The distinctive lightsaber audio style originated with the 1977 film Star Wars. Sound designer Ben Burtt developed the original effect using the hum of an old film projector and interference captured near a television set, then shaped its movement for scenes involving the fictional energy weapon. Variations appeared throughout later Star Wars films, television productions, games, and fan creations. The sound remains widely recognized because its electrical drone and moving buzz instantly communicate danger, power, and science-fiction combat, even when used outside the franchise.