Great B-roll turns a simple video into a story. If you’re planning a music video, brand film, or social reel in Lagos, here are our go-to locations; plus practical tips on permits, timing, and safety.

Ikeja: Energy & Access

• Central streets & plazas: Movement, commuters, and storefront textures.
• Markets (with permission): Color, rhythm, and human moments.
  Tips: Early mornings = softer light, less crowd. Get verbal permission from stall owners; keep rigs minimal.

Lekki: Clean Lines & Water Vibes

• Modern architecture & boardwalks: Slick backdrops for fashion and tech brands.
• Waterfronts & bridges: Sunset silhouettes, reflections, and motion.
  Tips: Golden hour is king. Watch out for wind on mics; bring deadcats/windshields.

Yaba: Tech & Street Texture

• Startup corridors & murals: Youthful, creative energy.
• Cafés & co-working exteriors: Perfect for talking-head cutaways.
  Tips: Ask businesses for quick exterior permissions; offer a tag in the final video.

Surulere: Classic Lagos Character

• Residential streets & sports courts: Nostalgic, relatable visuals.
• Local storefronts: Authentic Lagos story beats.
  Tips: Keep crew nimble. Respect residents; avoid blocking entrances and traffic.

Permits & Practicalities

• Private property: Always get permission; an email or letter is enough for small crews.
• Public spaces: Small handheld setups usually pass; larger rigs (gimbals, lights, drones) may require permits or location fees.
• Drone flights: Obey no-fly zones, height limits, and safety. Pilot has final say. We won’t fly if it’s unsafe or illegal.

Safety & Gear

• Travel light: camera + small gimbal/monopod, variable ND, extra batteries/cards.
• Keep bags closed and within arm’s reach; assign a spotter when stationary.
• Audio: lav + on-camera shotgun with wind protection.
• Weather plan: microfibre cloths, small umbrella, plastic covers.

B-Roll Checklists (Steal These)

Urban texture: hands exchanging, feet walking, signage, reflections, traffic bokeh, door opens/closes, establishing wides.
People energy: smiles, nods, quick greetings, transaction moments (with consent).
Cutaways for music videos: hands on headphones, skyline pans, slow-mo hair/wardrobe motion, detail shots of shoes/jewelry.

Post-Production Tips

• Shoot 10 seconds minimum per clip to give editors breathing room.
• Grab a few seconds of natural sound (room tone/city ambience).
• In the edit: layer ambient audio under music, use J-cuts/L-cuts, and add subtle motion blur/grain for cohesion.