Introduction to Foley and Sound Effects for Film

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Take the full Filmmaker IQ course on Foley and Sound Effects with sauce and bonus material and submit your very own Foley Film Lab at: filmmakeriq.co...
Very little of what you hear in the movies is real - in this lab we take a look at the art of Foley, how to classify it, the history of the man who started it all and take a demonstrate on our own silent film. The it’s your turn to make a sound effects driven film with Foley.
If you have any further questions be sure to check out our questions page on Filmmaker IQ:
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[@filanfyretracker]

Foley is honestly one of the most interesting arts in Cinema. It is amazing how much sound can be made from everyday objects and when properly handled in mixing can become something exotic.

[@boozarr]

This is a great intro to sound design! A friend just finished a horror film and I praised him on his sound design for the film. The sound effects he uses (all recorded wild and added in post like: crackling campfire, twigs breaking in the woods, leaves rustling, along with his music ques) made the film scary. He's a veteran film maker but most new film makers overlook the power of sound in a film.

[@PauloRocka]

Thanks a million times for sharing your knowledge here, for free, for us. Cheers!

[@thewiseman80]

been recording foley all week for my new short film. sometimes even directly watching the footage and replicating the sounds. its been really fun!

[@luminarywisp5025]

I LOVED the short movie! The writing inside the book was HYSTERICAL. Amazing use of irony too!

[@fhajji]

YES! And the book titles were so aptly chosen. A real piece of Art.

[@ThisLittleShow]

Your videos are fantastic man, hope you never stop making them. Love the high production value you give to them.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

We are just getting started. Stay tuned things are about to get epic. We have been working on something for the past year that will go live in a couple weeks. ;)

[@DoubleMrE]

I saw some Foley artists in a documentary a few years back and they said that after you have seven voices singing together, people can’t tell the difference with the sound no matter how many voices you add after that. He specifically mentioned the famous Coca Cola commercial where a whole bunch of people are singing “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” on a hillside. He said there were only seven foley artists actually doing the singing for the ad.

[@hawksoob]

Great vid! I recently had the pleasure of working with a professional, former Hollywood, sound designer on a horror short that I directed. The shot was 100% MOS and no dialog. He built the sound from the ground up with a mix of library sounds and Foley. It was really awesome watching him put it all together, and the final product really sounds amazing. Since then, I've been trying to put a lot more effort into that sort of thing. Sometimes the subtlest of sounds can make a huge difference in a scene.

[@VIPDARUA]

This video is EXACTLY what i needed. I'm post-processing a short-film for college and... well... almost every single sound is recorded "out of set". Thanks for the nice video.

[@dakinariten]

These videos are a godsend. Clear, concise and give the perfect amount of information to get you going. The terms are introduced and further research can be done. Please keep up the good work - very impressed!

[@carlpasha]

Most enjoyable and informative. Many thanks.

[@peterbetts8952]

This is why I sometimes find it easier to concentrate sitting at a busy restaurant than a library. At the library you hear every little detail, but at the restaurant it's just a whiteout of noise

[@mrblowhard2u]

Back in the 1970's I used to create my own "radio shows" on cassette tape. Rain (running shower), Gunshot (ruler hit on table), Thunder (thin sheet of metal), etc. I really enjoyed this episode.

[@RMoribayashi]

Interesting that you use one of Carl Stalling's cues as you cartoon example since he began accompanying silent movies. He started out as a pianist in his hometown theater working his way up the organist and conductor at the Isis Movie Theatre in Kansas City. There he helped the young Walt Disney develop procedures for making musical cartoons.

[@sudhindrak]

Must confess that I never knew about any of this .. and thanks for a superbly done video, loads of info that I can boldly walk with!

[@koningsbruggen]

This is wonderful. Because of channels like this we need the expensive and ineffective education system less and less.

[@creativeleo]

Evoloution ;)

[@NoxiousP]

the names of the books was a nice touch

[@lddevo88]

That's awesome that you cited Track Stars! Probably one of the most entertaining behind the scenes short films of foley artists at work.

