Learn How to Build Your Own Dirt Cheap DIY Foley Pit

Let's get real...recording everyday sounds, like footsteps and rain, on-location while you're shooting is not really a thing. That's why so many indie filmmakers opt for stock sound effects, so they can add them in later during post.

However, you aren't always going to be able to find exactly what you're looking for on a stock website. So, what do you do? You record foley! And one of the first things you're going to need in order to do that is a good foley pit in which to put all of your foley materials.

In this video, the team over at The Film Look show you how to build one yourself using cheap stuff you can pick up at any hardware store. Check it out below:

Recording foley is not only ridiculously fun but often times it can be your only option. That's why it's a good idea to at least be familiar with how to go about it so you're not completely at a loss on the day you need to record it.

All you really need is a box. Yep...that's it. To put stuff in it. You can get a gardening tray, like the guys in the video, or you can use a kiddie pool or build a box out of 2x4s and lay some heavy plastic down. (This thing being waterproof is kind of important.)

Now, for the actual recording. Once you've chosen your mic, you'll need to make your recording space as soundproof as possible. We've posted several articles about how to sound treat rooms, including how to make DIY sound panels, as well as how to eliminate echos, so be sure to check those out. The Film Look team approaches it by hanging up blackout curtains on C-stands.

Once you're ready to record, just make sure that you get your mic as close as you can to your audio source. 

What are some other helpful tips for creating foley at home? Let us know down below.

Source: The Film Look