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Craig McMahon

Learn from a professional that has successfully delivered over 36 movies to distributors.

This brand new Udemy course familiarizes you to the world of Foley. This class shows you how to better engage your audience through the use of Foley. Foley your movie FAST. Improve your chances of a distribution deal for your movie. Know what is needed for overseas deals. Foley is one of the most overlooked processes in Filmmaking.

Sound can make or break a film.

A class that is a must for ALL filmmakers.

Read more

Learn from a professional that has successfully delivered over 36 movies to distributors.

This brand new Udemy course familiarizes you to the world of Foley. This class shows you how to better engage your audience through the use of Foley. Foley your movie FAST. Improve your chances of a distribution deal for your movie. Know what is needed for overseas deals. Foley is one of the most overlooked processes in Filmmaking.

Sound can make or break a film.

A class that is a must for ALL filmmakers.

Not only will you become an expert in Foley and sound design, you will also improve your overall production quality of all your VIDEO productions.

Does your movie feel slow? Improve your Movie’s pace through sound design.

I show you how I used

You will finally understand what M&E is and what is needed for distribution deliverables.

The class is MOBILE ready for ON-THE-GO.

As well as the Udemy 30 day money back simple guarantee, you have my personal promise that you will be delighted in what I will show you. You will kicking yourself that you haven’t started doing these things.

Every minute you delay is costing your MOVIE’S FUTURE…

Enroll now.

Nothing is kept secret – I reveal everything I do as a Foley artist and sound designer.

You will have a lifetime access to the course and be updated on NEW lectures.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

This lecture talks about the importance of the theory and methods behind Foley.

Understand the world of Foley

This lecture shows you the importance of stuff we pay no attention to.


Read more

This lecture shows you the importance of stuff we pay no attention to

This lecture talks about how not to fool your ears. Learn how to turn your filters off.

This lecture talks about the 4 main elements. Atmosphere, Music, Sound Effects, Cues. This lecture gives you the understanding of what and M&E track must have and not have.

Summary of M&E.

Learn how to NOT get extra charges from distributors.

This lecture shows how sound design can improve the speed of a movie.

This lecture covers the misconceptions of ambient tracks.

This lecture talks about how to complete sound designs super-FAST.

This lecture talks about the secrets behind Action/Dialogue mistakes

This lecture shows you what Foley artists do on sets.

This lecture shows the hands on of all the elements in a scene.

This lecture shows you how to use FREE sounds in your movie.

Sites That Offer Sounds

Like I said, try to think what people would put in as keywords. I rename every clip I download so I can locate quickly in the future.

www.freesound.org This site offers free. They would like if you upload some of your clips to help out the community. They also have donations that help the cause.

These are NOT FREE www.soundogs.com This site charges per clip.

These are NOT FREE www.audiojungle.net This site charges per clip.

This lecture shows how to make movie props sound Cinema Big.

This lecture shows how to increase speed by implementing simple organization tricks.

This lecture covers the importance of reverb.

I go over the room I need to be successful with recording movie Foley.

Before you know it, you will have a lot of tracks and it can all become confusing. This lecture show the methods of being fast and organized.

This lecture teaches you what is needed for 5.1 stems.

This lecture goes over cleaning up dialogue. Removing noise and create smooth dialogue tracks.

This lecture covers all the main elements to master dialogue clean up.

Dialogue Check list

1. CONSISTENT VOLUME. Make sure the dialogue is consistent throughout the entire movie. Keep an eye on the volume meters. Watch for drifting.

2. NOISE BETWEEN WORDS. Clean up any noise found between words spoken. If there is noise present with words, search for another take to replace.

3. COPY LEFT OR RIGHT TO MONO. If you have recorded stereo tracks with dialogue on left or right, then dual mono (Final Cut) or fill left or right so the dialogue is in center.

4. PARAMETRIC EQ Using EQ takes some practice to see how it can help you.

5. REVERB. Use Reverb to adjust for room size with dialogue. Reverb can also be used on Foley as well.

6. EFFECTS. Effects are fun to experiment with. Although I don’t use to many effects, they can make sounds sound more interesting.

7. HUM Again play around with your EQ. Keep in mind there are 3 basic things when it comes to EQ. Frequency, range or scope, and boost up or down.

8. FIXING DISTORTION Very difficult to fix. Try to find an alternate take to replace. ADR may be the answer if the spot is avoidable.

9. ADR Remember to listen and not watch before each take. Direct actors and have them listen to the track as well. Keep an attention to inflections, delivery, distance and tone. Also try breaking up sentences.

This lecture goes over what makes up the Foley of the genre of Drama.

