Relating to or concerned with the addition of recorded sound effects after the shooting of a film: a foley artist
We record all effects to picture in sync. We feel this provides a better 'feel' for the scene. Using a mix of microphones we provide a perspective that provides depth to the screen
We don't move on until it sounds right
Isn't that what you deserve
Foley is detail. Foley is feel. Foley is unnoticed.
Foley is the reproduction of sound effects used in films, video and other media. It is used to Enhance the Soundscape but is also has a very important role in Delivery Requirements. Foley has 3 elements: Feet, Props and Cloth Moves.
Feet are usually done first to provide a Foundation for the Soundtrack. Attention is giving to the type of shoe, the surfaces that are used in scenes and the characteristics of the characters style of walking. Like all other elements in film, a well planned foot track and recording can help establish or control a scene.
Props range from Hand Grabs to Body Falls, Tinkering with Tools to Drapes in the Wind. Props are sound effects that are specific and use the Foley Artist's skill to be performed. We believe this performance is our specialty. We consider Foley to be an art-form. Just like other art-forms we feel skill, creativity and experience are the fundamentals.
Cloth Moves are the final piece. It is a cloth movement track that is continuous throughout the film or show. Like other Foley elements, they add a flavor to the Soundtrack but they are also used to help cover ADR (Automatic Dialogue Replacement) and other aspects that need assistance. Cloth Moves, the Simplest Sound Effect that have the greatest impact to the Soundscape.
Although one side of Foley is to Enhance, another is as a Requirement. As a part of foreign distribution, it is very important to provide a Music and Effects Mix (M&E) for any production. When English Dialogue is dropped, several holes become apparent in the Soundtrack (i.e. footsteps, grabs, etc. missing). This is where the Foley has an important function. The Foley Track is now used to replace any Sync Effects (Location Recorded Sound Effects) that are lost from dropping the English Location Dialogue. For example, if the character in the film is running and yelling at the same time that entire sequence must be dropped from the M&E mix. With the dialogue dropped, the footsteps are all gone. To continue the Sound Illusion in the M&E mix, the Foley footsteps are put into the mix the fill the hole created. Most of the time the Foley footsteps are placed in the original mix to enhance the characters movements anyways.
As with the other Elements in a Soundtrack, Foley has its place and sometimes that place is right out in front. We like to give our clients that option.