Actors of Sound Parent Guide

The photo above pictures Martin Langenbach, a Foley artist working in Germany. Although he appears still in this image, his legs are rapidly moving in an effort to create sounds that mimic actions happening in the scene of a movie. These noises are recorded and synchronized to images seen in a film. (He works in his pajamas because they are the quietest clothes.)

Helping kids discover the “magic” of movies means more than just watching a lot of them. It’s also good for young viewers to understand just how much “construction” is behind virtually every film they view. One of these constructions involves tinkering with a variety of background and foreground sounds to create an audio experience that is precisely what the director imagined.

Actors of Sound is a thoughtful documentary that opens the door to the world of “Foley” effects. The process was named after Jack Foley, a sound effects artist, who rescued a major shoot while working on the epic movie Spartacus by adding in background sounds that weren’t properly recorded during filming. Not only did he demonstrate how recording sounds made by some simple objects could save a studio the copious amounts of cash required for a re-shoot, the final outcome actually sounded better Within a few years, “Foley artists” were found within many motion picture studios and today film directors rely on these “post production” geniuses to make things sound even more stellar than they do in reality.

This lesson in history, plus speculation about this low-tech speciality’s future in the increasingly high-tech movie industry, are interesting. But the cool footage of coconut shells sounding like horse hooves will be what really excites most audiences. Many of these artists also have to be actors as they work in studios piled high with “props.” These tools of the trade look like the culmination of a lifetime rummaging through garage sales. Large rings of keys mimic the sound of clanking armor. Jello makes the perfect “squish” effect for E.T. and many other unreal visitors. Scads of paper, fabric and various other materials offer a virtual rainbow of sound support to what’s happening on the screen. And, not matter if you’re a male or female artist, you likely have a selection of “heels” that would make any shoe fashionista jealous.

Perhaps the need for Foley is most apparent in animations where an entire sound track must be created. Yet it is a staple for action movies too. Obviously, the characters are only acting out the violent encounters, so sound effects are needed to add authenticity to beatings and other brutal confrontations. This documentary includes a demonstration of how a turkey can be substituted to mimic the sound of a baseball bat hitting a man’s head, which is accompanied by a clip from the movie The Untouchables. This scene, plus the inclusion of graphic scenes from other R-rated films (like Gangs of New York and Saving Private Ryan) could be disturbing for some viewers, making this production most suitable for older teens and adults.

Budding filmmakers in your home may have their imaginations ignited by this peek behind the scenes. And there’s the added benefit that Foley work involves a lot of physical movement – even dancing – which will motivate sofa surfers to get on their feet. Just beware that your home may become a junk collector’s dream!

About author

Rod Gustafson

Rod Gustafson has worked in various media industries since 1977. He founded Parent Previews in 1993, and today continues to write and broadcast the reviews in newspapers, on radio and (of course) on the Internet. His efforts also include writing and researching media in all its forms and observing how it effects society and culture. He and his wife Donna have four children.