
The Matthews Applebox Kit, a quintessential tool on any film, television, or photography set, offers unparalleled versatility and reliability for a multitude of on-set challenges. This essential four-piece set comprises a full, half, quarter, and pancake applebox, each meticulously crafted to meet the rigorous demands of professional production environments. Designed to provide precise height adjustments, stable platforms, and secure blocking solutions, this kit empowers gaffers, grips, and cinematographers to effortlessly achieve their creative vision with confidence and efficiency. Whether elevating talent, leveling equipment, or providing a stable base for complex camera setups, these appleboxes are indispensable workhorses, reflecting Matthews' legacy of quality and innovation in grip equipment.
CONSTRUCTION AND DURABILITY
Each applebox in the Matthews kit is constructed from high-quality, sustainably sourced plywood, ensuring exceptional strength and longevity under continuous professional use. The robust timber panels are precisely cut and expertly joined, featuring reinforced internal bracing to prevent warping and enhance structural integrity. Every joint is meticulously secured with industrial-grade fasteners, capable of withstanding significant weight and impact without compromising stability. The surfaces are smoothly finished, reducing the risk of splinters and providing a safe, comfortable handling experience for crew members. The inherent durability of these materials and the superior craftsmanship guarantee that each applebox will remain a reliable part of your kit for years, enduring the rigors of frequent transport and demanding on-set conditions across various locations.
VERSATILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY
The Matthews Applebox Kit is engineered for maximum operational flexibility, addressing a wide array of practical requirements on set. The full applebox, measuring approximately 20 x 12 x 8 inches, offers the most substantial height for elevating actors, cameras, or lighting fixtures. The half applebox, at 20 x 12 x 4 inches, provides a medium-level lift, ideal for fine-tuning heights or creating steps. The quarter applebox, measuring 20 x 12 x 2 inches, delivers a subtle yet crucial height adjustment, often used for leveling uneven surfaces or shimming equipment. The pancake applebox, with its low profile of 20 x 12 x 1 inches, is perfect for extremely subtle adjustments, creating a stable base for heavy lights, or providing a low-angle camera support without adding significant height. Each box features strategically placed hand-holds for easy carrying and positioning, further enhancing their practical utility.
DESIGN AND ON-SET INTEGRATION
The standardized dimensions of the Matthews Applebox Kit ensure seamless compatibility and stacking capabilities, allowing for various combinations to achieve precise height requirements. The uniform footprint across all four sizes means they can be easily stacked and integrated into complex rigging setups, providing stable and secure support. Their natural wood finish offers a neutral aesthetic that blends discreetly into most production environments, minimizing visual distractions on set. Furthermore, their solid construction inherently dampens vibrations, offering a steady platform for sensitive equipment such as cameras, monitors, or audio recorders. The thoughtful design extends to their ease of storage, as the varying sizes allow for efficient nesting or compact stacking, optimizing valuable space in grip trucks and storage facilities.
APPLICATIONS AND USAGE
The practical applications of the Matthews Applebox Kit are virtually limitless, making it an indispensable asset in film, video, and still photography production. They serve as essential tools for modifying talent height, ensuring actors are perfectly framed in shots regardless of their stature. For camera operators, they provide a stable and adjustable platform for achieving specific angles or eye levels, particularly useful for low-angle shots or when leveling track. Gaffers and grips utilize them extensively for propping up lights, diffusers, or flags, controlling light spill and shaping illumination. Beyond direct support, appleboxes are frequently employed as improvised seating for crew members, temporary work surfaces, or even as stand-in props. Their robust nature makes them suitable for both interior studio work and rugged outdoor locations, proving their value across diverse production scenarios.
CLASSIFICATION
The Matthews Applebox Kit (4pcs) falls squarely into the essential "Grip Equipment" category within the professional film, television, and photography industries. This classification encompasses all the ancillary tools and hardware critical for manipulating, supporting, and shaping light, cameras, and props on a set. Appleboxes are foundational elements of grip gear, renowned for their passive yet profoundly impactful functionality. Unlike active components such as lights or cameras, grip equipment like appleboxes provides the necessary structural and environmental support that allows the primary technical elements to perform optimally. They are categorized alongside C-stands, flags, sandbags, and clamps as fundamental building blocks for set construction, lighting control, and camera positioning. Their widespread adoption and non-specialized nature make them universal tools, vital for every production, regardless of scale or genre. This kit specifically represents a comprehensive and practical grouping of these indispensable items, ensuring that a production team has immediate access to the most commonly required sizes for a vast range of on-set adjustments and problem-solving scenarios. As such, it is a core investment for any professional production company, rental house, or freelance grip and gaffer.