Ice cubes used in shoots are made of acrylic, so they do not move or melt during the shoot, which may take place under hot studio lighting. Prior to the widespread availability of acrylic cubes starting in the 1970s and 1980s, glass ice cubes served the same purpose.
In film production, ice cubes are made from acrylic to prevent them from moving or melting during intense lighting conditions. Prior to the availability of acrylic cubes in the 1970s and 1980s, glass ice cubes performed a similar role.