Meet the Emmy-Winning Foley Artist Who Earns By Creating Footstep Sounds for Movies and TV

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Award-winning Foley artist Sanaa Kelley has spent nearly three decades sculpting the unheard studio sounds that resonate in some of the most acclaimed TV shows and movies. From footsteps, fabric whispers to fight sequences and key clicks, Kelley’s work forms an integral part of the auditory experience of many well-loved productions.

Originating from California, this artist serves as the founder of Reel Foley Sound in Costa Mesa. With a rich history spanning over two decades in the field, she brings to the table a wealth of experience. Her achievements are impressive, boasting an Emmy Award for her work on FX/Hulu/Disney’s Shogun, five Emmy nominations, and 25 MSPE Golden Reel nominations. These recognitions have come from projects like Ted Lasso, The Walking Dead, The Right Stuff, and The 100.

In 2016, Kelley was recognized with a Golden Reel Award as part of the sound editing team for the film All the Wilderness. Some of her notable career accomplishments include contributions to shows such as The Flight Attendant, Bad Monkey, Lisey’s Story, Pretty Little Liars, Only Murders in the Building, The Midnight Club, and Minx.

From Morocco to Hollywood success

Hailing from Morocco, Kelley later relocated to California and found her way into the realm of cinema and television production. It wasn’t until she witnessed someone performing it that she discovered she had been previously unaware of what Foley entailed.

As soon as they mentioned it encompassed sound design for film, TV, animation, video games, and beyond, my heart leaped, thinking “I’ve got this!” to Voyage LA. However, the beginning wasn’t a breeze. When I dared to try, I was far from graceful. The Foley artist bluntly informed me, ‘Some possess it, some don’t.’ Boy, that stung!

Instead of quitting, Kelley persisted by reaching out to numerous studios. “Many declined, but one eventually agreed, perhaps due to my assurance that I excelled in cleaning and brewing coffee.” She dedicated extra hours honing her craft in the darkness, reenacting scenes from memory until her abilities significantly improved.

Here’s what sets her Foley work apart

In the year 2016, Kelley established Reel Foley Sound, a reliable platform for Foley that has been utilized in both television series and films. Her expertise is evident in productions such as Cry Macho, Those Who Wish Me Dead, Chevalier, and White Men Can’t Jump. Additionally, she has contributed her skills to animated projects including Avatar: The Last Airbender, Rugrats, and Jurassic World: Chaos Theory.

Kelley stated that she’s a specialist who produces all the everyday sounds you hear in movies, television shows, cartoons, and video games. What makes her unique is not just the sounds we create, but the emotions and performances behind them.

Sharing Foley with the next generation

In addition to her work in the studio, Kelley has rapidly expanded her presence on TikTok, amassing a following of 2.9 million users. She shares insider content to help others understand skills she’s honed over the years.

Kelley emphasized that for him, integrity – demonstrated in his work and interactions with others – is paramount. Having experienced feelings of exclusion and being made to feel insufficient in the past, he strives to be a compassionate and supportive leader and team player as he once wished for when starting out.

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2025-08-22 20:52