Final answer:
The statement is true; a preliminary version of a film is indeed called a rough cut. This early version is created during post-production and serves as an initial draft, which will undergo revisions to refine the film's content and storytelling.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a preliminary version of a film is called a rough cut is true. A rough cut is the initial version of a movie that comes after the shooting process is complete. The director, using the shot footage, crafts this version during post-production without the actors present. This cut allows the director to determine the sequencing and flow of the narrative based on their artistic vision.
After piecing together the rough cut, the director reviews it and makes any necessary adjustments, leading to further refined versions until the final cut is achieved. The rough cut serves as an essential step in film editing for experimenting and determining what works before moving on to intricate refining.
In the world of filmmaking, a rough cut is considered the prototype or first draft that is subject to revision, and typically, most of the scenes shot on set do not make it into the final version of the film. Therefore, the first cut or rough cut is vital in shaping what the final product will look like.