In the bustling world of cinema, while directors and actors often steal the spotlight, there exists an unsung hero whose artistry shapes the very soul of a film: the foley artist. In China, one such maestro is Wei Junhua, a senior foley artist who has been crafting the sounds that bring movies to life for over four decades.
China’s film industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with blockbusters like “The Wandering Earth” and “Wolf Warrior 2” captivating audiences both domestically and internationally. While stunning visuals and gripping storylines draw viewers in, it’s the intricate sound design that immerses them in the cinematic experience. Foley, the art of reproducing everyday sounds to enhance audio quality in film, plays a crucial role in this immersion.
Foley artists recreate ambient sounds that cannot be adequately captured during filming. Using everyday objects, they mimic sounds that align with the mood and pace of a story. The goal isn’t just to replicate actual sounds but to enhance the emotional resonance of scenes. As Wei Junhua explains, “We enrich the emotion by adding sound effects and play up the mood of characters. We can make any sound using common objects in life.”
One of Wei’s most memorable projects was working on Zhang Yimou’s acclaimed 1988 film “Red Sorghum.” In a scene where the protagonist Jiu’er runs through a sorghum field, Wei used cassette tapes to simulate the rustling of sorghum leaves. “We didn’t need a 700-square-meter field,” she recalls. “We created the sound with cassette tapes, and the audience could hardly tell the difference.”
Despite being in her sixties, Wei’s passion for her craft remains undiminished. With fewer than 20 professional foley artists worldwide, she recognizes the importance of passing on her knowledge. “I want to teach my students everything I know,” she says, reflecting her dedication to nurturing the next generation of sound artists.
Wei Junhua’s contributions highlight the vital, though often overlooked, role of foley artists in filmmaking. Her work enriches the storytelling of Chinese cinema, helping to elevate it on the global stage. As China’s film industry continues to flourish, artists like Wei ensure that audiences around the world are not just watching stories unfold—they’re experiencing them through a symphony of meticulously crafted sounds.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
