Sound Skills Session 2- Foley

Sound Skills- Session 2- Introduction to Foley Artistry

Practical Session-  focused on the production of cinema grade sounds from cheap household objects.
Mic used- Audio Technica Directional Rifle Mic. Narrow spectrum Sound capture.

• When capturing foley effects, two mics may be used through one Marantz (check levels individually with split L/R controls- preffered recording can be chosen later. For example use a rifle Mic for detailed directional sounds and a dynamic kit mic for a larger sound (broader range, wont peak at higher levels.)

Examples of effects from household objects-

• Comb/Brush- scrape bristles for crunchy, creepy-crawly effects, ice breaking etc
• Cornflour- leave in bag or box, squeeze for very realistic snow crunching effect
• Slinky- extend and strike for Star Wars style phaser/laser sounds (used by Ben Burtt in Star Wars)
• Generators, Vending machines, air conditioning etc- all work to provide background hum and atmos, useful in many scenes.
• Carrots, Celery etc- twist and snap to simulate breaking bones, ice etc.
• Steak- punch for realistic meaty impact.
• Cabbage, Cauliflour etc- use a knife for stabbing effect (used in Halloween).
• Shower- use conventional or hyrdophone mic for rain effect.
• Melon- scoop inside for gooey, slimy effect
• Wafers, crackers, biscuits etc- snap for bones, eggshells etc
• Gas cylinders, propane tanks etc- strike with metal for bell effect- great reverb
• Cocunuts- use dry halves on plywood for horse hoof beats.
• Pineapple- rough skin for abrasion effects, rough skin etc
• Knotted rope- spin around head to create whirring wind effect
• Dogs bark- reversed and altered provides a wide range of alien/monster effects (used in Jurassic Park)

Foley Trays- wooden trays filled with material to simulate footsteps- e.g. gravel, paving slabs, sand etc.