“An ADR editor records the additional dialogue needed to complete a feature film, television drama, and, sometimes, a documentary. ADR stands for ‘automated dialogue replacement‘ and is also referred to as ‘post-synching’. It’s essentially recording extra dialogue in the studio after the film has been captured…”
The audio segments below are culled from the Universal Studios Sound Dept. original tapes of the cast of seaQuest DSV re-recording lost or broken dialogue in post production. These sessions were only discovered recently after decades in storage and provide a fascinating insight into both the actors personalities and the making of the show.
(Listener discretion is advised as these excerpts contain profanity throughout)
#01 – ‘Equilibrium’ (Season 3,1995)
Jonathan Brandis sits for his punch in dump – re-recording lines from the script of the seaQuest 2032 episode ‘Equilibrium‘. Enjoying banter with Richard between takes, Brandis discusses his upcoming meeting with Producer Clifton Campbell, gossip about fellow 2032 cast member Elise Neal and performs a hilarious impersonation of star Roy Scheider…
#02 – ‘Equilibrium’ (Season 3,1995) Cont’d
The session continues with Brandis impression of Darwin and fascination upon discovering Richard had previously worked with George Clinton. Between takes of his conversation with Darwin Brandis reprises his Roy Scheider impersonation and, somewhat poignantly, ends the session by saying ‘There’s an Emmy in my future…’
#03 – ‘Equilibrium’ (Season 3,1995) Cont’d
Michael Ironside takes the seat in the booth with Richard who eases him in with stories of Amanda Pays recording for ‘The Outer Limits’ and fellow cast members drinking habits. Ironside muses on how Jonathan Brandis pokes fun at him by impersonating his grunt. Also intriguing is the story behind the actress Ironside refers to as ‘Deadhead’ whose performance apparently created problems on set…
#04 – ‘Equilibrium’ (Season 3,1995) Cont’d
Don Franklin ‘Whassup Nathan..?’ cheerfully sings the theme from seaQuest 2032 and other tunes while comparing the shape of the sub to a spliff. Next up is guest star Peggy O’Neal, who, upon seeing her looping scene is with Roy Scheider, comments on how he’s in a ‘much better place this year’ This is confirmed by Richard who says he’s been through some dark times with him but it was always about the direction of the show…
#05 – ‘Brave New World’ (Season 3,1995)
Brothers DeLuise Michael and Peter record their punch in’s for the season opener with Richard – while Michael’s brief session comprises of a few enthusiastic yelps, Peter shows himself to be a much more studious (and curious) actor, very invested in his performance. The pace is much slower compared to sessions with the other actors as amongst other things they incorporate Michael Ironside’s dislike of the Darwin character into the script…
#06 – ‘Brave New World’ (Season 3,1995) Cont’d
Jonathan Brandis back in the booth in fine form with an improvised musical opener describing the plotline for the episode and recording inhales and exhales (ironically while having a crafty smoke indoors). Despite Brandis’ insistence that some of his line readings are fine and don’t require looping, Richard patiently guides him through the list and has great fun doing so…
#07 – ‘Equilibrium’ (Season 3,1995) Cont’d
“You might need a beer for this…” the delightful Kathy Evison squeals her best Star Trek impersonations into the mic while Richard keeps her entertained with stories of the ‘Tape we made for Don’. After recording some heavy breathing and musing about how good the CGI is for this season, Kathy finishes the session by taking Richard’s picture…
#08 – ‘Equilibrium’ (Season 3,1995) Cont’d
Ted Raimi Beatboxes his way into the booth as Richard directs him through a series of classic O’Neill ‘Aye Aye sir’ responses. Ever the perfectionist, Raimi refuses to dub a line as scripted as he believes the typo will affect the emphasis on his performance – telling Richard that if anybody asks, just say he was being difficult…
#09 – ‘Equilibrium’ (Season 3,1995) Cont’d
“Yes Sir..!” Michael DeLuise drops in on his lunch break to fire out a few lines before handing the chair to a very chirpy Elise Neal. Richard guides her through a complex line delivery as she employs interesting mic technique before enthusiastically moving onto required grunts & screams…
#10 – ‘Something In The Air’ (Season 2,1994)
Jonathan Brandis opens with his usual fun barrage of profanity and disbelief of how many lines he has to record. As Richard guides him through Jon discreetly requests his help to record something for his upcoming audition for Disney’s upcoming animated movie ‘Hercules’ and if the seaQuest production will pay for the studio time. “They did for Roy…”
#10 – ‘Something In The Air’ (Season 2,1994) Cont’d
“You’re such a F!$*&ing Egghead Brody!” The always entertaining Ted Raimi talks about fans response to the show from AOL between crazy impressions and stories of kidney punches from Don Franklin. Rosalind Allen also drops in last minute to record literally one line…