Foley
Foley is the art of creating everyday sound effects for movies, TV shows, and video games. Instead of using recorded sounds from filming, Foley artists recreate sounds in a special studio using various props and materials. For example, they might use coconut shells to make horse hoof sounds, or cellophane to create fire crackling effects. This process is named after Jack Foley, who pioneered this technique in early filmmaking. It's essential for adding realism to productions since many natural sounds don't record well during filming or need to be enhanced later.
Examples in Resumes
Created and synchronized Foley effects for 12 feature-length films
Led Foley department for major television network's drama series
Trained junior Foley artists in sound reproduction 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's workflow when dealing with multiple projects?
Expected Answer: A senior Foley artist should discuss project scheduling, team coordination, quality control processes, and how they maintain consistency across different productions while meeting deadlines.
Q: What's your approach to creating unique sound effects for science fiction or fantasy projects?
Expected Answer: Should explain their creative process for inventing new sounds, combining different materials and techniques, and how they ensure these sounds match the visual elements while remaining believable.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you choose which sounds need to be created through Foley versus using sound libraries?
Expected Answer: Should discuss evaluating scene requirements, time constraints, budget considerations, and when custom Foley will add more value than library sounds.
Q: What's your process for matching footsteps to different character types?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they consider character weight, personality, shoe type, and surface materials to create appropriate footstep sounds.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic equipment and materials do you need in a Foley studio?
Expected Answer: Should list essential items like different floor surfaces, basic props, recording equipment, and explain their common uses in creating everyday sounds.
Q: How do you sync Foley sounds with on-screen action?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic timing techniques, use of visual cues, and the importance of watching the screen while performing sounds.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic sound matching and timing
- Recording equipment operation
- Common Foley techniques
- Basic prop handling
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced sound creation
- Project coordination
- Digital audio workstation expertise
- Sound editing software proficiency
Senior (5+ years)
- Department management
- Complex sound design
- Team leadership
- Budget management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with actual Foley recording
- Lack of knowledge about basic recording equipment
- Poor understanding of timing and synchronization
- No experience with professional audio software
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