Apple Boxes – Buy at Adorama

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. They’re used as stands to make short actors appear taller and as props to support lighting. Adorama carries an array of standard apple boxes from some of the best brands, including Advantage Gripware, Matthews, and Kupo.

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.

Familiarize Yourself with Apple Box Terminology

While non-film professionals might be perplexed to hear grips ask for “two full apples, New York,” these terms are widely known in the film world. “New York” means the apple box should be positioned at its tallest (20” high); when “Texas” or “Chicago” is called for, that means the apple box should be resting on its longest narrow side (12” high). “LA,” meanwhile, means that the box should be placed at its flattest (8” high).

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. Browse our various categories to discover more essential film and studio equipment.