THE IMPORTANCE OF FOLEY IN FILMMAKING: A CASE STUDY OF BUSTER KEATON’S “THE ELECTRIC HOUSE”

Abstract

Foley, the art of adding sound effects to film, is a vital but often overlooked part of what makes a movie come alive. This thesis explores the process of creating Foley in film, specifically for Buster Keaton's silent comedy The Electric House (1922). This project allowed me to explore how sound can function as a primary storytelling tool (a task usually associated with music) and how vital Foley is to a film's success. Over the course of several months, I successfully planned, sourced, implemented, and mixed Foley for the complete 22-minute film. As a creative thesis, the primary work is the film itself. This document serves as a supplemental reflection of that creative process, offering context and insights into the work that went into it. The final project represents a new treatment of The Electric House with over 100 Foley elements chosen, edited, and mixed using digital sound manipulation. This film should give the audience a deeper understanding of Foley’s place within an auditory landscape. Beyond my own creative goals, the project serves as a portfolio piece, showing applied sound design and helping position me for future work in film production.