Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanaa Kelley.
Hi Sanaa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I had no idea Foley was even a thing until I saw someone doing it and asked what it was. When they said it was making sound for film, TV, animation, video games, and more, I immediately thought, “I can do that.” I’ve always been an overachiever. I walked before I was one, but when I tried it, I was terrible. The Foley artist told me, “Some people have it, some don’t.” Ouch.
I took it personally and started calling every studio I could find. Most said no, but one finally said yes, probably because I promised I was great at sweeping and making coffee. Back then, no one would let me watch what they were doing, so after their shifts, I’d stay late and practice on my own, trying to recreate the scenes from memory.
Eventually, a no-budget film came along, and the studio asked if I wanted to work on it for free. I jumped at the chance. That first job led to more, and I kept going. In 2016, I opened my own company, Reel Foley Sound, and a few years ago I started sharing behind-the-scenes content on TikTok and Instagram to help others learn what took me years to figure out alone.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not smooth but every bump taught me something.
When I started, Foley was a very closed-off world. No one would show me what they were doing, so I had to figure it out by staying after hours and practicing in the dark. I worked for free, got turned down by almost every studio, and was told more than once that I didn’t have what it takes.
There were also moments later in my career where I had to prove myself all over again, especially as a woman running her own Foley stage. But those challenges made me better. They pushed me to keep going, to build Reel Foley Sound from the ground up, and to create the kind of space I wish existed when I was starting out.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Foley artist, which means I create all the everyday sounds you hear in film, TV, animation, and games. Everything from footsteps and fights to the rustling of clothes and the clink of keys. I own and operate Reel Foley Sound in Costa Mesa, where we’ve worked on everything from big-budget series like Shōgun, Ted Lasso and Only Murders in the Building to animated shows like Bad Guys and Jurassic World and animated features like Plankton and SpongeBob
What I’m most proud of is the team I’ve built and the trust we’ve earned in the industry. We care deeply about the storytelling and work hard to make sure our Foley blends seamlessly into the world on screen.
What sets us apart is our heart. We don’t just make noise. We perform it. And I think our attention to detail, emotional sensitivity, and joy in the process come through in the final product.
I also love sharing the magic of Foley with people who’ve never heard of it. That’s why I started posting behind-the-scenes videos on social media to educate, entertain, and inspire the next generation of sound artists.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is integrity, both in my work and in how I treat people.
I care deeply about doing things the right way, whether it’s delivering high quality Foley that supports the story or creating a respectful, inclusive environment for my team. I know what it feels like to be shut out or told you’re not good enough, so I try to be the kind of leader and collaborator I needed when I was starting out.
At the end of the day, the work will always speak for itself, but how you show up and how you treat others is what really lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.reelfoleysound.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel_foley_sound?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.youtube.com/@reelfoleysound
Image Credits
Jessie Pariseau
