Apple Boxes

Apple Boxes

Matthews World Famous Apple Boxes are an essential part of any production truck. With their durable 9-ply plywood construction and versatile sizes, they’re the ultimate solution for adjusting height in 1" increments. Start with the Eighth Apple Box at 1", the Quarter Apple Box at 2", and the Half Apple Box at 4". Combine them to create precise height adjustments: for example, a Quarter and Eighth Apple Box will give you 3", while a Half and Eighth combine to 5". Stack your way to 15" by using a Full Apple Box (8") with an Eighth, Quarter, and Half. Whether you’re raising gear, talent, or props, these apple boxes give you the flexibility you need on set. We recommend carrying a set that includes a Full, Half, Quarter, and Eighth Apple Box in every grip truck or van for maximum versatility. Plus, it’s always smart to have a few extra Full Apple Boxes on hand—you never know when another department will need to borrow them! With a full set ready, you’ll be prepared for any on-set challenge.

Person displaying Full Apple Box and stacked boxes with PN: 259535 branding, labeled "Apple Boxes on set must haves."

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Matthews University - Apple Boxes

Matthews University - Apple Boxes

On early film sets production would supply coffee and apples to the crew members in a effort to keep technicians caffeinated and sated. Being a very resourceful community, the crew would use the empty apple crates for many tasks such as propping up lighting equipment, set pieces and even camera operators. Over time, dedicated boxes were constructed to offer sturdy support on film and photo sets, these are what became the modern Apple Box.

Who uses apple boxes, why, and the benefits?

Apple Boxes are predominantly used and supplied by the grip department, but given their usefulness, many departments such as camera, sound, construction, production and more commonly use Apple Boxes. Apple Boxes act as an ideal support block offering multiple heights to be used as a step, table, seat or pedestal. Easily storable, versatile and designed with sturdiness in mind make the Apple Box a go-to tool on and off film and photography sets.

What are the standard sizes of apple Boxes?

A standard US Full Apple Box is 20”x12”x8”. A standard US Half Apple Box is 20”x12”x4”. A standard US Quarter Apple Box is 20”x12”x2”. A standard US Eighth Apple Box is 20”x12”x1”. A full set of A complete family of Apple Boxes (Full, Half, Quarter and Eighth) will offer the ability to offer support from 1” to 27” in single inch increments.

How do you use/position the Apple box?

Apple Boxes are simple to use since they feature a solid rectangular construction with no moving parts. The positioning of an apple box, most commonly the Full Apple Box, is identified as #1 position (resting on 20” face) when the box is place on its lowest orientation, #2 position when place at its medium height (resting on 12” face), and #3 position when it’s in its tallest position (resting on its 8” face). This can also be communicated as “first floor”, “second floor”, or “top floor”.

What material are used for making apple boxes?

The industry standard Matthews Studio Equipment Apple Box is constructed of 9-ply Baltic Birch. This allows the Apple Box to be strong yet flexible enough to endure the rigors of use on a film or photography set. Using a hardwood would make the box heavy and brittle, using lightweight 3 or 4-plywood would make a lightweight, weak box.

What are the Safety Tips for using Apple boxes with equipment?

When using multiple Apple Boxes to create a platform ensure that they are taped, strapped, or screwed together for safety and stability.

Ensure that the Apple Box you are using features internal support, ensuring strength throughout the body of the Apple Box. All Matthews Apple Boxes feature internal support braces.

Are there any other uses of the Apple box that is not typical?

Apple boxes can be used as long-distance focus marks when placed right out of frame for wide, far away shots, such as vehicle approach scenarios.

An Eighth Apple Box can be used as elbow support when supported with a C-Stand and Baby Plate for close up shots on hands. These insert shots can take a long time, and be taxing on talent.

Apple Boxes tend to be the ideal place to stash empty Flaming Hot Cheeto and Fruit Snack wrappers.

What are the different ways to communicate for the Apple Box positioning?

Apple Box communication can vary on region and teams.

The most common is - Number "1" Position (Shortest 8" Height), Number "2" Position (Middle 12" Height), Number "3" Position (Tallest 20" Height).

First/Bottom Floor (Position 1), Second Floor (Position 2), Third/Top Floor (Position 3)

In the “C” Position (Position 1), In the “B” Position (Position 2), In the “A” Position (Position 3)

California (Position 1), Texas (Position 2), New York (Position 3)

Los Angeles (Position 1), Chicago (Position 2), New York (Position 3)

Sleeping (Position 1), Sitting/On It’s Side (Position 2), Standing (Position 3)

Camera operator sitting on an Apple Box Topper™ cushion during a film shoot, enhancing comfort while working.
Model seated on an Apple Box Topper™ in a studio setting, showcasing comfort and style during a photoshoot.
Man sitting on Apple Box Topper™, operating a video camera in a studio setup with lighting equipment.
Person showcasing Matthews studio equipment in a garden setting with various sizes of wooden boxes on a table.