ADR

Term from Television Production industry explained for recruiters

ADR, which stands for Automated Dialogue Replacement (also known as "looping" or "dubbing"), is a process used in TV and film production where actors re-record their dialogue after filming. This is done when the original sound from filming isn't clear enough, has background noise, or needs to be changed for creative reasons. Think of it like fixing audio in post-production - actors watch their scene and repeat their lines in a quiet studio to get a cleaner sound. This is a common practice in both movies and television shows to ensure the final product has the best possible sound quality.

Examples in Resumes

Supervised ADR sessions for lead actors in seasonal TV series

Directed Automated Dialogue Replacement for international feature film

Managed ADR scheduling and recording for 20+ voice actors

Coordinated looping sessions between directors and talent

Typical job title: "ADR Supervisors"

Also try searching for:

ADR Director Dubbing Supervisor Post-Production Sound Supervisor Dialogue Editor ADR Recordist Sound Editor ADR Mixer

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle difficult actors during ADR sessions?

Expected Answer: Should discuss experience managing different personalities, techniques for getting the best performance, and maintaining a professional environment while keeping sessions on schedule and within budget.

Q: What's your approach to managing multiple ADR projects simultaneously?

Expected Answer: Should explain project management skills, prioritization methods, scheduling strategies, and how they coordinate between different production teams and talent.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you ensure sync accuracy in ADR recordings?

Expected Answer: Should describe methods for achieving precise timing matches between original footage and new recordings, including working with time codes and visual cues.

Q: What's your process for preparing an ADR session?

Expected Answer: Should outline steps from reviewing original footage, marking lines for replacement, preparing materials for actors, and setting up recording equipment.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What basic equipment is needed for an ADR session?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list essential recording equipment, playback systems, and basic software used in ADR sessions.

Q: How do you maintain proper documentation during ADR sessions?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic logging procedures, take sheets, and how to track which lines have been recorded successfully.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic recording techniques
  • Understanding of recording software
  • Session documentation
  • Basic audio editing

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Sync accuracy management
  • Actor direction basics
  • Multiple take management
  • Project scheduling

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complete session supervision
  • Complex project management
  • Team leadership
  • Director and talent relationship management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No experience with professional recording equipment
  • Poor communication skills
  • Lack of attention to detail in sync matching
  • No understanding of production workflows
  • Unable to work under tight deadlines