Episode 7: The Legacy of Foley (Interview with Foley Artist Rick Owens)

Dr. Vanessa Theme Ament, Author of The Foley Grail and Foley Artist on such films as Die Hard, Platoon, and Predator, discusses the current state of Foley with Rick Owens, Foley Artist and Owner of 331 Sound, Inc. A major focus of their conversation is celebrating and remembering Foley artists that came before them and who generously shared their excellence and expertise through mentorship of others, including legendary Foley Artists Bob Rutledge and John Post. Vanessa and Rick delve into contemporary Foley and highlight how there are risks around "watering down the craft" by not paying enough attention to the lessons and approaches used by the previous generations of Artists and that today's idea of "faster and cheaper" sound practices is a misconception. They also share valuable insights about the process behind "selling the illusion" of performative film sound through a detailed discussion of specific and precise sound effects Rick has been creating for several current animated shows. Welcome to the Wonderful World of Performative Film Sound.