Apple boxes have been used in the film industry for at least
100 years. Distinguished from regular wooden crates by their modular design and
holes on each end, these deceptively simple-looking objects offer film crews an
infinite number of uses.
What Are Apple Boxes Used For?
Apple boxes are used in a variety of ways in film and
photographic shoots, but they primarily function as portable, sturdy stands and
seating platforms for performers. They can make actors appear taller, act as a
posing stool in studio photography, and support lighting and props during any
shoot.
One of the best parts about apple boxes is their
versatility. You can stack multiple boxes for extra height or turn individual
boxes on any end for added flexibility. Because all apple boxes are
rectangular, you can rotate which side is up, giving you the option of three
different dimensions to suit your current needs.
What Type of Wood are Apple Boxes Made of?
Most apple boxes are made of solid birch wood or birch
plywood. Birch is a reliable wood for photographic and film shoots, thanks to
its inherent strength and decay resistance. Birch performs well indoors and
out. The wood’s natural light color is attractive, but it also takes stain
well.
To get the best, longest-lasting use out of your birch apple
boxes, make sure to keep them clean and dry between shoots. Untreated birch is
susceptible to wood-boring beetles, so if you store your apple boxes outdoors,
make sure to wrap them securely or pack them in an insect-proof container.
Furnish Your Production Set with Modular Apple Boxes
Sometimes mistaken for wooden boxes outside the film world,
apple boxes are indispensable to most film production crews. They’re used for
every conceivable task: as a makeshift chair for tired cameramen to sit on; as
support for props, lighting, tripod legs, and set pieces; as a stabilizer for
dolly tracks; and as a stand for actors to increase their height and stage
presence.
Apple boxes are modular in design and come in the following
standard dimensions: full apple (20"×12"×8"), half apple
(20"×12"×4"), quarter apple (20"×12"×2"), and
pancake (20"×12"×1"). The smaller dimensions include the mini
apple box (10"×12"×8"), mini half (10"×12"×4"),
mini quarter (10"×12"×2"), and mini pancake
(10"×12"×1"). While the sizes will vary depending on the
manufacturer, all sizes are fractions of the full apple size, enabling grips to
customize their line up.
What are the Different Apple Boxes?
When you want to know more about the different types of
apple boxes, your first step is familiarizing yourself with the specific
terminology surrounding them. While non-film professionals may be perplexed to
hear grips ask for “two full apples, New York,” these terms are widely known in
the film world.
On movie sets, certain terminology acts as shorthand that
lets crew members quickly prepare equipment with minimal discussion and error.
Depending on who you’re working with, you may hear apple box terms or positions
such as New York, Texas, Chicago, LA, grip-to-ground adapter, or man-maker.
“New York” means the apple box should be positioned at its
tallest (20” high). When someone calls for “Texas” or “Chicago” on a set, that
means the apple box should rest on its longest narrow side (12” high). “LA,”
calls for an apple box to be positioned at its flattest (8” high).
“Grip-to-ground” adapter is a cute way of saying the apple
box is a seat for a crew member, while “man maker” refers to when a performer
or crew member stands on an apple box.
Finally, the term “family” usually points to a full set of
apple boxes, including a full apple box, half apple box, quarter apple box, and
a pancake.
Professional-Grade Apple Boxes
While it may seem tempting to use another type of wooden
crate or a plastic milk crate instead of a professional-grade apple box, you
should always opt for the real thing.
Professional apple boxes made for the film industry feature
center supports so they won’t cave in or give at all under pressure. Quality
joinery and sanded surfaces allow you to work without worrying about cracking
or splintering panels or edges. They’re also precisely measured, so their
heights are always uniform.
Buy Apple Boxes and Other Grip Equipment Only at Adorama
Adorama carries apple boxes in the standard sizes, including
the full apple, half apple, quarter apple, and pancake. We also offer apple box
sets so you’ll have everything you need to ensure a seamless film or video
production. Advantage Gripware’s "Set in One" Apple Box Set, for
example, includes the full, half, quarter, and eighth apple boxes. We also
offer the Matthews
full apple box and Alan
Gordon half apple box, among other options from Kupo.
