The film was initially released in 2003, created for TheForce.Net's Lightsaber Choreography Competition. Three years later, it was uploaded to several viral video websites, and became an internet phenomenon. Due to the success, Ryan Wieber was able to secure a job with the effects division of LucasArts Games.
The ending of the film where another Ryan appears often left YouTube viewers confused, this was explained in an FAQ session for RvD in which Ryan said on the original air site, TheForce.net, Ryan had been known for doing Clone special effects. This was a joke for the members of TheForce.net.