[@montage2726]

Amazing the effect Foley has on productions. Thanks for the post.

[@ashmuryode2389]

15:20 Thank You John Hess for making this great tutorial

[@sparkybluefox]

Mr. Hess, This video on Foley effects was over the top awesome! I bow to you folks who produce such 'to the point' video's about film making aspects! BRAVO! Great work! sbf

[@aaronjboysreleasing2001]

Sarah Monat and Robin Harlan, the duo foley who is the one who making foley for film and TV similar to Paramount Studios and Sony Pictures Studios!

[@Finchspielberg]

I'm working on an audiofilm project: No visuals, just sound, music, dialogue, and narration. Watching this for a good refresher.

[@UKAirscape]

Love your videos; well written, exactly the right amount of detail. If I were a film tutor I'd just point students at your channel at leave it there!

[@brownieboi1691]

thats exactly what my tutor does 🤣 that's why I'm here

[@AlexanderMarsh]

Thanks for the video. I love how you put so much information into such a limited amount of time.

[@mayabz5300]

Thank you for this video . I just finished my first year of sound design in university. I really need to catch up with all your videos this summer. I have been a full time student but all the informations you are sharing now are a discovery for me (and I am a focused student) 🤷‍♀️. We do not receive this kind of explanation where I am studying but projects are directely put into in our hand and we just need to submit our work, while discovering the software that we are using 🤷‍♀️🙈. There is not enough classes per semester where I am studying, I noticed. But I already enrolled for this year, so I will stay on the course because I always finish what I have started. You are helping me receiving strong information (within this video, but not only this one). So far I have watched 3 video that you have done related to sound, just today. Thank you for making this knowledge accessible, I truly appreciate it. I hope that I will have my degree in two years now. A sound student. ✌🙈🔈🔉🔊

[@aaronjboysreleasing2001]

Also, Dennie Thorpe and Jana Vance, the duo foley walkers for the one who did at Skywalker Sound.

[@PeterGaunt]

There's a long running (since 1951) BBC radio soap called The Archers which runs in 15 minute episodes and is billed as 'an everyday story of country folk'. Some 20 or more years ago one of BBC radio's comedy series did a sketch, quite a long one as I recall, the premise of which was that when the cast of The Archers had gone on strike for the day the producers created an episode entirely using sound effects. I recall two things about it. It involved one of the characters having sex with a sheep including sticking the sheep's back legs into the character's rubber boots and also a number of lambs being born. Remember this was radio. No visuals. Magic.

[@8ulls3y3]

I love your videos, great quality, great insight and a very enjoyable exposition.

[@Mafon2]

Radio plays back then were realy fun.

[@clearymallard4076]

Super handy cheers! Loved the short film

[@VacationChris]

YOU ARE AMAZING!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@johncougar526]

You almost got all the sounds, now to work on the mix ... :-))

[@AnimusNitra-X]

Very interesting and funny movie you did. Thank you a lot for sharing!

[@JoeBetro]

Absolutely brilliant and hilarious Foley short you made!

[@CreatorofWhat]

Great short!

[@garychap8384]

It would be fantastic to see a piece of film, with the sound done in three different ways - each giving a completely different tone and feel to the film. Just to see how far its treatment can change the context of a piece of video.

[@SheridanArchbold]

Thanks a lot! Great content that I was looking for and so professionally done!

[@pankajjaju5377]

As always, A+.

[@nakabuyepatricia595]

Not me concentrating on the Foley of chalkboard scribble on the white board in the video 😂😂

[@nigelgould-davies6950]

Bravo. Enlightening and ingenious, and v generous to make this for us. Loved the book titles in the short. And all the Foley guys in 1930s in suits and ties. Thank you.

[@NbaLive4ever]

Definitely an enjoyable watch. Thank you for the info!

[@zemonte]

Just perfect. Tank you for all this knowledge.

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Awesome John

[@9874363008]

u r a great teacher..nice

[@joelonsdale]

Love it!

