Day-5 Toilet Paper Problem

Today was a late day. I did a lot today that had nothing to do with Sound Design, and it really wore me out. I was really tempted to not post today, but I know that consistency and perseverance are important, so even though I want to sleep, or lay back and watch a show before bed, I decided to Sound Design. Is that a verb? Design is, so I suppose so? Whatever.

I went through a bunch of different clips before I found one I liked. Since it's late, I decided to do something simple. I found this clip on Pexels once again, and thought it was short, but funny. Have you ever been in a situation where you run out of toilet paper, or worse, when you have the roll in your hands but drop it out of reach? I think this all-too-familiar fear, if it hasn't already occurred to you, is totally justified. Looking back, it's funny, but in the moment, there is hardly anything worse. You either ask for help, or awkwardly waddle to get it (depending where you are). Not a fun situation either way.

I approached this audio through a very simple lens. Foley. Foley art is not something I have much experience in, but I can appreciate it. For the toilet paper rolling, I simply rubbed my hand along a roll of paper towels (close enough). For the thud of the rolls hitting, I recorded myself lightly tapping it with an open palm. For the voice saying "help", I just recorded myself saying it a few steps away from the microphone. After a little reverb, some EQing to boost the mid frequencies, and a splash of compression, it sounded sort of distant. As if that toilet paper had been rolling for a while. Unfortunate.

It seems another person dropped theirs at the same time, so now two people are in the exact same predicament of having no toilet paper, nor being able to reach it. I can only imagine the waddle of shame they both take to reach it, or, as an optimist, or maybe, just maybe, a third party becomes the hero of our story, returning both rolls to their respectful owners, Allowing them to complete the natural call.

I think this lore is getting too deep, and I'm getting too tired. If you want more toilet paper lore, I dunno, leave it in the comments? Regardless, enjoy this short, simple snippet of audio along with the clip!