Movie Sound Effects

Q: What is the name of the person who does movie sound effects?

A: A Foley Artist

Who Does Movie Sound Effects?

When you watch a movie and hear the crunch of footsteps in snow, the whoosh of a sword, or the creak of an old door, you might think those sounds were recorded on set. In reality, most are carefully crafted afterwards — by a specialist known as a Foley artist.

Named after Jack Foley, a pioneer in sound effects for film in the early days of Hollywood, Foley artists create everyday sound effects in sync with the on-screen action. They might swish a piece of fabric to mimic clothing rustle, snap celery stalks to simulate breaking bones, or swirl water in a bucket to match a character rowing a boat.

Foley work happens in a recording studio filled with all sorts of props — gravel pits, wooden planks, metal sheets, even old shoes — and requires perfect timing to match the actor’s movements. The result? A richer, more immersive audio experience that draws the audience deeper into the story.

So next time you’re engrossed in a film, remember: the magic you’re hearing may have come from a Foley artist stomping around in a sand pit just out of frame.