Aye Max-Hinge

Clapper Sticks or Slates are not included in this product

Designed by Max Graham in collaboration with Filmsticks

On discussions with Max Graham, who created the idea for the Aye Max-Hinge accessory Hinge for Professional Sticks, here is what he had to say:

What circumstances made you come up with the idea of attaching the clapperboard on your back?

The magnet idea actually came from looking online. I have seen in the construction industry that some workers were attaching hammers to their belts without hooks or loops, but magnets. So i thought, would it be possible to do this with a clapperboard. I have seen over the years a few ACs attempt attachment techniques to keep boards on them using door and coat hooks. But that compromises the board and sticks. Magnets to me was the most logical idea on how to attach a board securely.

Does the Filmsticks Solution meet the brief as to what works on production set? What was your experience on using this system on your latest production?

The Aye Max Hinge and Filmsticks solution to attaching a board to an AC securely meets the brief perfectly. Our number one was always security. Is that board going to fall off? No. That was always the most important. Second, ease. Is it easy to put in and take off. Yes. It snaps on and pulls off and is totally secure. The hinge is extremely important as it gives the whole surface area of magnetisation in order for the board to attatch securely to the magnet rather than just a single screw. On a single screw the board swings and has actually fallen off in the past. With the hinge it has never done that. I have been using this hinge for the past three dramas i have loaded. It has always performed perfectly.

Will this replace the way in which ACs handle clapperboards?

I know its our product and i know its coming from us. But in total honesty. It has completely changed the way i work round a set. I only was using the hinge initially as a replacement for putting it down if my bag was far from reach to rest it off. If i had to grab a camera or hold something and my bag was 50ft away, instead of running back putting the board down and running back, bang! it went straight on my back secure. I genuinely couldn't imagine not having this feature as part of my every day kit. If i am in a very tight space where i cannot fit a bag, the board can come with me on my back and i can proceed with my notes or just keep my hands free and ready without having to worry about the board.

This is what this Hinge gives you, a fast secure place to put your board while you carry out your tasks. It is by no means a replacement for resting it in a bag. But it is a very strong and reliable solution for a problem most ACs probably never knew they had.

• Easy to fit onto existing Medium and Small All-Weather Filmsticks.
• Full flat base for secure fitting onto a suitable magnet clip.
• Secure holding whilst managing multiple tasks.   
• Aluminium shell to reduce the Hinge weight loading.  
• Aluminium exterior Hinge Pate, fitted with Iron inserts
• CNC machined to fit the existing Hinge plate specifications