Final answer:
Filmmaking does not begin with immediate filming; it starts with pre-production, followed by rehearsals, production, and ends with post-production, all of which are meticulously planned and executed before the final cut of the film is made.
Step-by-step explanation:
When filmmakers begin a film project, contrary to the belief that filming starts immediately, there is a significant process before production commences. Initially, the focus is on the pre-production phase, where vital organizational tasks are handled. A script is finalized, a shooting schedule crafted, and the required logistics are arranged. During this stage, casting also happens rapidly, and often, television and film require a much quicker casting process compared to theatre.
Once the cast is set, and actors have accepted their roles, both rehearsals and technical preparations take priority. This is when interactions with the director intensify, but the relationship may not be as personal as it is on a theatre stage. Actors must be prepared in advance for their roles, and rehearsals usually run for several weeks.
Following production, the post-production phase begins. Here, the director takes a pivotal role, working alone to piece together the film. This involves selecting takes, editing scenes, and integrating special effects or CGI to align with their vision for the movie—a true test of the director's medium. In this final stretch, the film is molded into its final form before being considered complete and ready for the audience.