Foley artists are highly skilled sound technicians and editors who produce special effects to re-create sounds that the production microphones fail to pick up during filming. Sound effects range from the mundane to the sublime, and enhance the story by building tension, creating atmosphere, and heightening emotion. From the whisper of the wind to a violent storm, the sounds of a Foley artist’s work permeate a film, yet few viewers are consciously aware of the effects.
The profession takes its name from Jack Foley, a sound engineer from the early days of the film industry. Foley pioneered the use of props and other tools to create and record sounds that were missed while the cameras rolled, adding the sounds to the final soundtrack later on. His legendary work includes using a rocking chair to simulate the sound of a tentative foot on a creaking stair, and the rattle of a key chain to mimic the sound of a manacled prisoner.
To become a Foley artist, you will want to pay close attention to an already-filmed sequence, first observing and then re-creating its necessary sound effects. Once the sound effects have been recorded, the Foley artist dubs them into the scene in seamless synchronization with the action.
Foley artists work in television, on video and movie productions, in recording studios, and in theater production companies. You don't need a college degree to become a Foley artist, but Foley artists have often had technical training or earned certificates in broadcast technology, electronics, or computer networking. Some are also graduates in music or art.
Since most sound editing is done on computers, you will need to be comfortable working with information technology if you want to become a Foley artist. Manipulating electrical and mechanical equipment should not be strange to you. This is a field where it is critical to keep abreast of the latest technological advances.
It can be tough to break into the field, but one way to become a Foley artist is to volunteer at a cable television station, or work for a commercial radio station. Sound effect technicians may have to start at the bottom of the rung as station assistants. By gaining experience and building a solid reputation, they can advance to the ranks of senior film editors or producers.
Competition for Foley artist jobs is high. The allure of the motion picture industry can draw numerous applicants. Entry-level jobs may be easier to get in smaller towns than in larger metropolitan areas.
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JimmyT
Post 6 |
If you wanted to get some college experience preparing you for being a Foley artist, what sort of program would you enter into? The article just mentions music or art.
I know when I was in college, they had a pretty good theater and performing arts department. I was wondering if maybe someone might be able to get a degree like that that would at least expose them to certain production techniques and things.
The other thing I was thinking, too, is that some places have sound engineering programs like where you learn how to produce music albums. That might also be a useful degree. You would definitely have a lot of experience with editing sounds into different types of tracks. |
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TreeMan
Post 5 |
I really like getting DVDs and watched the extra features that come with them. For a lot of movies, especially animated films, there will be a special section showing how the Foley artists made a lot of the different sounds that showed up in the movie. It is really neat to see what they come up with.
Along the same lines, I love some of the sound effects in the old cartoons like Looney Tunes and Disney. I think my all time favorite would have to be the bongos playing when someone is trying to run.
I bet it would be really difficult to match the timing with a lot of those sound effects, too. |
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Izzy78
Post 4 |
@jmc88 - I know I saw a documentary one time about how Foley artists make a lot of the sounds in movies. I remember for punching noises, they actually used pieces of meat and slapped them or threw them down on a table or something. Thunder was a pretty easy one, they just shook a piece of sheet metal.
I think a lot of being successful in a job like this would be having the ability to come up with ideas that no one before you has used. Production companies are always looking to get the most bang for their buck. If someone can make the same types of noises with less expensive things or reuse certain props, I'm sure they would be favored over someone else. |
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jmc88
Post 3 |
I always see the term foley artist at the end of movies, but I never really knew what one was. It sounds like it would be a really fun job if you could get it.
I'm curious what some of the other sound effects a foley artist might use in a movie. What about when someone is getting punched or falling down or something? |
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starrynight
Post 2 |
@JessicaLynn - I've never heard of this job either. But I'm not in the audio industry, so I guess that doesn't mean much!
It makes a ton of sense though. Imagine how weird movies would sound without all the "everyday" noises! No footsteps, no keys jingling in a pocket...I think it would really distract from the movie.
I also never realized the camera doesn't pick all that stuff up. I guess because Foley artists have been doing their jobs all these years! |
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JessicaLynn
Post 1 |
I've never heard of this job, and my boyfriend is in the audio industry! I guess that's just another testament to the fact that this job is pretty difficult to get.
It's funny that the article said it's easier to get an entry level position in a smaller area. When I was reading the beginning of this article, I was thinking a person might have to go somewhere like LA to work as a Foley artist.
I guess I was only thinking about movies though. As the article pointed out, a Foley artist could definitely work for a radio station. And radio stations are all over! |
