Sound effects – like the squish of a pie meeting a face – are an integral part of comedy; yet, the art of sound design remains a mysterious process to many, as it occurs behind the closed doors of recording studios. Foley artists, named after sound pioneer Jack Foley, recreate the sounds of everything from stealthy footsteps to sucker punches, perfectly syncing their movements with images on the movie or TV screen. Timing is key, but so is ingenuity: When Fred Flintstone’s feet start his car, we’re actually hearing hands slapping a leather couch, and the slurpy greetings that Woody receives from his horse in Toy Story are real-life recordings of a cow licking peanut butter off someone’s face. Mixed seamlessly together with dialogue and music, these effects create the soundscapes underpinning some of the funniest moments in film and television. The comic impact is deeply felt but rarely noticed – which means the men and women of sound design are doing their jobs perfectly. 
 
This video includes an exclusive interview with Alyson Moore.