China's film market has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with blockbusters like The Wondering Earth and War Wolf 2 breaking box office records in the world's most populous country. As Chinese movies gain increasing popularity among global audiences, their success is not just due to stunning visuals and intriguing plots, but also the often-overlooked art of sound design.
One essential yet underappreciated element of film production is foley—the reproduction of everyday sound effects added to movies. Foley artists use their imagination and creativity to imitate sounds that cannot be captured on set, enhancing the emotional depth and atmosphere of a film. From the creak of a chair to the rustle of cassette tapes, foley brings scenes to life in ways that raw audio cannot.
In a world with fewer than 20 foley artists, Wei Junhua stands out as a senior expert with over four decades of experience at the China Film Group Corporation. Throughout her illustrious 40-year career, Wei has contributed to thousands of blockbuster films, earning numerous awards and accolades within the film industry.
One of Wei's most memorable projects was the classic Chinese film Red Sorghum by Zhang Yimou in 1988. In a pivotal scene where the protagonist, Jiu'er, races through a sorghum field, Wei masterfully recreated the ambient sounds using cassette tapes. \"We do not need to grow a field of sorghum covering 700 square meters,\" she explained. \"We can make any sound by using common objects from everyday life.\"
At 63, Wei remains passionate about her craft and plans to continue working for a few more years to teach aspiring foley artists. \"I want to share everything I know with my students,\" she said, ensuring that the art of foley continues to enrich the storytelling of future generations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
