A Foley artist recreates sound effects for film, TV and radio productions using different kinds of shoes and lots of props (plates, glasses, chairs). They work under the direction of a Sound Editor and often use their own extensive collection of small props. They are the unseen actors who reproduce sounds, required when the original track is either unusable or completely replaced as in the case of foreign versions.
Foley generally consists of three elements:
Clothing Moves: The Moves Track is a layer of sound that recreates the clothing rustle of actors as they walk, run and move. It sounds like a smooth but distinct white noise that allows the mixer a base coat of sound. It allows the artist to create a “sound design” for the characters and sets the overall tone of the Foley Track.
Footsteps: A Foley artist is sometimes called a ‘Foley Walker’ because one of the most important elements we provide is the sound of the footsteps. Feet are very difficult to perform. It takes a lot of practice to get the exact feeling and timing while standing stationary – you can’ t walk across the room because the microphone needs to be fixed and besides.
Specifics: These are the real fun in Foley. They allow you to paint with sound, recreating the actual movements in an enhanced way.
· Corn Starch in a leather pouch makes the sound of snow crunch.
· A pair of gloves sounds like bird wing flaps.
· A heavy staple gun and or other metal parts make can make a good gun sound.
· Cellophane can make the sound of crackling fire (the effects editor should do the fire but in a pinch it does work).
· A heavy rolled and taped up telephone book makes a good ‘body punching’ surface
Without these crucial background noises, movies, TV series, radio productions, etc. feel unnaturally quiet and uncomfortable.
… If your big productions required a very specific sound effect, at Elite Music Studios, we have one of the greatest Foley artist and sound engineer to give live to your creativity.