SaberComp 2024 Official Rules
Rules
- The required Theme for this year is Courage.
- The time limit is 5 minutes. This includes the bumper and credits.
- Your entry must utilize at least one lightsaber. Other weapons that are capable of fighting a lightsaber are acceptable. Be as imaginative as you like. Yes, this includes blasters.
- The SaberComp 2024 bumper must be attached to the beginning of your entry. This will available in 4k ProRes and H.264 options.
- The 2024 Bumper will be available to download on the Resources Page.
- Your Entry may come from a pre-existing project, but said project must be unreleased before the SaberComp 2024 deadline.
- There is no limit on how many Entries you can enter as long as they are submitted individually (this makes it easier for us to organize).
- Max and Nate are not allowed to enter.
- Once approved, SaberComp Entries will remain the property of their creative team. Participation in the competition permits SaberComp's utilization of these works for further promotion of the competition and its community. SaberComp will never use a team's Entry as a direct source of monetary gain, such as through private screenings, channel monetization, or calendars.
- Current and past Entries will remain logged in the SaberComp Archive as submitted. Further releases, such as Director's Cuts or Special Editions, may be later added to the corresponding playlist on request, but will not replace the original Entry.
Deadline
The Deadline for all entries is Friday, January 31st, 2025 at 11:59 PM (23:59) PST. However, we will accept entries starting Wednesday, January 1st, 2025 at 12:00 AM (0:00) PST. You can enter by filling out the submission form, which will be available on this site on January 1st.
Publishing
After you have submitted your entry and received a confirmation that your entry has been accepted into the competition, you may setup a scheduled publish date or YouTube Premiere for your video. Your video may be published no earlier than February 5th, 2025 at 12:00 PM PST, at which time the Official Playlist will go live. All Entries must remain unlisted and unshared until this time.
Prizes
Thank you to this year’s sponsor: CoastalSabers. Please visit their website to see their catalog. Exact prizes will be determined and announced at a later date.
Judging Criteria
There will be four judges this year.
The committee of judges will determine their top ten favorite nominees.
Nominees will duke it out in a live judging on SaberComp’s official YouTube page on a date to be decided.
Winning entries will be awarded best Choreography, Production Design, Costuming, Cinematography, Editing, VFX, and use of Theme, respectively.
Tips
Be safe!
Please follow your regional laws regarding permissible activities.
Keep YouTube’s content guidelines in mind when it comes to music. Copyrighted tracks will likely get your video muted or ads placed upon it. It also runs the risk of being blocked in some countries.
Have fun!
Categories
With the addtion of Theme and Costuming this year, the judges will recognize seven different categories, giving contestants an opportunity to shine in whatever area they wish, or attempt to sweep them all!
Theme - New for 2024!
This category is based on the quality of your storytelling... what are your characters struggling with, what sort of interplay is happening between the saber swings? And specifically, how have you utilized this year's theme of Courage?
Choreography
The heart of the original competition, choreography is central to a compelling saber fight. How intricate are your moves? Do they adhere to the indivual styles of your fighters? Is it flashy or efficient and gritty? Your attention in this area will be commended, regarldess of other categories.
Production Design
This covers the overal look and feel of your entry–the vibes, if you will. Props, location or set, and the general aesthetics of the world you're building go a long way in elevating your film.
Costuming - New for 2024!
This year we're pleased to branch out one aspect of Production Design into its own category! We know a lot of people take pride in making their custumes, and we want to celebrate that effort. If you just want an excuse to show off your custom-tailored Jedi robes or hand-built Mandalorian armor, this category is for you!
Cinematography
Cinematography emcompasses everything from where you put your camera, to lens selection, lighting, and mood. It extends into post-production as well with your color grade. How do your photography choices help tell your story?
Editing
This category is based on how you cut the action together. Editing dictates the pace of your fight. Are you choosing long shots for more tension or fast cuts for more kinetic energy? How are you choosing the sequencing of your shots, and are they the best choices to represent the feeling you want your audience to experience? And don’t forget that sound will bring all of this together. Don’t skimp on one of the most overlooked parts of the process.
Visual Effects
No lightsaber duel has been brought to life without the aid of visual effects. Whether you're blurring once-twice-thrice or matching your grain one channel at a time, do your sabers feel like they fit within your scene? Is your rotoscoping top-notch? Are you employing invisible effects to help tell your story? Feel free to release a VFX breakdown with your entry!