Sound Ideas Blog
This is the perfect space for sound ideas.
We are delighted to introduce Randy Thom, a prolific and well-respected Director of Sound Design, Supervising Sound Designer and Re-Recording Mixer as the guest blogger for Sound Ideas. Randy is one of the best in the field with Oscar, Emmy and Grammy nominations to his credit; as well as receiving C.A.S. Career Achievement and MPSE Career Achievement awards.
You can learn more about Randy here.
What They Want vs What They Think They Want
July 31, 2026
Realism and Naturalism can be straitjackets. Too many directors are under the illusion that sounds are more about physics than about story. Sounds are characters.
BROWSE THROUGH OUR POSTS
January 07, 2026 - Randy Thom
A while back, someone posted the following question in a social media group focused on Foley: “How do I make the sound of a goat walking on a wood floor?” Here's some useful advice about using Fole...
Read moreEssential Sound Effects for Social Media Creators
December 29, 2025 - Sound Ideas
In today’s fast-moving digital world, sound can make or break your social media content. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Most Popular Sounds Used on Social Media, a curated library design...
Read moreCan You Make It Like Nothing I’ve Ever Heard Before, Please?
November 28, 2025 - Randy Thom
Lots of film directors have asked me to find or design a sound that is unlike anything anyone has ever heard. When I get this request, I always respond politely, of course, but I know that they are...
Read moreUnlock a World of Enchantment with our Magical Spells & Creatures Sound Effects
November 20, 2025 - Sound Ideas
Step into realms of wonder and intrigue with our latest library, Magical Spells & Creatures Sound Effects. Whether you're crafting a fantasy film, building a video game, designing immersive sto...
Read morePodcast Spotlight: Inside the Sound-Driven World of Sinners
November 12, 2025 - Sound Ideas
In Episode 335 of the Tonebenders Podcast, host Timothy Muirhead dives deep into the uniquely ambitious sound design of Sinners. This isn’t your average movie, part vampire horror, part 1930s gangs...
Read moreFunctions of Sound in Storytelling
October 31, 2025 - Randy Thom
In storytelling, a given sound is usually doing several tasks at once. Being aware of all the roles sound can play is useful when deciding what kind of sound to insert.
Read morePodcast Spotlight: The Sonic Legacy of Sesame Street
October 30, 2025 - Sound Ideas
In Episode 328 of the Tonebenders Podcast, host Timothy Muirhead sits down with Dick Maitland, Sesame Street’s 25-time Emmy award winning Foley artist & sound designer, and Steve “Major” Giamma...
Read moreUnleash the Power of Sound - Introducing Explosions, Fire & Mayhem
October 30, 2025 - Sound Ideas
Our newest release, Explosions, Fire & Mayhem Sound Effects, brings an earth-shaking level of energy to your productions. Designed for filmmakers, game developers, and sound designers who need ...
Read moreCacayanga Defined As "Useful Noise"
September 30, 2025 - Randy Thom
Cacayanga is a sound or set of sounds that seem authentic, but embody a mystery that pulls you deeper into the story in part because they aren't immediately identifiable... Useful noise.
Read morePodcast Spotlight: Inside the Sound of Horror
September 26, 2025 - Sound Ideas
Director Zach Cregger’s latest film, Weapons, has made waves both critically and at the box office, thanks in large part to its innovative sound design. In the latest episode of the Tonebenders Pod...
Read moreSeptember 02, 2025 - Randy Thom
Movie sound design should be approached with an impressionist mindset to provide the audience with the best impression of a sound rather than trying to re-create ultra-realistic soundtracks, accord...
Read morePodcast Spotlight: Sound Secrets of The Bear Season 4
August 15, 2025 - Sound Ideas
We’re thrilled to spotlight our sponsorship of the Tonebenders Sound Design Podcast, where the world’s top audio post-production professionals share their workflows & creative approaches. In Ep...
Read more
Get Free Sound Effects by subscribing to our newsletter
SIGN UP