Page 1 - Open After Effects

At first, the configuration dialog is a little confusing. I'm hoping the tutorial clears some of that up.
Here is a brief overview of what we will cover here:
1. You will create a new solid layer.
2. Apply the Beam Effect to it.
3. Then set up all the parameters to make it look like a blaster.
4. Animate it.
5. Duplicate it and make multiple shots.

The first step is Launch After Effects. Create a New Composition. Use these settings:

Now import your footage and place it on the timeline for the composition.

Go on to page 2: Apply the first Beam