Foley

Foley is named after Jack Foley, a sound effects pioneer at Universal Studios. Foley artists watch the video and physically perform actions in a recording studio to create synchronized sound effects. Walking on different surfaces to produce footsteps, crinkling fabric for clothing sounds, handling props to create interaction sounds — these are all foley techniques. The goal is to create authentic, perfectly synchronized audio that brings the visual world to life.

Foley serves multiple important functions. It adds detail and realism that production audio often misses — microphones focused on dialogue may not capture the subtle sound of a character picking up a glass or setting down a pen. Foley also provides consistency, as location recordings may vary in quality from shot to shot. Additionally, foley enables localization, since effects can be created independently of dialogue, allowing a film to be dubbed into different languages while retaining the same sound effects track.

In video production for commercial and corporate clients, full foley sessions are less common than in feature films, but the principle applies. Adding key sync-sound effects — a product being unboxed, hands typing on a keyboard, a door opening — elevates the perceived quality and immersion of any video. Many of these sounds are sourced from professional sound libraries, but custom foley remains the gold standard when budget allows.