What is Foley Sound in Film?

The use of sound and sound effects in film can create connections that visual representation is simply not capable of alone. While a movie is primarily a visual element, the sound effects and music involved add not only to the value but to the ability for the audience to feel deeply connected to the story. Various types of sound, like Foley sound, are used to enhance and improve the believable nature of films. But what is Foley sound in film and how does it work?

foley sounds

What is Foley Sound in Film?

Foley sound represents a unique style of sound effect or the addition of sound in film. Which basically involves the creation of day-to-day sounds that are used to enhance or articulate the existing sounds expected from a scene.

Moreover, foley sounds are produced in synchronization with the existing footage. To enhance the quality of the audio and the existing video.

Who Creates Foley Sound in Film?

Foley sound is created by Foley artists who work to produce unique foley sounds from a post-production studio. Using various forms of equipment and a lot of creativity, Foley artists will create foley sounds generally in one of the following manners:

  • With their feet. By stomping, walking, or otherwise recreating natural sounds of footsteps.
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  • With movement. By using various equipment to enhance the sounds of basic movements like clothes rustling or people touching each other.
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  • Specific sounds. This includes everything from a phone ringing to a door creaking or stairs squeaking.

How is Foley Sound Created?

Furthermore, in answering the question, “What is Foley sound in film?”. It is important to also address the common question. How is foley sound created? Foley sounds can be recreated in a variety of different ways.

The most common methods of creating foley sound include:

  • Using various forms of shoes to recreate the sound of walking or footsteps.
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  • Using various types of liquid to create the sounds of liquids. Such as pouring a drink, taking a shower, or washing something.
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  • Using unique equipment to create a particular noise such as a doorbell, window, glass breaking or something else.

In Summation

Foley sound in film is an immersive, realistic, and engaging experience. That can be used to heighten the value of a film. While providing a closer sense of atmosphere and connection between the audience and the movie. 

Want to see foley in action? The Academy themselves have a terrific video illustrating just that!