Foley Artistry & Professional Audio & Camcorder Equipment

The role of the Foley Artist dates back to the early 20th century, with the advent of film and Professional Recording Equipment. Named after Jack Foley, who was one of the first artists to focus on recording sound for films, Foley Artistry consists of trying to capture every audible movement onscreen and recreate reality, and anybody who creates physical sound effects for films is referred to as a Foley Artist.

Professional Audio

There are many ways to create and record sound, and the ‘art’ of Foley rests in the creativity it takes to come up with better and original ways to do so. There are obvious obstacles that production teams and location sound recordists face when filming. These include fallout from the modern world (aeroplanes, trains, etc.), adverse weather conditions (excessive wind or rain) and set restrictions (a plywood floor that is supposed to be marble or a sword that isn’t made of steel).

Numerous film takes also mean that the soundtrack can get disjointed and need to be re-recorded occasionally, so that it instead runs smoothly and seamlessly. Fortunately, Foley can remedy these inconveniences.

Audio Equipment

Foley is split into three branches - Moves, Feet & Specifics.

Recording movement is a very subtle process, as these are often extremely quiet. The Microphone should be placed three feet away from the Foley Artist in order to capture sound at the correct volume. Footsteps are difficult to master, as there are many floor types and emotionally-fuelled gaits to cater for. The Specifics branch basically covers everything else and is where the real fun is.

The sound of a car crashing can be produced by shaking a metal box filled with pieces of wood and metal; galloping horses, by clapping empty coconut shells together; a bird flapping its wings, by flapping a pair of gloves; punching someone, by hitting a watermelon. As you can imagine, the possibilities are practically limitless.

Broadcast Equipment

In the age of Professional Broadcast Equipment, Specialist Camcorders and Sony HD Camcorders, it’s easy for Audio Production to fall by the wayside. Professional Audio Equipment is extremely important though, and a field that still boasts potential for innovation - as illustrated by Foley Artistry.

Alex Jones is a professional broadcaster specialising in Foley Artistry using specialist camcorders including Sony DV Camcorders.