[@jgcooper]

haha 7:33 "but it was his knack for sound where he really made his name"

[@909sickle]

A slight correction on the history of radio and Foley. His real name was Dave Foley and it was actually a 90s TV show called NewsRadio. Dont worry, common mistake.

[@NordiusOfficial]

Very helpful info.

[@axolotlrincon]

really interesting video!!

[@LEXMARTINPB]

Aprendi nesses poucos minutos mais do que nas aulas que tive, kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk...Valeu!

[@thatcoolguy14]

All the sound related books

[@VFXCommander]

I really like your videos.

[@briancraig4058]

One of the developers in the forefront of this technology is a company called Blue Ripple Sound and the good news is that the core software to experiment with this is free, with the caveat that it only works with certain DAWs at the moment, although one of these is the ridiculously cheap, but amazingly versatile Reaper.

[@tpiom]

Your own video was really, really funny! Great work!

[@Lagartija219]

GReat job guys. Tanks for sharing

[@dogvom]

I think Foley would be a dream job and I've always been fascinated by it. When I worked in radio advertising, I was meticulous in my choices of sound effects and even created a number of them when I couldn't find any in our sound libraries. There was no training involved, but I had a natural instinct for it. I've also been a musician and composer since I was a child, and have written, acted, and directed for the stage. I'm even doing a series of videos (to be released on KZbin soon) where I get to utilize a lot of Foley techniques, including music cues. So, how does someone with no actual paid film experience but a lot of associated training in other fields find work as a Foley artist? Whom does one talk to? Is it a really closed shop?

[@enduraman1]

Recording sound effect and adding them into the video in post production is one way to add sound effect to video. The other way is to use pole and boom mic and capture the actual audio as it happens. The problem with pole and boom mic is you can not get so close as to be in the scene. That is the advantage of recording the audio effect and then adding them to the video in post production. The software advertised in this video Adobe Audition CC: multi-track editor that allows you to punch in recordings in specific moments in the video.

[@CalvinG973]

Since FilmMaker IQ is doing videos on sound, I think they should do a history on movie soundtracks. Just a thought.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

We have talked about doing a History of Soundtracks. The problem is with KZbin copyright bots. They generally give us a pass on clips that are fair use. However they seem to take a harder line on music. We believe it is fair use on such topics, but unfortunately in these cases you are guilty until proven innocent. I don't mean this to be a rant directed towards KZbin. To be honest, they generally do a good job when it comes to copyright. Music however is a different story. It's too deep of a subject to get into in YT comments. It mainly has to do with who owns the rights. In the music industry lets just say there are people that don't see the big picture.

[@penelopemarcheselopez139]

THIS IS AMAZING

[@glennso47]

When you mentioned Foley I think of Red Foley a country singer of years ago.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

Don't forget Kid in the Hall: Dave Foley!

[@etothemajor]

Great vid, yet again!

[@SamLovesMovies25]

Hehe gotta love Monty Python. Funny thing is though, apparently they were all supposed to have actual horses but they ended up not being able to afford it so they used that as an opportunity to make coconut gag so it actually ended up working out better because it was so funny :p

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+Sakura4anime25 It's amazing how when things go wrong, the creative solutions end up being better in the long run. If the shark had worked in Jaws - Steven Spielberg might not have become as big as he is... certainly not as fast.

[@jamescamplin6783]

What a cool job. How does one go about becoming a Foley artist?

[@saridium7749]

I’m learning

[@tonykelly7450]

Great vid - thanks!!!

[@ancientform]

Thanks for this amazing videos man!

[@AmeliaRosalinaTheHedgehog]

So cool

[@manuelmarin1996]

antholey filmtano here, and its time for a new movie score

[@Vivacityy]

+manuel marín lmao I've always had that same thought

[@bellyplates]

Great stuff!

[@manuelfvdias]

Thanks, John! High quality content. Can you tell me what is the best free audio library for sound design (films)? With no copyright issues. Thanks.

