Import BRoll: Difference between revisions

From ACT3ai MediaWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
 
(10 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
= Import BRoll =
== Overview ==
The '''[[Import_BRoll|Import B-Roll]]''' feature in [[ACT3AI|ACT 3 AI]] allows you to bring in supplemental footage—such as establishing shots, atmospheric clips, or cutaway visuals—directly into your [[Build_Video|video project]]. 
B-Roll is often used to add context, enhance storytelling, and improve pacing between [[Scenes|scenes]] without changing the core [[Script_Editor|script]].


The Import B-Roll feature lets you bring external footage—stock clips, archival material, VFX plates, brand assets or previously rendered ACT 3 shots—into any project without leaving the [[Editor|ACT 3 AI Video Editor]]. It extends ACT 3’s “idea-to-screen” pipeline by giving editors a fast way to weave supplemental visuals into AI-generated scenes, title sequences or marketing cuts.
You can import pre-recorded B-Roll from your local drive, stock libraries, or cloud storage, then integrate it into your [[Timeline|Timeline]] alongside AI-generated footage.


== What It Does ==
== Key Capabilities ==
* '''Multiple Sources:''' Import from local files, stock libraries, or connected cloud drives (Google Drive, Dropbox). 
* '''Format Support:''' Accepts common formats (MP4, MOV, ProRes, WebM) up to 4K. 
* '''Metadata Retention:''' Keeps original frame rate, resolution, and timecode for syncing. 
* '''Direct Timeline Placement:''' Drag imported clips directly into [[Timeline|Timeline]] or [[Storyboard_Panels|Storyboard Panels]]. 
* '''AI-Assisted Matching:''' Suggests B-Roll placement based on [[Scenes|scene context]] and [[Shot_Prompting|shot prompts]].


One-click ingest for MP4, MOV, ProRes 422/4444 and image-sequence folders (PNG, EXR). The same Import/Export Bridge that handles scripts and EDLs also accepts B-roll video formats 
== How to Import B-Roll ==
.
# Open your project in the [[Editor|Editor]]. 
# Select **File → Import → B-Roll** or click the **Import B-Roll** button in the [[Media_Library|Media Library]]. 
# Choose your source (local upload, cloud storage, or stock library). 
# Review and confirm import settings (resolution, frame rate, trimming).
# The imported clips will appear in the [[Media_Library|Media Library]] for use in [[Timeline|Timeline]].


Automatic transcoding to ACT 3 mezzanine codecs so playback and rendering stay seamless across web and desktop.
== Using B-Roll in Your Project ==
 
* Drag clips from the [[Media_Library|Media Library]] into empty spaces or above [[Scenes|scenes]] in [[Timeline|Timeline]].
Smart tagging that reads filename, metadata and AI scene analysis to auto-label clips (e.g., “city-sunset, drone, 5 sec”).
* Adjust timing to match script beats or [[Music_Sync|music sync]].
 
* Layer B-Roll over AI-generated shots to create transitions or enhance mood.
Drag-to-timeline placement; clips appear as blue strips on the [[Editor|Timeline & Storyboard]] track beneath generative shots for clear visual separation.
* Use color grading tools to match B-Roll style to your primary footage.
 
Credit-free usage – importing B-roll does not spend [[Credit_System|credits]]; credits are only consumed when re-rendering the final cut.
 
Cloud-synced storage with per-org quotas (clips count toward your [[Cloud_Storage_Management|cloud-storage limit]]; a progress bar warns at 90 %).
 
Proxy workflow – ACT 3 auto-generates lightweight proxies for smooth editing and swaps back to full-res during the [[Rendering_System|final render]] pass.
 
== Typical Workflow ==
 
From the Media panel, click Import B-Roll or simply drop files onto the browser window.
Review auto-tags, retitle if needed, then choose which [[Project_Structure|Episode ▸ Scene]] the footage should live in.
Drag the clip onto the timeline; snap points and ripple-edit tools keep generative shots in sync.
Use Blend Mode and Opacity controls to overlay logos or lower-thirds.
Trigger an Export Preview to verify colour-space and frame-rate consistency before the final GPU render.
== Permissions & Governance ==
 
Only members with the Use Credits or Modify/Edit role can add or replace B-roll clips (see [[Roles_Permissions|Roles & Permissions]]).
 
All uploads pass through the platform’s three-stage Inappropriate Content Scanner before syncing to shared workspaces 
.


