Alchemy Post Sound: The Unsung Heroes Behind Award-Winning Movie Sounds

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Tucked away in Peekskill, New York, Alchemy Post Sound is a team of foley artists who are the unsung heroes behind the award-winning sounds in some of Hollywood's biggest films. From the screeching tires in "F1" to the bone-crunching violence in "Sinners," these artists meticulously craft every sonic detail that helps transport audiences into the stories on the screen.

Why it matters

The art of foley, named after pioneering sound artist Jack Foley, has been an integral part of filmmaking since the 1920s. While the sound category at the Oscars is often overshadowed by the glamour of acting and directing, the work of foley artists like those at Alchemy Post Sound is essential in bringing movies to life and immersing viewers in the on-screen action.

The details

At Alchemy Post Sound, the foley artists create sounds for everything from the rustling of clothing to the most graphic violence. "We create sounds, and the sound of something as simple as basic as a footstep, in a movie like F1, where the cars are flying through to a guy being eviscerated, we will create the sounds of all of the actors' movements," said Leslie Bloome, a foley artist at the studio. The team's attention to detail and ability to capture the perfect texture of a sound is what helps elevate films and make them feel more realistic.

• Alchemy Post Sound has been operating in Peekskill, New York for decades.
• The 98th Academy Awards, where the sound categories are awarded, will take place on March 15, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The 98th Academy Awards, where the sound categories are awarded, will take place on March 15, 2026. Alchemy Post Sound will be hoping their work on films like "F1," "Sinners," and "Hamnet" will be recognized with Oscar nominations and wins.