A&B Rolls definition

The negative of a film that is edited.  It is cut in relation to a picture and built into rolls A and B to take into consideration invisible splices, immediate changes in regard to the timing of fades and lights, and does not need opticals as it dissolves.  Odd numbered shots will be contained in the A roll, and a black leader will be put in place of any missing shots.  Even numbered shots will be contained in the B roll, along with black leader where all the shots are on the A roll.  The negative passes through the contact printer three times.  Each pass will be for either the A roll, the B roll or for the soundtrack.  The print is only developed once the elements have been exposed onto print stock.