Production Dialogue Editing

In order for the production audio recorded on the set or on location to be properly mixed, a Dialogue Editor needs to properly prepare it. This means locating the proper take from the recorded production audio, checking sync (so it actually works with the picture properly), and eliminate extraneous noise so the Mixer has clean dialogue to use during the Mix.

ADR [Automated Dialogue Replacement]

In cases where the production audio is too noisy, or otherwise unusable (bad line reading, airplane fly-by, etc.) the Dialogue Editor will "cue" the line for ADR. This means replacing that line or lines of dialogue using the Automated process of Dialogue Replacement. This process takes place on the ADR Stage, a specialized recording studio where the actor can record lines in sync with the picture. 
Once a replacement line of dialogue has been recorded, the Dialogue or ADR Editor will check the sync carefully, editing the take if necessary to precisely match it to the picture, and prepare it for the Mixing Stage. This process is also known as "looping".
 

Sound Effects Editing and Design  

Ever wonder how they made the sound of Darth Vader's helmet breath, or the Empire's Tie Fighters, or that great train wreck sequence from "The Fugitive"? - Sound Effects Editors and Sound Designers are how. The process of adding sound effects (backgrounds like: air, rivers, birds, traffic, and hard effects like: gunshots, door slams, body falls, etc.) has been the domain of sound effects editors for years. Although originally edited using 35mm magnetic film, recent years have seen the development of many different Digital Sound Editing systems. More and more projects are using digital technology because of the efficiency and quality it can bring to sound effects. Sound Designers use digital and analogue technology to create sound effects that have never been heard before, or to artistically create specific "mood" sounds to complement the director's vision of the visuals.

Foley

Taking its name from Jack Foley, the Hollywood sound effects person generally regarded as the "father" of these effects, Foley effects are sounds that are created by recording human movement in sync with the picture. Different from the environmental backgrounds and hard effects that comprise edited sound effects, Foley effects are sounds like footsteps, prop movement, cloth rustling, etc. The players involved in this process are the Foley Mixer, who records the sounds, and the Foley Walkers who create those sounds. After the Foley Effects are recorded, the Foley Editor will make any slight timing adjustments necessary to ensure that they are exactly in sync with the final picture.

Music Composition

Music for film/TV falls into three general categories: Score, Source and Songs. The Composer is the individual hired with the responsibility to prepare the dramatic underscore. Source music is that music we hear coming from an on screen or off screen device of some kind; some examples are radio source music, phonograph records, TV show themes, when seen on a TV set in the shot, and many other similar variations. Source music may be original, or licensed from a number of libraries that specialize in the creation of "generic" music. Songs may occupy either function, depending on the dramatic intent of the director. Using "Pulp Fiction" as an example, Director Quentin Tarantino hired a Music Supervisor (Karyn Rachtman, FYI) to "score" the picture using period music of the 1970's almost exclusively. Most contemporary films use a combination of score and source music.

Music Editing

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The Music Editor assists the Composer in the preparation of the dramatic underscore. Frequently working also with the Music Supervisor the Music Editor will take timings for the Composer, (usually during a spotting session )in order to notate the specific locations in the film where underscore or source music will punctuate the narrative. Once the underscore is recorded, and the source music gathered, the Music Editor will usually be the person who edits or supervises the final synchronization of all music elements prior to the mix.

We have a great collection of gear that we know intimately. We have many different equalizers and compressors because their different sounds represent the “colors” of our acoustical palette. Mastering is a very creative process. It’s important to have the right gear at your fingertips to help work holistically and not spend time going from the right brain over to the left brain to work out a technical problem or figure out how to work a plug-in.