In a small studio on the Sony Pictures lot, Gary Hecker creates sound magic for some of Hollywood’s biggest films, from Justice League to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Master and Commander. As a Foley artist, he crafts the everyday sounds that bring movies to life—squeaky doors, swishing capes, clinking chains, and even Spider-Man’s webbing.
Foley artists play a crucial role in making films feel real, adding details like footsteps on gravel or the rustle of fabric. Unlike explosions or background noise, their work provides texture to a movie’s soundscape. While artificial intelligence continues to disrupt Hollywood, Foley remains deeply human, relying on performance rather than automation.
The craft dates back to the late 1920s, when Jack Foley pioneered synchronized live sound effects to complement early talkies. Today, Hecker continues this tradition, performing every sound that appears on screen. His studio is filled with an extensive collection of props—shoes of all kinds, vintage spurs, metal scraps, rocks, armor, and even a World War II howitzer shell. Every object helps him recreate authentic sounds, whether it’s a sewer cover scraping pavement or the delicate click of high heels.
Hecker’s career began with an apprenticeship on Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and he has since contributed to over 400 films, including 300, Home Alone, and Venom: The Last Dance. He works closely with sound mixer Jeff Gross, who enhances the captured sounds for maximum impact. Together, they tackle films one at a time, spending weeks meticulously adding footsteps, prop sounds, and environmental textures to each scene.
Their work extends beyond live-action films. Hecker has lent his voice to gorillas, aliens, zombies, and lions, using his own breathing and vocal effects to bring creatures to life in Mufasa: The Lion King, Shrek, and Dawn of the Dead.
While AI is advancing, Hecker and Gross believe the subtle artistry of Foley can’t be replicated. Studios may experiment with AI-generated sound, but human performance remains irreplaceable. Despite industry shifts and fewer film productions, Hecker continues to push the limits of sound artistry, ensuring every scene resonates with audiences.
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