What Does A Foley Artist Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Reproduce and record specific sounds during post-production

Foley Artists become involved during the post-production stage, after principal photography wraps. They create the sound effects needed to represent the various non-dialogue sounds that you hear in a film.

The sounds that Foley Artists reproduce are divided into three categories. Each sound effect is used to represent footsteps, movements, or props.

For example, Foley Artists may need to reproduce the sounds of footsteps walking on a variety of surfaces. They may also need to reproduce the sounds associated with movement, such as the creaking of a couch as you stand up.

If the sound effect is not related to footsteps or movements, it belongs to the “props” category. This includes the sound of gunshots, water running, glass breaking, or thunder.

Find ways to reproduce sounds using ordinary objects

Due to decades of use in the film industry, Foley Artists have an extensive list of objects that can be used to reproduce specific sounds. For example, many Foley Artists know that you can crackle celery to simulate the sound of breaking bones. Using a rusty hinge can reproduce the sound of a squeaky door or drawer.

Foley Artists may also look for new ways to reproduce sounds. If a known technique does not produce the exact sound that the Foley Artist hopes to achieve, they may need to find a different object.

Break down scenes into a list of individual sounds

Before recording sound effects, Foley Artists need to determine which sounds are needed. During a typical recording session, the Foley Artist watches a scene and produces a list of the sounds they need to reproduce.

Foley Artists also need to determine if additional background noises are needed. For example, when shooting on-location with pedestrians walking around, the scene may need the sound of people passing by. In some cases, the background noises are captured in the field while shooting the scene. If the sounds were not captured, the Foley Artist adds them to the list.

Work with a Sound Engineer in the foley studio

Foley Artists typically work in a dedicated studio with a large stage. Foley studios often have storage rooms with thousands of objects available for recreating sounds.

The Foley Artist is part of the sound department, which includes the Recording Engineer. The Foley Artist reviews the list of sounds needed for each scene and begins reproducing them while the Recording Engineer records the audio.

Footage from the scene is typically projected onto a screen. This allows the Foley Artist to sync the sounds with the visuals.

A Supervising Sound Designer may also be involved in this process. After recording the sound effects, the Sound Designer may review the sounds and request retakes.

Step 1: Start researching the requirements of Foley Artists

Aspiring Foley Artists can learn more about this career by reading books on the topic, starting with a history of the foley arts.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s degree

There is no specific training for Foley Artists. However, some employers may still prefer to hire individuals with Bachelor’s degrees.

As you will spend most of your time in a recording studio, earning a degree in Sound Engineering, Sound Design, or Sound Mixing may improve your employability.

Step 3: Start shadowing experienced Foley Artists

You should start reaching out to experienced Foley Artists to ask if you can shadow them for the day. Watch how they perform their job while getting to know them and the Sound Engineers.

Step 4: Network with Foley Artists and Sound Engineers

Unfortunately, Foley Artists face tough competition for employment, making it difficult to enter this field. You will need to network with Foley Artists and Sound Engineers. Use your contacts to land small jobs, such as cueing a foley recording session, which involves making the list of sounds that are needed.