It has been known by many names. Some call it “Automated Dialogue Replacement”, while others refer to it as “Additional Dialogue Replacement”. But, it’s most commonly referred to as “ADR”.
ADR is very important in audio/voice-over recording. Let’s find out more.
ADR: What it’s All About
ADR actually refers to a specific function within voice-over/audio recording operations. It is normally executed as a post-production function (after the completion of the final cut), especially with regard to film audio.
In general, ADR is followed for major film productions, especially Hollywood. We all know that major film releases need to be extremely professional in order to ensure that they can be viewed by mass audiences. The use of ADR is determined by individuals involved with the production of the film. This would typically include technicians in charge of the post-production aspect. These technicians review the film for vocal errors or disturbances. Once the problem areas are identified, the technicians get together to find voice-over artists for ADR sessions.
How it’s All Done
When a film recording has words or lines that haven’t been delivered right or as per requirement, ADR sessions are conducted to fix these lines or words. The process involves hiring a vice actor who can vocally match the actor. Then, the actor voices the right lines, which are then re-edited into the original audio recording.
ADR sessions are known for multiple takes because of the accuracy and perfection required.
The Importance of ADR
As mentioned earlier, the purpose of ADR is to make video/audio productions as clean and clear as possible with as little effort as possible. This is a major deal considering the size of such projects.
Secondly, when films are made, they are normally released in two versions. One is meant for DVDs and theatres, while the other comes out on TV. The TV version is often censored for prime time viewing. In such cases, a swear word might be replaced with something more acceptable. ADR helps with this as well.
Finally, ADR might be needed to finish projects that encounter rare circumstances such as an actor passing away during or before final production. It may also be used when re-mastering old recordings.
A Few Facts
Here are a couple of interesting facts about ADR.
- ADR sessions are carried out on special stages known as ADR sound stages.
- Laurence Olivier’s voice in the re-mastered edition of Spartacus underwent an ADR by Anthony Hopkins.
ABOUT ROBERTA –
Roberta is a Professional AND award Winning International Voiceover Actor, as well as an accomplished on-camera actress and spokesperson. She lives in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area and is the owner of Roberta Kennedy Voice Talent and RK Productions, Inc.
She voices for companies around the world using her state of the art, broadcast quality studio. She’s hired for commercials, web demos and explainer videos, product infomercials, documentaries, promo/imaging, political ads, e-learning videos, podcasts, guided real estate tours, telephony/IVR projects, high profile corporate presentations, video games and character animation.
Her voice is described as: playful, contemporary, compelling, commanding, inviting, sultry and smooth. A hip edge with sophistication, bold, warm, interesting and engaging are also commonly used adjectives to describe her voice.
Her home studio is equipped with ipDTL, ISDN and phone patch capability with lightning fast turnaround times! A voiceover talent with over 20 years of voiceover acting experience, she offers a full range of voiceover services at highly competitive rates & will work with your budget to help you promote your business to new levels of excellence!
To request a personal quote or audition and/or to review more of her credits & demos, feel free to visit her website: www.robertakennedy.com – or mail her at roberta@robertakennedy.com. You can even give her a call on (408) 313-7202.