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Overview
Ever watched a blockbuster car chase and wondered how every tyre screech or perfectly timed punch sounds so satisfyingly real? Chances are, you're not hearing what was captured on set. Instead, you're listening to the work of Foley artists: the behind-the-scenes sound specialists who recreate everyday noises for the big screen.
Despite being such an important part of the filmmaking process, Foley artists are often behind the scenes, perfecting their craft in studios and – if they do their job correctly – their work is not even noticeable when you watch the final product on screen. Equal parts performance, engineering and illusion, Foley art is finally being brought to the forefront this year in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's performance of Metropolis: Sounds of Cinema.
On Friday, August 21 at Hamer Hall, Metropolis: Sounds of Cinema will explore the fascinating world of Foley. Conducted by Principal Guest Conductor Benjamin Northey, hear the world premiere of Thomas Meadowcroft's Hollywood Parsifals Concerto for Foley Artists and Orchestra.
The evening will also include Bryony Mark's Their World from the film Noise; and suites from Oscar Award-nominated, ARIA winner, David Hirschfelder who will also join the MSO on stage to perform the scores he composed for The Dressmaker, Legend of the Guardians, and Strictly Ballroom.
Speaking with Concrete Playground, Benjamin explains why Metropolis: Sound of Cinema is different to other live orchestra performances.
"Audiences will get to experience an aspect of filmmaking that's usually invisible. We all recognise the emotional impact of a great film score, but we often don't realise how much of what we hear is carefully created after filming. Bringing the orchestra together with Foley artists reveals the incredible craftsmanship behind cinema and shows that every sound, from a gentle footstep to a dramatic crash, contributes to the storytelling."
Foley artist John Simpson has been in the business for over 40 years and worked on films including The Hobbit, The Adventures of Tintin and King Kong. During Metropolis: Sounds of Cinema, he'll demonstrate his craft live on stage, revealing the clever tricks that transform everyday objects into convincing movie sound effects.
"A wet chamois cloth or pouring fish into a bucket does great blood and guts sounds," shares John. "I've got a little toy car that has a squeaky wheel. I use this for all squeaky trolleys or doors. Some people might be surprised to know that we also make kissing sounds during love scenes." The Foley artist notes that audiences may be surprised to find that the sound is being made by something completely different to what's happening in a scene. "Like celery for breaking bones or coconuts for horse hooves," says John.
In Metropolis: Sounds of Cinema, audiences will get a behind-the-scenes look at how sound is built for film and hear the soundtracks that are often felt rather than witnessed when watching a film or TV show on a screen.
For Benjamin, the performance reminds us that film music never exists in isolation. "The score, dialogue and sound effects are all working together to create a believable world and guide our emotional response," says Benjamin. "Seeing Foley performed live alongside the orchestra helps audiences appreciate how these elements constantly interact. We celebrate the artists whose work is essential to filmmaking but rarely seen."
Whether you're fascinated by the magic of moviemaking or just looking for a memorable winter night out, Metropolis: Sounds of Cinema promises an unforgettable blend of live orchestral music and behind-the-scenes movie magic. Secure your tickets now and experience the sounds behind the screen.
Book your tickets here.
Image Credit: Supplied