How did you get into this line of work?
Nhae: After graduating as an electrician, I couldn’t find a job so my brother, who worked as a sound engineer at Kantana, suggested I get into this. I had absolutely no idea what to do at first but have now been doing it for 40 years.
Lek: I used to work in the provinces as a “checker”—the guy who checks movie reels before they get screened. Then I started working on sets and finally ended up as a foley.
What skills does a good foley need?
Lek: You need to know the subtle differences between the same types of sound. For example, the sound of footsteps is different for a man, woman and child so I have to be able to recreate each one accurately. If ever we need to make the sound of a woman in high heels, I’m the one who has to wear them because I have smaller feet than Nhae.
Have you had any accidents while working?
Lek: Getting wounded is totally normal for me, but only small things. My biggest accident was breaking a finger while carrying a rock.
Nhae: I’ve fallen over in high heels before, but never anything serious.
What are the most difficult sounds you’ve had to create?
Nhae: Back in the old days, we had to capture the “whoom” of a speeding motorbike flying by. To get the perfect sound we had to record late at night, and the residents of the soi we were recording on thought we were a motorbike gang causing trouble. There is a sound library, but the noises don’t always match the right environment, so we have to recreate them in our messy studio until the sound engineer says it’s OK.
How much do foleys get paid?
Nhae: The rate is flexible, from B2,000-4,000 for one movie, which takes about 15-20 days to complete.
Are there many young people in this line of work?
Nhae: There are, but I don’t think they’ll be doing it for long. You need to be really patient and love the work. I’ve seen a lot of people try but they don’t stay long because it can be so monotonous. It’s unfortunate.
After 40 years, what drives you to keep doing it?
Lek: Foley work is my life. Even though I have to work every day, I still have fun. I’m happy to work with my colleagues and try new things.
