What does an ADR Recordist do?
Automated dialogue replacement (ADR) recordists are recording engineers working in and around the film industry who specialize in re-recording dialogue in a studio setting, as well as recording the voiceover for animated films and television shows, documentaries, and video games.
At a Glance
Knowing your way around a recording studio is the primary prerequisite, although experience with dialogue editing or acoustics is a boon. Most start as assistant engineers or runners in recording studios, audio postproduction houses, or sound studios. Experienced ADR engineers might progress to become senior engineers or start their own ADR studios.
Usually freelance, employed by an audio postproduction house, or part of a recording studio team. Success requires forming strong business relationships with dialogue editors and film production companies, and earning a reputation for speed, quality, and consistency.
- Studio recording
- Microphone choice and placement
- Basic acoustics
- Sound-image synchronization
- Audio production
- Familiarity with acting
- Verbal communication
Communicative, empathetic, level-headed, capable of setting talent at ease, and able to compartmentalize to keep expensive sessions moving efficiently.
Schedules are usually based around sessions, which can occur during the day or at night and often run long. Work is split between the studio and desk-based editing. Travel is rare, as most work is centralized in major film hubs like Los Angeles and New York.
