Foley
Foley is the art of recreating everyday sounds for movies, TV shows, and video games. Think of it as creating a "sound cookbook" - when you see someone walking on screen, the footsteps you hear were likely created by a Foley artist in a studio, not recorded during filming. This technique is named after Jack Foley, who pioneered this craft in early Hollywood. Foley artists use various props and materials to create sounds that match on-screen actions, making the viewing experience more realistic and engaging. It's different from sound effects, which are usually pre-recorded or digitally created sounds.
Examples in Resumes
Created Foley effects for 12 independent short films using custom-built sound stages
Supervised Foley recording sessions for a major streaming series
Led Foley department for multiple award-winning feature films
Trained junior Foley artists in traditional and modern techniques
Typical job title: "Foley Artists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Foley Artists
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you manage a Foley department and maintain quality across multiple projects?
Expected Answer: Should discuss team management, project scheduling, maintaining sound libraries, quality control processes, and working with directors/supervisors to achieve desired creative outcomes.
Q: How do you approach complex scenes with multiple sound layers?
Expected Answer: Should explain prioritizing sounds, coordinating with other sound departments, and managing time efficiently while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's your process for matching footsteps to different character types?
Expected Answer: Should describe techniques for different shoe types, surfaces, and character personalities, showing understanding of timing and performance.
Q: How do you handle recording Foley for action sequences?
Expected Answer: Should explain breaking down complex scenes, choosing appropriate props, and recording techniques for high-energy sequences.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic props do you need in a Foley kit?
Expected Answer: Should list essential items like different shoes, fabric swatches, small props for handling sounds, and various surface materials.
Q: How do you sync Foley sounds to picture?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic timing techniques, watching for visual cues, and understanding basic recording software.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic prop handling and sound creation
- Understanding of recording equipment
- Basic timing and sync skills
- Knowledge of common Foley surfaces
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced prop manipulation
- Quick problem-solving during sessions
- Working within tight deadlines
- Collaboration with sound team members
Senior (5+ years)
- Department management
- Complex scene creation
- Project budgeting
- Training and mentoring junior artists
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with actual Foley recording
- Lack of understanding of basic film sound workflow
- No knowledge of industry-standard recording equipment
- Unable to provide examples of creative sound solutions
- No experience working with digital audio workstations
Related Terms
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