VFX Fundamentals - Lightsabers WITHOUT computers
I've decided to start explaining some fundamentals of VFX (Visual effects) that are good to know. No matter what setup you have and whether you are a beginner or expert, this information should be handy.
In this first episode I show how to do a lightsaber style effect without any computers and only a few dollars in supplies. Digital effects may look more dramatic, but this effect is easy for anyone to do.
Since this is an in-camera effect, if you shoot with slow shutter speeds you will automatically get motion blur and blade trails. If you want to digitally enhance the effect this will give your blade a strong, bright color you can boost by selecting that color in the software and boosting it or applying bloom effects, avoiding the need to track the blade frame-by-frame.
To find the materials to do this, look in you local home store for retroreflective materials, these are usually available in the sign or safety supply section. On amazon just search for retroreflective paint, tape, plastic...etc. This stuff is also sometimes sold as video projector screen material or paint. To test it simply hold a small flashlight up next to your eye pointing forward and you will see the material glow brightly.
This may not be a as amazing as some computer effects but I wanted to show that VFX doesn't always have to be expensive or complicated!
To see a lot of the tools and gadgets I use all in one place, check out my page on Amazon. Check back often as I'm still building the page. As an amazon affiliate I earn a little money to support the channel if you order from these amazon links, there is no extra cost to you.
https://www.amazon.com/shop/gregcorson (paid link)
The latest release of my virtual production sample project will always be available here https://github.com/MiloMindbender/UE4...
#visual effects #vfx #light saber