heropname

Heropname is a Dutch term used in film and television production to refer to a reshoot—shooting additional or replacement footage after principal photography has concluded. The word comes from her- meaning “again” and opname meaning “recording” or “shooting.” In practice, a heropname involves filming new scenes, additional takes, or revised footage to address issues identified during editing, test screenings, or post-production, or to accommodate changes in the story, performance, or visual effects. It can also involve re-recording dialogue if synchronization or clarity is needed, though this is more commonly described as ADR or dubbing.

Reasons for a heropname include correcting technical problems (poor lighting, awkward framing), improving performances, adding new plot information, updating visual effects, or changing pacing after initial cuts. Scheduling a heropname requires coordination with cast, crew, locations, and budget, and its scope can range from a few scenes to substantial portions of the film. Depending on the extent, it may involve returning to existing sets or creating new locations, and can require adjustments to editing timelines and visual effects work.

In film history, many productions conduct reshoots or heropnames to refine the final product. With modern digital workflows, reshoots have become more flexible and can be incorporated late in post-production, sometimes in response to test audience feedback or strategic changes.

See also: reshoot, post-production, editing, ADR.