How To Become An ADR Recordist
What does an ADR Recordist do?
ADR (automated dialogue replacement) Recordists are engineers responsible for cleaning up production audio. Also known as ADR Mixers, they correct audio that may have been diluted by background noise or inaudible for another reason. They also record voiceovers for animated films, video games, and television shows.
How much does an ADR Recordist make?
According to NFI, ADR Recordists maintain a national annual salary of $76,800 an hourly wage of $36.92. Entry-level mixers start around $51,000 annually. Senior-level mixers make a yearly average of $114,000. The range in salary widely depends on factors including skill, seniority level, union status, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the film industry?
ADR Recordists are responsible for ensuring visual productions are accompanied by clean and clear audio. They save the studios money by correcting audio issues instead of having to reshoot entire scenes.
What is the job outlook for an ADR Recordist?
Forecasts show that film revenue will grow to $392.34 billion by 2025. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for writers (Recordists) are expected to increase at a rate of 9% percent during the 2019-2029 decade (www.bls.gov).
How to kick-off your career:
- Shadow engineers in a recording studio or intern in a sound depart at a production studio.
- Explore the NYU x Rolling Stone x IndieWire Film + TV Industry Essentials online course.
- Download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Film Career Guide.
Learn from:
Ang Lee
Filmmaker, Film & Television Industry Essentials contributor
Credits: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain
Related Careers:
Film Editor | Sound Designer | Assistant Editor | Composer | Production Sound Mixers | Foley Artist | Foley Engineer | Music Supervisor | Post Supervisor