Final closing comments.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers the importance of M&E tracks, which are essential for film distribution and avoiding extra charges from distributors, making it highly relevant for filmmakers seeking distribution deals
Explores the use of free sound resources, such as freesound.org, which can be a cost-effective way for filmmakers to enhance their projects without incurring additional expenses
Examines techniques for cleaning up dialogue, including noise reduction and volume consistency, which are crucial skills for achieving professional-sounding audio in film productions
Details the importance of organization in Foley and sound design, which can help filmmakers work more efficiently and avoid confusion when dealing with a large number of tracks
Discusses the importance of reverb in Foley, which is a fundamental aspect of creating realistic and immersive soundscapes for film and video productions
Teaches methods for creating sounds that are not heard in the real world, but are important in movies, which may add a creative and unique dimension to sound design skills

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Reviews summary

Practical foley for filmmakers & distribution

According to learners, this course offers valuable practical insights into Foley and sound design, particularly for independent filmmakers looking to improve their production quality. Students appreciate the instructor's industry experience and the focus on real-world application, including crucial information on distribution deliverables like M&E tracks. While some find the content basic for experienced sound professionals, the course is widely praised for its clear explanations and actionable tips that can be implemented quickly. It provides a solid foundation for those new to professional sound post-production.
Learn efficient workflow strategies.
"The tips on organizing files and working quickly are very practical for tight schedules."
"Helped me streamline my sound post-production workflow significantly."
"Learned simple but effective tricks to speed up the Foley process."
Excellent introduction to sound design/Foley.
"As someone new to sound design, this course gave me a fantastic starting point."
"Very accessible for beginners, breaking down complex ideas simply."
"Perfect if you're just starting out and need to understand the basics of Foley and sound."
Instructor shares valuable professional insights.
"Learning from someone with real movie delivery experience is incredibly helpful."
"The insights into distribution requirements are priceless for indie filmmakers like me."
"The instructor's experience makes the advice feel very credible and useful."
Crucial clarification on distribution needs.
"Finally understanding M&E and distribution deliverables was worth the price of admission."
"The section on M&E was incredibly clear and demystified a confusing topic."
"This course explains exactly what distributors are looking for in sound tracks."
Provides actionable tips for immediate use.
"This course gives you immediately actionable information on creating Foley sound for your movie."
"I really liked the practical tips and how the instructor showed *how* to do things."
"Useful techniques that I could apply right away to my project."
Experienced users might seek more depth.
"If you already have experience in sound design, this might feel a bit too introductory."
"I was hoping for more advanced techniques in specific DAWs or complex sound layering."
"Good overview, but doesn't dive deeply into the technical nuances that professionals might need."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Filmmaking Secrets! The Easy Way To FOLEY Your Movie Master with these activities:
Review Basic Sound Design Principles
Reviewing basic sound design principles will provide a solid foundation for understanding Foley techniques and their impact on film.
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos explaining sound design concepts.
  • Identify key terms and definitions related to sound and audio.
  • Practice identifying different types of sounds and their characteristics.
Read 'The Sound Effects Bible'
Reading 'The Sound Effects Bible' will provide a comprehensive understanding of sound effects creation, directly applicable to Foley artistry.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to Foley and sound recording.
  • Take notes on key techniques and equipment mentioned in the book.
  • Experiment with some of the techniques described in the book.
Recreate Foley Sounds from Existing Movie Clips
Practicing Foley recreation will hone your ability to identify and create appropriate sounds for visual elements in film.
Show steps
  • Select short clips from various movies.
  • Identify the key sounds that need to be recreated.
  • Record your own Foley sounds to match the visuals.
  • Compare your sounds to the original and refine your technique.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Foley Sound Library
Building a personal sound library will provide a valuable resource for future Foley projects and improve your sound recording skills.
Show steps
  • Identify common sounds needed for Foley work.
  • Record high-quality audio of these sounds in a controlled environment.
  • Organize and categorize your sound library for easy access.
  • Add metadata to each sound file for better searchability.
Foley a Short Film Scene
Working on a full Foley project will provide practical experience in all aspects of the Foley process, from sound selection to mixing.
Show steps
  • Obtain a short film scene without sound effects.
  • Spot the scene to identify all necessary Foley sounds.
  • Record and edit the Foley sounds to match the visuals.
  • Mix the Foley sounds with the dialogue and music.
  • Present the final product.
Explore 'Designing Sound'
Reading 'Designing Sound' will enhance your understanding of sound manipulation techniques, which can be applied to Foley artistry.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to sound synthesis and processing.
  • Experiment with different sound design techniques using software tools.
  • Apply these techniques to enhance your Foley sound creation.
Create a Presentation on M&E Tracks
Creating a presentation on M&E tracks will solidify your understanding of distribution deliverables and their importance in filmmaking.
Show steps
  • Research the requirements for M&E tracks in film distribution.
  • Outline the key components of an M&E track.
  • Prepare slides with clear explanations and examples.
  • Practice delivering the presentation to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Career center

