Apple Boxes for Photography

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.