[@wej123455]

bruh this dude look like the guy that stole woody

[@MrLilzman8]

serafin If you look him up he's wearing the same shirt too wtfff

[@nathankousol7820]

BRUH HAHA

[@Derpy1969]

14:17 “Rainbows are like PONIES!”

[@yuzaki4757]

That was unfair

[@WAQWBrentwood]

To really be startled by how much music and sound effects means to a production, Listen to a radio drama in rehearsal. They sound bizarrely unnatural!

[@puixel]

Awesome video, thx :D

[@gammaechofoundationproductions]

Hey, thank you for this! You just earned a new subscriber! I look forward to more vids! :)

[@briancraig4058]

About helping with software I understand I been over at Lynda.com and learning the basic of Adobe Audition CC 2015 Ok I get back to You Sir about any questions that is concerning foley , sound design or sound effects Have a great day😀God Bless

[@briancraig4058]

I am want to use this this sound desgin reason looking for a solution

[@Kradukman]

Really interesting :)

[@MaoRuiqi]

You do Rode Mics pround!

[@relinquis]

great video... please add a reflector to get more fill light on the presenter's face. it's underexposed and less bright then his shoulders.

[@tylermeza2013]

i like learn video

[@RyanHannaMusic]

love the channel, but the foley on the intro doesnt sound right...the big reels sound like steel beer kegs rolling and the little reel sounds like an old cart wheel...if i re do it and it sounds better, would you guys give me a job? corner office would be sweet

[@Matticitt]

5:05 - that made me laugh so hard.

[@william.n4643]

If the original audio (Dialogue audio), already have a sound effect that needed (like closing or opening door). Should record the sound effect?

[@FilmmakerIQ]

depends how much you like it. if you like the natural effect, leave it.

[@william.n4643]

@@FilmmakerIQ If i want to use new sound effect, should i record ADR for the dialogue?

[@FilmmakerIQ]

depends if you can some how cut out and replace the old effect

[@william.n4643]

@@FilmmakerIQ If the dialogue is mixed with the sound effect?

[@FilmmakerIQ]

Then you probably have to ADR the line.

[@warwagon]

The ice shaking in the cup doesn't sound right.

[@luckyumbasa417]

6:13 I'm a bit confused here. How did Jack Foley (or the sound engineers that failed to sync SFX before him) add sound effects to a movie that /already/ recorded a musical score and some dialog using Sound-on-Film without multi track recording? Did they record a separate sound effects track to a Sound-on-Disc to be played alongside it? But then wasnt Sound-on-Disc inadequate for syncing sound effects as opposed to straight musical scores.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

The original movie didn't have audio

[@luckyumbasa417]

@@FilmmakerIQ I mean when they brought Jack Foley in, after they recorded the 40 piece orchestra on soundstage 10.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

They probably had rudimentary ways of mixing audio signals, play back the recorded sound on film which you could mix with microphones on Foley artist and record to a separate piece of film. Take that film and duplicate the image from the original.

[@briancraig4058]

Thanks I did look up some Surround Sound systems and I didnot know they had tall speakers like to cover more area that so I put away funds when I can Thank again for advice and done with that for now 👍🏻😀 Ok Question about Live Foley Now I do have questions about live Foley for used within a Adobe Addition CC 2017 can You help please ?

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+Brian Craig we don't teach people how to use software - there's plenty of other resources for that. But we will happily answer to our best ability any specific questions you have on Foley

[@bobw222]

Great video but... Continuity error... the book that is thrown on the floor is shown on the table as the gentleman with the cell phone walks out. Sorry, couldn't help myself. :)

[@andrewau1993]

what is meant by musical cues？is IT a clip of ost that serves a given function？

[@FilmmakerIQ]

A cue is just a point a point in the film that music is to start. Sometimes the track used at that point is called a "cue"

[@andrewau1993]

thanks。

[@allanbradbury5375]

It always bugs me that - clackety-clack - sound they add every time an actor removes his/her eyeglasses. Glasses don't make any sound in real life apart from, perhaps, when you close the arms (temples) to put them away. I understand the need for added sound effects but sometimes I think the sfx guys get a bit carried away.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

So "lay people" don't quite realize this but sound is integral to how things look. I'm not familiar with eyeglasses sound effects but there's a lot of sounds that would never be picked up on a boom that make things _look_ right. They start to feel real even if it is totally fake.

