VFX Reference Tools  ·  On-Set Kit

VFX Balls & Chart
Assembly Instructions

A step-by-step guide to building a professional VFX reference kit — chrome sphere, grey sphere, and X-Rite color checker mounted in a portable Pelican case. Inspired by Kevin Struckman’s rig designs.

View Materials Assembly Steps

The Finished Kit

Chrome ball, grey ball, and X-Rite color checker — all in a portable Pelican case.

Finished VFX reference rig — closed case with chrome and grey spheres mounted Finished VFX reference rig — open case showing color checker chart with both spheres

Materials Required

Everything you need to build the kit, sourced from four suppliers.

Berkey Systems

  • 6" Handle Grip Assembly (HDL-ASY-6-1B) $76.00
  • Threaded 15mm Rod Extensions 6" (qty 2) $56.00
  • Threaded 15mm Rods 16" $36.00
  • Threaded Spud Blocks ½-13 w/ screw (qty 2) $56.00
  • Threaded Spud Blocks ½-13 w/ knob (qty 2) $76.00

B&H Photo Video

  • Pelican Case 1070 $66.83
  • X-Rite Color Checker Card $88.11

Amazon

  • 6" Chrome Spheres by Rome (qty 2) $19.00 ea

Home Depot (~$50)

  • ½-13 Nylon Insert Hex Lock Nuts (qty 2)
  • ½"-13 Nuts
  • J-B Weld Epoxy
  • Multi-Purpose Primer spray paint
  • 100 grit sanding block
  • VELCRO strips

Paint Specification

Benjamin Moore “Middle Grey” in “Regal Ulti-matte” washable flat finish (product code: 552). Purchased a quart, which Benjamin Moore then put into a spray can.

Paint Composition: Y3 0x 3.6875  ·  S1 0x 30.1250  ·  W1 1x 4.4375  ·  R3 0x 1.6875

Assembly Steps

Follow these steps to build your VFX reference kit from start to finish.

  1. Sand the Chrome Sphere

    Sand one chrome sphere with the 100 grit sanding block to achieve a burnished steel appearance. This sphere will become the grey ball.

    Sanding block next to chrome sphere with burnished steel finish

  2. Drill Mounting Holes

    Drill a mounting hole in each sphere for the 15mm rod extensions. Center punch first before drilling to prevent the bit from walking.

    Wear safety glasses · Use F-clamp with assistance · Apply firm pressure
    F-clamp holding chrome sphere during drilling

  3. Glue Nuts and Rods

    Using J-B Weld epoxy, glue the nuts with rods to both spheres. Allow adequate curing time per the epoxy manufacturer’s instructions.

    Both spheres with J-B Weld epoxy and nuts ready for gluing Close-up of rod glued into sphere

  4. Paint the Grey Sphere

    Apply primer to the sanded sphere, then spray multiple coats of Benjamin Moore “Middle Grey” (Regal Ultimate matte). Allow drying time between coats.

    Primer spray can next to sphere during painting Finished grey painted sphere

  5. Prepare the Pelican Case

    Drill holes in the top of the Pelican Case 1070. Attach the 16" rod through the case and secure the handle grip assembly.

    Pelican case with drilled holes for rod mounting

  6. Attach Spud Blocks

    Attach the spud blocks (½-13 with screw) to the rod ends. These will serve as the mounting points for each sphere.

    Spud blocks attached to rod ends on Pelican case

  7. Mount the Color Chart

    Secure the X-Rite Color Checker card inside the Pelican case lid using foam-backed VELCRO strips.

    Velcro strips applied inside Pelican case lid X-Rite Color Checker mounted inside case with velcro

  8. Attach the Spheres

    Thread both spheres onto the spud blocks (½-13 with knob) for tool-free attachment and removal on set.

    Finished rig with both spheres mounted, case closed Finished rig with case open showing color checker

Alternative Method

Gluing extra nuts directly to the spheres with J-B Weld eliminates the drilling step entirely — a simpler approach if you don’t have access to a drill press or want a faster build.

Rig design inspired by Kevin Struckman

Ready to Connect?

Questions about this build or VFX production tools? Get in touch.

Email Marcus ← Back to Portfolio