If These Shoes Could Talk

About the Book

The Story Behind the Sound

We are privileged to follow Ellen Heuer from the late 1970's up to present time through her personal experience and the Wanderlust that led her to an occupation she did not anticipate. This true story is underscored by the serendipitous events that led her to an award-winning career-and with over three hundred credits to her name, she claims to have kissed almost every leading man and woman in Hollywood.

The book highlights the evolution of sound in films and reveals many trade secrets along the way. The story unfolds as part memoir and part practical advice. It also gives the reader clear instruction and tips on how to perform footsteps as well as props.

Whether you're interested in becoming a Foley artist or not, If These Shoes Could Talk is an entertaining guidebook for anyone even slightly curious. The book culminates with three very insightful interviews with award-winning sound designers Randy Thom (Apocalypse Now, The Incredibles, Forest Gump), Per Hallberg (Bourne Ultimatum, Skyfall, Braveheart), and Mark Mangini (Dune).

Finally, it promises that, once having read this, you will never, ever look at film and T.V. the same way again!

Available in hardcover, paperback & ebook

I invite Ellen to demonstrate her talent and show the class the power of foley every semester. My students absolutely love her. Revealing the magic of storytelling with sound is her gift and her behind the scenes stories are equally as entertaining. Her book is for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of what it takes to be in the industry.

— Suhail Kafity, Professor of Cinematic Arts at USC

For decades, Ellen Heuer has been one of the true masters of Foley, transforming everyday objects into cinematic experiences that audiences feel more than hear. This book reveals the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion behind an artist whose work has helped shape the sound of modern cinema.

— Mark Mangini, Academy Award winning Sound Designer

Meet the Author

Ellen Heuer

As an internationally recognized Foley artist of over four decades Ellen is one of the few offering live keynote presentations that reveal this hidden art with humor and innovation. Inspiring audiences with creativity and story telling with sound and interactive demonstrations the response consistently reflects back a memorable and unexpected education. Most people are not aware of this art form but are experiencing it every day inspite of that. Once having this rarified art form unveiled to them, they view film and T.V. from an entirely new perspective. If Theses Shoes Could Talk reveals my journey with behind the scenes stories as well as practical instruction and well seasoned advice.

Read Full Biography →

A Word from the Author

✦

I know you may not have heard of me,
but I know you’ve heard me.
I’m the sound of Roger Rabbits kiss on Jessica Rabbits lips.
I’m Sylvester Stallone’s footsteps when he’s on the run,
and the rattle inside
a Stormtrooper’s gun.

I’m the sound of a perfect butt-down.
Meryl Streep, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and so many more
celebrities are constantly knocking on my door.

I’ve danced all the risqué numbers in All That Jazz,
and doused buckets of water on the shores of Alcatraz.
Made myself cute in Annie
and hardcore in Rent,
and floated the Diva on stage in The 5th Element.
Into the heart of a vampire I send a stake.
These are but a few of the sounds I must make.

And yes, many fruits
And vegetables will be destroyed, But this my friends,
Is how I stay employed.
But I can’t complain- I got to meet Prince In Purple Rain.

I’m a Foley Artist,
If you didn’t get my gist
Everything from the Little Mermaid to Schindler’s List.
I may walk in place for a living
but I travel everywhere
from Back To The Future to Sponge Bob Square Pants underwear.

In The Foley Kingdom all is fair So open up your imagination And I’ll meet you there!

✦

— Ellen Heuer