Independent Research: Foley Sound

Foley sound is the reproduction of the sound that appears in the scene to be added later in post-production. These sound effects consist of the everyday ambient sounds that would occur in the scene which means all Foley sound is diegetic sound.

The sound effects are made to either complement or replaces sound that was previously recorded on site. This means that when used effectively the audience should be able to pick up on the fact that the recorded sound was not part of the filming process. Foley sound would prevent a scene from sounding too controlled and thus unrealistic. If a scene only consisted of dialogue and was completely void of ambient sounds it would make the audience snap out of the scene as it would appear to lose its realism.

Foley sound is a necessity for most films because the primary goal for the sound team as filming has commenced is to capture the clear dialogue which means that the more intricate sounds required to be heard from the props within the scene, this means that the soundscape must be built up in post production. For example, if a scene consisted of a character walking on noisy terrain like gravel it would be preferred that the sound from the environment is ignored during field recording before being added throughout the scene later. This would be necessary because it allows for editors to have more control over the sound in the scene. With the dialogue recorded separately from the sound of the character stepping on gravel, the sound of the gravel can be altered to appear much more subtle allowing for a scene with both comprehensible dialogue as well as a layered realistic soundscape to accompany it.

BBFC Research

The BBFC is an institution that is responsible for the classification of films in relation to the content in it. They are also responsible for the classification of television shows and trailers as well as other adverts and public campaigning films.

The current certifications of films are a range of ages as an advisory of who they think the content is appropriate for. These certifications are:

U-  A U film must be suitable for anyone 4 or over, this is to prevent upsetting child viewers despite it being unpredictable what would upset a particular child. U films must be set in a positive framework as well as offering a reassuring counterbalance to any violence, horror or threat within the film.





PG-  This is a rating that may contain scenes that would be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film cannot feature content that would be unsettling for a child around 8 or older. Children of any age can watch a PG film unaccompanied however, parents are to consider whether the content will be upsetting.

12- A 12 film will include material that would not be appropriate for those aged under 12, as a result no one younger than 12 should watch a 12 rated film as it can contain some mildly explicit content.

15- A 15 rated film may contain discriminatory language and themes but cannot endorse such behaviour and language. Drugs can be shown but the misuse of drugs must not be encouraged. Easily accessible drugs such as solvents cannot feature. There are no constraints to nudity in a non-sexual context and sex can feature without strong detail. Due to this those under the age of 15 are not of an appropriate age to view the work.

18-  The restrictions on an 18 rated film are excessively limited which means that the content in the film will not be suitable to people that are below the age of the film rating.