Foley (cont'd)

Do Foley artists often work in pairs?
I mostly work with a partner and occasionally do it by myself. My partner helps me with some of the footsteps and assists me with the props. Sometimes we both make sounds at the same time.

How did you become a Foley artist?
I saw Foley being done when I was 16. I’m from Ohio and I saw Foley out here and I decided then that that’s what I wanted to do. I knew someone who was in the business and I assisted and apprenticed for six months. Then I went out on my own and my reputation grew. I do all the Sony films and I also bring outside business to Sony.

What’s the most creative thing you’ve done as a Foley artist?
I do vocals, like creature sounds for movies. I was the voice of "Godzilla" (in the 1998 GODZILLA) and I did horse vocals, snorts and breathing, for the Universal/DreamWorks film SEABISCUIT, as well as all the horse hoof beats and racing sounds. During Foley recording, I also make vocal sounds. I can take a piece of metal and blow on it to make a "whiff" sound and it sounds like I’m opening up a can of soda. I do vocal fly-by sounds that sound like these huge things flying by. These are all just tricks of the trade that I learned but I think are an added feature of being a Foley artist.

What skills do aspiring Foley artists need to have?
First and foremost, you have to have creativity. Second would be rhythm. Third would be a good keen ear that notices sound. Also, an eye for detail, endurance, patience -- because you have to try a lot of things. The more experience you have as a Foley artist will help you remember these tricks and you actually use a lot of them over and over on different films.