Yeah it's actually a bit more streamlined than it appears. Remember that I was trying to remove something from a shot first. There are many methods. I've tried a few and i generally get good results. I don't always do things exactly the same, it really depends on what you are working on.

Maybe Wieber has some insight into the top secret methods employed for the films then. In every documentary piece of footage i have looked at they never explicitly state how they render modern day light saber effects. It would be nice to know the exact methods used for the films.

The thing about star wars games is that they wouldn't really need to do any roto work. Just create a glow and apply it to the blade.

Whatever you try M, could you post examples of your results? good or bad...