Nachdrehs

Nachdrehs, in film production, are additional filming sessions conducted after principal photography to capture new footage, replace existing material, or adjust the final cut. The term is German for “after shoots” and corresponds to what English speakers typically call reshoots or pickups.

Nachdrehs are undertaken for a variety of reasons. They may address narrative gaps discovered during editing, fix performance or continuity issues, or respond to test screenings and audience feedback. They can also accommodate changes in ending, character arcs, or pacing, accommodate actor availability, or adapt to location and logistical constraints. In some cases, studios use reshoots to modernize a film’s look through updated effects or new dialogue.

The planning and execution of Nachdrehs resemble principal photography but are generally more targeted and time-limited. They are often scheduled with a smaller crew or assigned to a second unit. The footage may involve new dialogue, alternate performances, or entirely new sequences, and can be shot at the original locations or elsewhere. Continuity, lighting, and sound must be carefully managed to ensure consistency with the rest of the film. In modern productions, reshoots may also incorporate digital effects and ADR to integrate newly shot material.

Budgeting for Nachdrehs varies widely. Some projects require only minor insert shots, while others necessitate substantial additional scenes, potentially affecting overall production costs and release timing. While reshoots can improve a film’s quality and coherence, they also carry risks of delays and budget overruns, and excessive reshooting can raise questions about a production’s stability.