== Best Practices ==
== Best Practices ==
* Keep clips short (5–10 seconds) for pacing. 
* Match lighting, color tone, and aspect ratio with your main footage. 
* Use B-Roll to visually explain or emphasize narration or dialogue. 
* Consider AI-assisted scene matching to speed up placement.


Keep original frame rate if you plan to align B-roll audio; ACT 3 will respect source FPS during conform.
== Troubleshooting ==
 
* '''Wrong aspect ratio''' → Use the crop & resize tool before adding to Timeline. 
Large 4 K masters consume storage rapidly—use the Generate Proxy toggle on import.
* '''Audio mismatch''' → Mute B-Roll audio or sync with audio tracks.
 
* '''Laggy playback''' → Convert large ProRes files to proxy format before import.
Use tags like “PR-approved” or “licensed-2025” so a quick search surfaces only rights-cleared material.
 
== Related Pages ==
 
[[Cloud_Storage_Management|Cloud Storage Management]]
 
[[Rendering_System|The Rendering System]]
 
[[Credit_System|Credit System]]


[[Timeline_Storyboard|Timeline & Storyboard]]
== Credits & Storage ==
* Importing B-Roll does not consume [[Credit_System|credits]]. 
* AI-assisted matching or style conversion may consume a small number of credits. 
* Storage usage counts toward your [[Subscription_Plan|plan limits]].


[[Export_Distribution|Exporting & Distribution]]
== See Also ==
* [[Import_Script|Import Script]] 
* [[Export_Script|Export Script]] 
* [[Final_Draft|Final Draft Integration]] 
* [[Timeline|Timeline]] / [[Storyboard_Panels|Storyboard & Panels]] 
* [[Build_Video|Build Video]] 
* [[Credit_System|Credit System]] / [[Billing_Model|Billing Model]]






[https://act3ai.com/contact Contact Us] if you have any problems using our product, or if you have questions.
[https://act3ai.com/contact Contact Us] if you have any problems using our product, or if you have questions.

Latest revision as of 16:20, 27 August 2025

Overview

The Import B-Roll feature in ACT 3 AI allows you to bring in supplemental footage—such as establishing shots, atmospheric clips, or cutaway visuals—directly into your video project. B-Roll is often used to add context, enhance storytelling, and improve pacing between scenes without changing the core script.

You can import pre-recorded B-Roll from your local drive, stock libraries, or cloud storage, then integrate it into your Timeline alongside AI-generated footage.

Key Capabilities

  • Multiple Sources: Import from local files, stock libraries, or connected cloud drives (Google Drive, Dropbox).
  • Format Support: Accepts common formats (MP4, MOV, ProRes, WebM) up to 4K.
  • Metadata Retention: Keeps original frame rate, resolution, and timecode for syncing.
  • Direct Timeline Placement: Drag imported clips directly into Timeline or Storyboard Panels.
  • AI-Assisted Matching: Suggests B-Roll placement based on scene context and shot prompts.

How to Import B-Roll

  1. Open your project in the Editor.
  2. Select **File → Import → B-Roll** or click the **Import B-Roll** button in the Media Library.
  3. Choose your source (local upload, cloud storage, or stock library).
  4. Review and confirm import settings (resolution, frame rate, trimming).
  5. The imported clips will appear in the Media Library for use in Timeline.

Using B-Roll in Your Project

  • Drag clips from the Media Library into empty spaces or above scenes in Timeline.
  • Adjust timing to match script beats or music sync.
  • Layer B-Roll over AI-generated shots to create transitions or enhance mood.
  • Use color grading tools to match B-Roll style to your primary footage.

Best Practices

  • Keep clips short (5–10 seconds) for pacing.
  • Match lighting, color tone, and aspect ratio with your main footage.
  • Use B-Roll to visually explain or emphasize narration or dialogue.
  • Consider AI-assisted scene matching to speed up placement.

Troubleshooting

  • Wrong aspect ratio → Use the crop & resize tool before adding to Timeline.
  • Audio mismatch → Mute B-Roll audio or sync with audio tracks.
  • Laggy playback → Convert large ProRes files to proxy format before import.

Credits & Storage

  • Importing B-Roll does not consume credits.
  • AI-assisted matching or style conversion may consume a small number of credits.
  • Storage usage counts toward your plan limits.

See Also


Contact Us if you have any problems using our product, or if you have questions.