ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement)
The process of re-recording dialogue in a studio after filming to replace unusable production audio affected by noise, technical issues, or performance adjustments.
Definition
ADR (also called "looping") involves actors re-performing their dialogue while watching the scene playback in a recording studio. The new dialogue replaces the original production audio when location sound is compromised by noise, technical problems, or when directors want different line delivery. Actors watch the scene repeatedly, syncing their lips and emotions to match the original performance.
The process requires precise timing—actors must match not just the words but the pacing, breath patterns, and emotional nuance of the original performance. Sound engineers loop specific sections repeatedly until the performance matches seamlessly. When done well, viewers can't distinguish ADR from production audio.
Why It Matters
ADR saves scenes that would otherwise be unusable due to location noise: airplane flyovers, traffic sounds, crew noise, or equipment issues. Without ADR capability, these audio problems could require expensive reshoots or force directors to cut otherwise perfect takes. The ability to fix dialogue in post-production gives directors confidence to film in less-controlled environments.
ADR also allows creative changes after principal photography. Directors can adjust line delivery for pacing or clarity, writers can modify dialogue to improve story flow, or actors can try different emotional approaches. Major films routinely ADR 20-40% of dialogue—not because the production audio was bad, but because the improved performances justify the time and expense.
Examples in Practice
During an emotional outdoor scene, a plane flew overhead during the actor's climactic speech. The take was otherwise perfect, but the plane noise rendered the audio unusable. In ADR, the actor re-performed the lines watching the footage, matching the original lip sync and emotion while recording in a quiet studio.
A director reviewing footage realizes a joke doesn't land as intended. Rather than reshooting, they schedule ADR to adjust the actor's delivery—changing timing, emphasis, or even rewording slightly while maintaining lip sync. The improved comedic timing transforms a weak joke into a strong moment.
An action sequence filmed with loud practical effects (explosions, gunfire) captures visuals perfectly but dialogue is inaudible. Rather than compromising the action for sound, filmmakers shoot the sequence with practical effects knowing all dialogue will be replaced via ADR in post-production.