Foley
Foley refers to the sound effects of normal, everyday sounds. Though it is sometimes used interchangeably with the term “sound effects,” Foley specifically refers to the sounds of everyday noises, which synchronize on screen. Foley typically does not include sound effects created by computer, which are typically considered part of special audio effects. Foley also does not typically refer to background sound effects.
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History
Foley comes from the term Foley Artist, which is named after Jack Foley, the pioneer of the field. He was one of the first people to work on “talkies” (the first films with sound), and he essentially created the world of sound effects, though he began his career as a writer.
How to Create Foley
Foley in large budget films is created with guidance from the sound designer, who also works with the recording engineer. However, small budget films can benefit from Foley as well. Since Foley is typically created with common objects, creating a richer sound for a film can be quite easy. Here are some examples:
Punching a watermelon = fist fight
Breaking bamboo, celery, or lettuce = breaking bones
Crunching up tape= crunching leaves
Foley can also be the same noise that would have been made during filming, but simply wasn’t picked up by the microphone. Foley can be re-recorded to be clear or even to stand out in the film. Common sounds that are made by the same means but re-recorded for clarity or emphasis include:
Walking (especially in high heels, flip flops, etc)
Sheets or other fabric rustling or ripping
Keys or other object dangling
Scissors cutting
Related Words
Foley Artist
Foley Artists are sound effects specialists who create the wide array of everyday sounds for films.
Foley Editor
Foley Editors work on major productions with several Foley Artists. They also select and use pre-recorded Foley from sound libraries.
Foley Session
The Foley session is part of post-production. The Foley Artist follows cues written throughout the script that determine where Foley will be added. Some sounds are recorded during filming, but this is not considered Foley. Foley is sometimes added to accentuate the real effects recorded during filming.
Voice Foley
Sound effects made by an actor during filming, such as grunts, groans, wheezing, whistling, humming, or heavy breathing.