking head. It should never replace the person entirely.
B-roll carries the parts of a story your interview cannot show. Here is what it is for, where it fits, and how to use it without burying the scene.
A b-roll bank only helps when you can find the right clip fast. Plan your shots around editing problems and your future self will thank you.
B-roll should follow the meaning of a line, not just its nouns. Here is how to match footage to narration so the images feel earned.
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