Odd Job Alert: Foley Artist
Odd Jobs is a newsletter about careers that don’t fit in cubicles. Too many people are miserable with their lives, jobs, and themselves. Why not do something odd and make $$$ while you’re at it? I’ve got a million ideas for you.
During a late night TikTok scroll session, I came across a gig that I found myself extra giddy to tell you about.
Why?
Because not only was it a job I never knew existed, but it seems like one that anyone can do - if you’re passionate about it, can get a hold of the essential equipment, and enjoy challenging yourself to learn a new skillset.
Meet this week’s odd job spotlight:
Become a Foley Artist
The job is called: Foley Artist
Description:
Foley is the reproduction of everyday sound effects that are added to films, videos, and other media in post-production to enhance audio quality.
These reproduced sounds, named after sound-effects artist Jack Foley, can be anything from the swishing of clothing and footsteps to squeaky doors and breaking glass. Foley sounds are used to enhance the auditory experience of the movie. Foley can also be used to cover up unwanted sounds captured on the set of a movie during filming, such as overflying airplanes or passing traffic
Payment:
Median Annual Income: The typical wage for an experienced foley artist is between $400 and $450 a day; non-union foley artists who have less experience can make $200 a day for uncredited work.
How to Get the Gig:
To start with, a Foley artist must learn all the ins and outs of sound production.
Becoming a Foley artist doesn't require specific degrees or courses, although some do have a film education of some kind, which gives them knowledge of the industry as a whole. To learn Foley artistry, though, you need hands-on experience that isn't taught in film schools, nor are there Foley artist apprenticeships.
Get the Gig:
Job openings:
Sound like a job you’d enjoy?
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