b-reel

The second piece of film or audio or video tape in a situation (as editing or broadcasting) where multiple inputs are used.

The separate reels of a multiple-chain story are given letter designations: A-reel, B-reel, C-reel.

The story usually (but by no means always) opens with an A-reel shot of the reporter who by narration establishes the shot. Then picture and sound move to the second chain (B-reel) to show actuality, the actuality picture sometimes being bridged at some points by the sound of narration on the A-reel.

Secondary or supplemental footage to be intercut with principle film or video.

Now I remembered that Murph had convinced us not to show the first B reel during our viewing of the full takes, saying that we’d seen it before.

Lela was saddled with a cameraman, shooting “B-Reel” somewhere in the fairgrounds. Theoretically, that should slow her down and make her easier to catch.