Resources
Welcome to SaberComp's Resources page! Here, you'll find a wealth of information and tools to help you take your lightsaber skills to the next level. From tutorials and training videos to equipment guides and event recaps, our Resources page is your go-to source for all things saber-related. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting out, we're confident you'll find something here to help you on your journey to becoming a master of the blade. So grab your saber and let's get started!
The Bumper
The Bumper
The SaberComp bumper is a requirement for your entry. Please download the bumper below and place it at the beginning of your entry prior to any of your own logos. It is available as a ProRes 4444 QuickTime or an H.264 MP4, both in UHD (3840 x 2160) at 24 fps. The framing is safe for up to 2.40:1 cropping.
Production
Production
Coastal Sabers
The official sponsor of SaberComp, Coastal Sabers has you covered for quality hilts, neopixel blades, and replicas. Their props can be seen in all their glory in the SaberComp 2021 Promo “Deception.”
Software
Software
We've put together a list of both free and paid software options specifically tailored to help you elevate your saber combat videos to the next level. From industry-standard programs to cutting-edge new tools, our guide covers a wide range of options to suit any budget and skill level. So whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, let's explore the best software options to bring your saber battles to life!
Editing
Editing
Visual Effects
Visual Effects
Free
- Blender
- 3D Modeling, Animation, Rendering
- Camera Tracking
- HitFilm
- 2D Compositing
- BlackMagic Fusion - Part of DaVinci Resolve
- 2D Compositing with 3D camera and layering support
- Nuke - Non-Commercial
- Limited to HD renders
- Cannot be used for paid work
- Scripts not cross-compatible with other versions of Nuke
Paid
- Adobe After Effects
- $20.99/month USD
- $54.99/month US as Part of Creative Cloud
- Education Pricing Available
- BlackMagic Fusion Studio
- Nuke - Industry Standard Compositing Package
- Indie - $499/year USD
- Limited to 4k renders
- Limited Python/Customization Support
- Full FAQ - Click Here
- Nuke Standard - $3,299/year USD
- NukeX - $4,499/year USD
- Indie - $499/year USD
Plugins
Plugins
Here is a list of plugins and tools for software packages that are endorsed by the SaberComp community in some way. If you have something you think should be here, pop over to the Resources section of the Discord and let us know!
After Effects
- Andrew Kramer has a new fully featured plugin for After Effects called Saber. You can download it here.
- Another glow plugin for After Effects is Real Glow, by Jae Tools, which is simple yet effective, available here.
- Deep Glow - Generates a beautiful, physically accurate glow. You'll never want to touch After Effect's default glow again.
Nuke
- AuthorityFX - An amazingly realistic, open source glow plugin on GitHub.
- Ben McEwan’s Optical Glow - Contains “Wieber” and “Caauwe” presets based on Ryan vs Dorkman 2 and Alex vs Nate 2 respectively.
- Exponential Glow - A glow tool used on a daily basis and favored by SaberComp admin Nate Caauwe.
Tutorials
Tutorials
Lightsaber Effects
Lightsaber Effects
Undoubtedly, the iconic glow of a lightsaber is an essential component of any realistic duel. Whether you're a newcomer to the art of wielding this elegant weapon, or simply seeking to refine your compositing skills, our resources are designed to support your journey toward mastering the look you’re after.
Active SaberComp community member Michael Olson has a new tutorial for achieving lightsabers with motion blur in After Effects. Michael is regularly active in our VFX channel on Discord, so feel free to drop him a line there with any questions!
Check out Ricky Elliott’s all-encompassing tutorial that covers everything from the rotoscoping process to getting proper lightwrap and contact flares.
Check out this tutorial by SaberComp Discord member S40 Games on creating the Darksaber as seen in The Mandalorian, as posed in our VFX Channel.
The OG saber method for so many in this community, still hosted on TheForce.net. Head on over there if you want a blast from the past.
Downloads
Downloads
Sound Effects
Sound Effects
Many folks ask where they can find lightsaber sound effects for use in their duels. The short answer: we rip them from the films and video games. The lazy answer: you can download a collection below. Here is a large collection of sound effects organized just for SaberComp! This includes the saber library ripped and organized by Ryan Wieber, as well as the old library of sounds from the TFN days.
Practice Footage
Practice Footage
If you're looking to sharpen your skills with roto or simply want to experiment with new glow techniques, we've got you covered. Feel free to download some plates from past LCC entries, complete with rendered saber mattes.
BQ_200
BQ_200
Here's a plate from Brothers' Quarrel, 1st Place Winner of LCC 2015. The zip file contains jpeg sequences of the plate, each combatant's saber roto, and a saber reflection.