[@arcadiansounds2850]

This was excellent! Quick questions. what program can you use to look at video and tweak audio as you showed in 11:47 and 12:39? I know the sound is Adobe Audition but can you also watch film that following the same time, that is is it running together with playback audio and recording? What do you suggest someone buy if they have a budget and want to buy a professional grade shotgun mic for Foley recording as you used? I'm going to check out RODE mics, but, are there more you can suggest? Thanks for the information.

[@SIRROBERTTHEKEYTARMINATOR]

w0W!!!

[@briancraig4058]

would like to do some live foley work to movie picture can Audition or Logic Pro X do that? And what do I need and what are the steps to To get me started?

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+Brian Craig Audition has the capability of video playback while recording. Just set up your video and mic and hit record.

[@briancraig4058]

After recording my raw sounds I was wondering is there any kind of new 9.1 digital surround wireless headphones system etc... or anykind of digital surround wireless headphones system where I can edit audio in full rage 3D? Please Help To use to place my sound in 3d space

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+Brian Craig didn't even know they made headphones in anything more than stereo... Upon reading up on it, I'm not convinced, and I doubt you'll find any thing that's wireless. First of all, you don't ever want to mix with headphones, they will lie to you about the sound. Secondly a "surround" headphone makes even less sense... What happens if you turn your head 30 degrees, the sound will move... You'll never have a good sense of where the audio is coming from. Really if you want to mix surround sound, you need to set up a surround sound studio.

[@briancraig4058]

I understand but I live in a apartment so I am sure how I could hook up a surround sound Do You have a video on how to use psychoacoustics to trick one ears and mind or do you know of a good plugin of software where I can bring in all my separate sounds place them in all areas in audio spatial space?

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+Brian Craig go to a home electronics store and get a surround sound kit. As far as psychoacoustic tricks, I think is mostly v just panning to different tracks, most of the software can do it for you.

[@maxadvin4710]

Hi, I have a request...can you please advice on how to do mobile ring tone like effect in a movie. I mean, i have a song with me on my system and i want to use it in video as a mobile ring tone. It sounds silly :) but i want to avoid recording it separately due to lots of ambiance noise. I hope you understood my doubt.:) Thanks

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+Max Advin Try taking that song and running it through some EQ effects to mimic radio or walkie talkie. We demoed it a bit in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGWaamSFgdCFqNU

[@brodysbuckinbroncos7697]

so foley is to film as imagery is to literature?

[@matthewrosa4295]

He Should Have Mentioned "The Three Stooges" And THEIR Connection, -And Contribution, -To The Art Of The Foley Deck!

[@lamenamethefirst]

Hey Filmmaker IQ, I have a question. When recording dialogue on set, if the microphone picks up some faint sound (say cloth) while the dialogue is being delivered, how do I prevent that sound from clashing with the foley sound when making the mix?

[@FilmmakerIQ]

lamenamethefirst Good question. Well if it's faint - then just chalk it up as natural sound. I think audiences can be forgiving it that's the sound you would expect - basically your "cloth pass" was done in production. If it's in between words - you can get in there and surgically remove the sounds perhaps with a noise gate. If it's really obtrusive and destroys the integrity of the scene - then it's time scrap the audio and do ADR (or reshoot). kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooHCZ2ppjJdqZrs

[@lamenamethefirst]

Filmmaker IQ Thank you so much for answering so quickly. As a musician and self-proclaimed audiophile, I'm very interested in sound. However not too many people know enough about it and it's difficult for me to learn personally from a pro because I'm busy with college and that eats up a lot of time. People like you really make the job easier.

[@cfchcfch]

I like ur episodes....but the sound of chalk pieces on blackboards reminds me about my old school days....i felt sleepy while hearing that sound..why not use some other sounds or way?