With practice, dedication, and 3D Studio Max a Star Wars Fan Film maker can craft a 3D world that rivals those seen on the big screen.

Making your Light Saber blade glow.
This is a tutorial by Brent "BrentK7" Keltner to show you how to make an object (intended for a light saber) glow through video post using 3D Studio Max Release 3.

Lasers in 3DS Max R3
Darryl Roman shows how to create laser beams using 3D Studio Max.

Lighting in CGI Scenes
Darryl Roman wrote this tutorial with tips on creating good lighting for your CGI scenes using a 3D program such as 3D Studio Max.