Pick-Ups
Additional filming done after principal photography to capture missing shots or improve specific scenes.
Definition
Pick-ups are supplementary shooting sessions scheduled after the main production has wrapped, used to capture shots that were missed, didn't work as planned, or are needed based on discoveries during editing. Unlike reshoots which recreate entire scenes, pick-ups target specific inserts, cutaways, or brief moments.
Pick-ups are common even on well-planned productions. During editing, directors and editors identify needs like additional coverage for a scene that doesn't cut together smoothly, reaction shots that would improve emotional impact, or establishing shots that clarify geography. Pick-ups are scheduled once the edited rough cut reveals exactly what's missing, making them highly targeted and efficient.
Why It Matters
Pick-ups are a normal part of filmmaking that separates good films from great ones. The editing process reveals what works and what doesn't, and pick-ups allow filmmakers to address issues before the final product is locked. A few carefully chosen shots can transform a scene's impact or fix pacing problems.
For producers, budgeting for pick-ups is essential. Most professional productions allocate 3-5% of the production budget for pick-up days. This insurance policy ensures the film can be completed properly without costly delays or settling for suboptimal footage. The expense is minimal compared to releasing a flawed product.
Pick-ups also save money compared to planning for every possible shot during principal photography. Instead of shooting 20% more coverage "just in case," filmmakers shoot what's planned, then use pick-ups to capture only what's truly needed based on actual editing requirements.
Examples in Practice
During editing of a thriller, the director realizes a crucial scene lacks the tension needed. A one-day pick-up session captures additional close-ups of the protagonist's nervous hands and shifting eyes. These inserts, cut into the existing footage, double the scene's suspense and cost less than $15,000—far cheaper than reshooting the entire sequence.
A romantic comedy tests poorly with audiences who don't understand a key plot point. Analysis shows a missing establishing shot that would clarify the geography. A half-day pick-up captures the needed exterior shot with just a skeleton crew, and the subsequent test screenings show the confusion is resolved.
An action film completes principal photography but during editing the climactic fight lacks impact. Pick-ups are scheduled to capture additional angles, slow-motion inserts of specific moves, and reaction shots. These targeted shots, combined with the existing footage, create a more dynamic sequence that tests significantly better with audiences.