The mainstream media does the independence movement few favours, and the question “what can we do about it?” is often asked.

In short, we need to do a lot more than we are currently. Each of us can play a part in that process.

In the digital age, the pro-independence movement in Scotland has a powerful tool at its disposal: the ability to create and distribute our own content. As the saying goes, “Don’t hate the media, be the media.”

Each year, content creation on social media sites is getting slicker and more professional, and so too must our output.

A key element in this content creation revolution is the use of B-roll footage. But what exactly is B-roll or stock footage? It’s supplementary video content that adds context, visual interest, and visual evidence value to support the main footage or interviews. Think scenic shots of Scottish landscapes, bustling city streets, or close-ups of everyday life that can be used to illustrate various points in a video.

It also helps hide cuts in footage and livens up potentially boring “talking head” type pieces.

The use of such stock footage is invaluable for content creation. It allows for richer, more visually compelling stories. And we don’t need to shoot every single frame ourselves – we can share clips with each other. This is particularly useful when illustrating concepts, showing locations that are difficult to access, or adding visual variety to talking-head interviews.

Professional content creation plays a crucial role in our movement. High-quality, visually appealing content helps legitimise our message and engage viewers more effectively. It can make complex ideas more accessible and evoke emotional responses that connect people to our cause.

Crucially, when presenting the case for independence, we must do so in a way that resonates with our audience and builds credibility. One powerful way to achieve this is by finding and recording convincing visual evidence. Whether it’s showcasing the natural beauty of Scotland, highlighting economic opportunities, or documenting social issues that independence could address, visual evidence can significantly strengthen our arguments. This is where the importance of B-roll footage becomes even more apparent.

I have tried for a few years to find a cost-effective way of sharing such clips with fellow Yessers. Unfortunately, video clips are relatively large, and I haven’t found a perfect solution.

I share select clips privately with a handful of colleagues, and I stick much of the rest on a free video sharing site where it can be used by anybody in the world without need for attribution, costs or legal concerns. 

If more campaigners were to share B-roll clips of key events, locations, etc., it would allow for a rapid response to breaking news, a crucial advantage in today’s fast-paced media landscape.

You can find my profile and uploads at https://www.pexels.com/@martyn-day-3443633/. I encourage you to explore and use these resources for your own pro-independence content creation. Additionally, I have hundreds of clips that aren’t yet uploaded to the site. If you’re looking for something specific that you can’t find, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to share what I have to support our collective cause.

Moreover, shared B-roll serves as a visual archive of our journey towards independence, documenting our progress over time. It inspires new content ideas and helps educate budding creators in our community.

By embracing this collaborative approach to content creation, we’re not just saving resources – we’re building a stronger, more united pro-independence movement. Together, we’re creating a visual language that speaks to the heart of Scotland’s aspirations for self-determination. So start sharing, start creating and start influencing.