ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) / Looping (Lingo)

Definition

ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), sometimes called "looping," is the process of re-recording dialogue in a studio after filming is complete. ADR is necessary when the original production audio is unusable due to excessive background noise (like an airplane flying over), technical issues, or when the director wants to change an actor's performance or add new lines off-camera. The actor watches a loop of the scene and attempts to match the lip movements and emotional intensity of the original performance.

Contextual Usage

The Dialogue Editor flags a problem for the Post-Production Supervisor: "The dialogue in Scene 24 is completely ruined by the wind noise. I've tried every noise reduction tool I have, but it's unsalvageable. We're going to need to bring the lead actor in for an ADR session next week to re-record the entire scene."