What is Foley?

Jack Foley began what is now known as Foley art in 1927.  He is credited with adding sound to early pictures before location recording was practical.  His techniques for creating a variety of unique sounds from ordinary objects is still used in film and really all audio production today.  Since a variety of objects can be used as sound effects, finding the right acoustic presentation by use of the right surroundings and mic placement can make all the difference.  The use of shotgun mics or even mics placed far away from the source can make for unique and interesting results.  It may be useful to think of Foley in three different categories, Feet, Moves and Specifics.  Feet require a variety of shoes and walking surfaces to replace or augment footsteps. Moves are subtle but important in conveying realism.  A selection of clothing or lack thereof are needed depending on the situation.  Specifics are everything else that tell the audience specifically what is happening and how to react.

IYE’s Foley Capabilities

In Your Ear Studios has provided Foley services since the beginning. And when our current home on East Broad st was being built we had foley pits poured into the very foundation of both Studio A and Studio B. We done Foley for everything from video games, commercials, feature length films, VR experiences, and museum exhibits. And thanks to Andrea Buchheit’s “suitcase of shoes & stuff”, we’re ready for any Foley need that may arise.