Learners who complete Filmmaking Secrets! The Easy Way To FOLEY Your Movie Master will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Foley Artist
A Foley Artist creates sound effects for films, television shows, and other media in a studio setting by recording everyday sounds that are synchronized with the picture. This course familiarizes you with Foley and sound design principles, helping you improve your movie's pace through sound design. The course reveals what Foley artists do on sets. For those looking to learn about Foley, this course might be perfect.
Sound Designer
A Sound Designer is responsible for creating the overall sonic landscape of a film, video game, or other media project. This includes selecting and creating sound effects, music, and dialogue, as well as mixing and mastering the final audio track. This course for filmmakers to become experts in Foley and sound design, and improve overall production quality. The course provides hands on of all the elements in a scene. Aspiring Sound Designers may find this course invaluable.
Audio Editor
An Audio Editor manipulates and refines audio recordings to ensure high quality and clarity for various media projects. This involves tasks such as cleaning up noise, balancing levels, and synchronizing sound with visuals. With a focus on Foley, this course explains how sound design can improve the speed of a movie. And it goes over cleaning up dialogue, removing noise and creating smooth dialogue tracks.
Film Editor
A Film Editor assembles raw footage into a cohesive and compelling final product, working closely with directors to shape the narrative through pacing, transitions, and visual effects. This course shows you how sound design can improve the speed of a movie. It can improve your chances of a distribution deal for your movie. This course for filmmakers may be exactly what is needed to reach the next level.
Video Editor
A Video Editor is responsible for assembling raw video footage, sound effects, and graphics into a final product that tells a story or conveys a message. A course that is a must for ALL filmmakers. Not only will you become an expert in Foley and sound design, you will also improve your overall production quality of all your VIDEO productions. The course also covers the importance of reverb.
Dialogue Editor
A Dialogue Editor specializes in cleaning and refining spoken words in films or television shows, ensuring clarity, consistency, and emotional impact, often requiring a deep understanding of acoustics and audio manipulation software. In this course you will learn to clean up dialogue, remove noise and create smooth dialogue tracks. The course also includes a dialogue checklist.
Sound Effects Editor
A Sound Effects Editor creates or modifies audio to enhance storytelling in various media, blending technical skills with creative flair to evoke specific moods or actions. This course will make you an expert in Foley and sound design. The course also shows the hands on of all the elements in a scene. This course may be helpful for a Sound Effects Editor.
Audio Post Production Technician
An Audio Post Production Technician manages the technical aspects of audio finishing for films, shows, or ads, ensuring quality sound that enhances the viewing experience. This course will make you an expert in Foley and sound design. The course also explains what is needed for 5.1 stems. This course may be helpful for an Audio Post Production Technician.
Post-Production Supervisor
A Post Production Supervisor oversees all aspects of the post production process for a film or television project, including editing, sound design, visual effects, and color correction. The course explains what is needed for distribution deliverables. This class shows you how to better engage your audience through the use of Foley. This course may be useful for a Post Production Supervisor.
Sound Mixer
A Sound Mixer balances and combines different audio sources during film or television production to create a cohesive and clear soundscape. This course is a must for all filmmakers. Not only will you become an expert in Foley and sound design, you will also improve your overall production quality of all your VIDEO productions. The course also covers what is needed for 5.1 stems.
Multimedia Artist
A Multimedia Artist integrates various digital media, like audio and video, to produce engaging content for entertainment, education, or marketing. You will finally understand what M and E is and what is needed for distribution deliverables. The class shows you how to better engage your audience through the use of Foley. This course may be useful for a Multimedia Artist.
Broadcast Engineer
A Broadcast Engineer ensures the smooth transmission of audio and video signals for television and radio, maintaining equipment and resolving technical issues to deliver high quality broadcasts. The course includes a summary of M and E. The course may be useful for a Broadcast Engineer.
Digital Content Creator
A Digital Content Creator develops engaging content for online platforms, employing multimedia skills to capture audience attention and drive engagement. Not only will you become an expert in Foley and sound design, you will also improve your overall production quality of all your video productions. This course may be useful for a Digital Content Creator.
Film Director
A Film Director is the creative visionary behind a movie, responsible for guiding the artistic and dramatic aspects of the production, including script interpretation, actor direction, and visual storytelling. This course can improve your chances of a distribution deal for your movie. This course may be useful for a Film Director.
Game Designer
A Game Designer is responsible for creating the concept, mechanics, and rules of a video game, often collaborating with artists and programmers to bring their vision to life. Sound can make or break a film. This course may be useful for a Game Designer.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Filmmaking Secrets! The Easy Way To FOLEY Your Movie Master.
Comprehensive guide to creating and recording sound effects. It covers a wide range of techniques and equipment, making it an invaluable resource for Foley artists. It provides practical advice and real-world examples to enhance your understanding of sound design. This book is commonly used by industry professionals.
Delves into the technical aspects of sound design, covering synthesis, processing, and spatial audio. It provides a deeper understanding of how sounds are created and manipulated. While not strictly about Foley, it offers valuable insights into sound manipulation. This book is useful as additional reading.

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