B-Roll: the added value
The “B-Roll” are secondary shots that enrich the video, creating interest and dynamism.
A B-Roll is more than just a filler; it’s a truly valuable and significant opportunity for telling a much more complete and genuinely engaging story.
The journey
A classic type of B-roll, seen in countless vacation videos, is footage of the journey to the destination. When chosen carefully, this material can add real value, particularly by documenting the start of the diving adventure.
Possible subjects include shots of the departure and arrival airports (preferably with the destination name clearly visible), views from the flight, the welcome, and transfers (such as buses or taxis). Arrival at the boat or resort and logistical operations, such as check-in or preparing the dive gear bag pre-trip, are also part of the experience and can be effectively captured.
Nautical elements
Shots capturing “nautical elements” are among my favorites, and I enjoy filming them while others are relaxing. These details, although secondary, enrich the edit and are essential for conveying the authentic atmosphere of life on a boat. Including shots like waves on the bow, a flag fluttering in the wind, or the scenery upon arrival at the dive site adds dynamism. Mooring and anchoring maneuvers, with a detail of a crew member securing the lines and tying a knot, also offer a fascinating glimpse into life on board. These clips help those unfamiliar with this world to better understand life on a dive boat.
Pre-dive
The pre-dive phase offers many opportunities for effective B-Roll, useful for building atmosphere and showing the preparations. It’s ideal for capturing convivial moments among divers, which convey a sense of community, or short clips of the divemaster’s briefing for an informative touch. It’s interesting to include significant technical details: hands screwing in the first stage, Nitrox analysis, or checking the pressure gauge. Showing gear preparation (like attaching the BCD) and divers completing their suiting up, ready for the water, are sequences that convey the growing excitement that precedes every dive.
During the dive
For dive B-Roll, slow motion is particularly effective, so filming at at least 60fps is essential to be able to slow down the footage in post-production. Underwater, you can capture close-up details of the gear. Bubbles are a fascinating element, useful for changing the pace, creating transitions, or instilling a sense of immersion.
Finally, brief surface sequences, such as handing a fin to the crew, bring the moment to life by showing the dynamics of the experience. Useful ideas include POV shots of climbing back onto the boat; selfies taken while filming or shots with a second GoPro showing the videographer at work also add a dynamic touch.
Timelapse & drone
Timelapses and aerial drone footage offer great possibilities for creating high-impact B-Roll. A timelapse condenses long periods of time into a few seconds of video and is ideal for showing the sun rising at dawn or setting, or the movement of clouds on a windy day—sequences that add dynamism and mark the passage of time.
Drone footage provides aerial perspectives perfect for “establishing shots” that introduce the location (such as the boat in open sea or the coastline), adding a cinematic touch while also providing a geographical context for the underwater adventure.