Foley artists use props to create sound effects for movies. Their principal job is to immerse viewers in what they see by including the dimension of sound to add to the experience. Foley artists rarely capture sounds during live taping that are included in the edited version you view. But, just how is this accomplished? How can the tiptoes of a child or the boom of thunder be recreated? A Foley artist sees the opportunity to use an everyday object to capture the sound: swishing a feather duster across a sheet of paper brings thoughts of a ballerina dancing across center stage, and waving a large piece of heavy aluminum evokes thoughts of a thunderstorm!
To recreate sound effects for movies, Foley artists utilize a variety of everyday objects and props to mimic the desired sounds. By watching the film and understanding the scenes, they can identify opportunities to enhance the viewer's experience through sound. Here's how they accomplish this:
1. Footsteps: Foley artists reproduce realistic footsteps using different shoes or props on various surfaces. They may wear different footwear like high heels, sneakers, or boots to match the characters' footsteps, and walk or run on different surfaces like gravel, concrete, or wooden floors to create the desired effect. The sounds are then synchronized with the actors' motions in post-production.
2. Handling objects: Whenever characters interact with objects like picking up a cup or closing a door, Foley artists recreate these sounds using similar props. They may use different cups, utensils, or doors while being recorded, ensuring the sound matches the on-screen actions.
3. Weather effects: Foley artists can mimic weather sounds such as rain, thunder, or wind using a wide range of props. For rain, they might use sponges, water sprays, or even rice poured onto different surfaces. Thunder can be replicated by shaking large pieces of heavy metal or striking together various metal objects. Wind can be created by blowing into a microphone or using different types of fabric to generate the desired effect.
4. Animal sounds: Foley artists reproduce sounds made by animals by using a combination of various props. For example, a creaky door hinge might simulate a bird chirping, or rubber gloves gently squeezed could mimic a dog's squeaky toy. By experimenting and combining different sounds, Foley artists create lifelike animal effects.
5. Cloth and movement sounds: Clothing rustling, swishing sounds, or the movement of various materials are often recorded using specific props. For instance, a Foley artist might use different fabrics like nylon, silk, or leather to reproduce the sound of clothes brushing against each other or the sound of a cape flapping in the wind.
The main goal of a Foley artist is to ensure that the sounds they create enhance the visual experience for the viewers. By utilizing everyday objects creatively, they can add depth and realism to the film's audio, making the scenes come alive.
Foley artists use props to create sound effects for movies. Their principal job is to immerse viewers in what they see by including the dimension of sound to add to the experience. Foley artists rarely capture sounds during live taping that are included in the edited version you view. But, just how is this accomplished? How can the tiptoes of a child or the boom of thunder be recreated? A Foley artist sees the opportunity to use an everyday object to capture the sound: swishing a feather duster across a sheet of paper brings thoughts of a ballerina dancing across center stage, and waving a large piece of heavy aluminum evokes thoughts of a thunderstorm!
1. Which of the following is a central idea of this paragraph?
(1 point)
Responses
Everyday objects are often used to create effects.
Everyday objects are often used to create effects.
Sound is usually added to movies after they are filmed.
Sound is usually added to movies after they are filmed.
Foley artists create sound effects for movies.
Foley artists create sound effects for movies.
Foley artists edit films before viewers see them.
The central idea of this paragraph is: Foley artists use props and everyday objects to create sound effects for movies.
Hollywood movies originated without sound, and silent movies told stories using visuals only. Eventually, background music was added to create feelings of suspense, melancholy, or romance, but there were no lines of dialogue spoken aloud by actors. As microphone technology improved, the stage was set to add dialogue, and this is when the role of the Foley artist became so important. The movie industry is now known for creating more than silent movies, and Foley artists are part of that industry's work in elevating the viewers' senses. The term Foley artist is named after Jack Foley, an innovator in the realm of sound effects. His vision paved the way for sound to be included in the world of movies and added the dimension that what our eyes miss, our ears will pick up.
2. What is the central idea of the excerpt?
(1 point)
Responses
Improvements in microphones allowed Foley artists to record dialogue for movies.
Improvements in microphones allowed Foley artists to record dialogue for movies.
Silent movies relied on visuals to tell the story.
Silent movies relied on visuals to tell the story.
Advancements in technology made it possible for movies to have sound.
Advancements in technology made it possible for movies to have sound.
Jack Foley pioneered the use of sound effects in movies.
The central idea of the excerpt is: Silent movies relied on visuals to tell the story, but advancements in technology allowed for the addition of sound, with Foley artists playing a crucial role in creating sound effects for movies.
3. Which detail best supports the idea that Foley artists have enhanced the experience of watching movies?
(1 point)
Responses
Foley artists entered the movie industry in the middle of the twentieth century.
Foley artists entered the movie industry in the middle of the twentieth century.
Foley artists are named after innovator Jack Foley.
Foley artists are named after innovator Jack Foley.
Foley artists use technology such as microphones.
Foley artists use technology such as microphones.
Foley artists create sounds that are added to the images in movies.
Foley artists create sounds that are added to the images in movies.
Question 4
The detail that best supports the idea that Foley artists have enhanced the experience of watching movies is: "Foley artists create sounds that are added to the images in movies."
The hills and canyons of California provide all three of a wildfire’s needs in abundance. Dry brush and small shrubs and trees encircle the towns. Santa Ana winds blow steadily. The winds pick up twigs or small embers and carry them miles away. Dry lightning is a common occurrence, too, and tourists’ campfires, broken electric lines, or even dropped cigarettes can spark a fire.
4. Which is the best summary of the information in this paragraph?
(1 point)
Responses
Towns in California are surrounded by natural plants, such as trees and shrubs.
Towns in California are surrounded by natural plants, such as trees and shrubs.
California weather is usually windy with the occasional dry lightning storm.
California weather is usually windy with the occasional dry lightning storm.
California is vulnerable to wildfires due to its dry climate, lightning, and tourist activities.
California is vulnerable to wildfires due to its dry climate, lightning, and tourist activities.
Some tourists cause wildfires while camping and sightseeing in California.
Some tourists cause wildfires while camping and sightseeing in California.
Question 5
The best summary of the information in this paragraph is: California is vulnerable to wildfires due to its dry climate, lightning, and tourist activities.
5. An objective summary conveys the central idea of the text.(1 point)
Responses
True
True
False