Filmmaking is the process of making a film, from an initial story idea or commission, through scriptwriting, shooting, editing, directing and distribution to an audience. Typically, the film making process involves a large number of people, and takes from a few months to several years to complete.
Film making process usually involves five stages:
- Development – in this stage, the script is written and drafted into a workable blueprint for a film.
- Pre-production – in this stage, all preparations are made for the shoot, and all legal requirements of the film are complied with.
- Production – in this stage, the film is actually shot using the cast, along with the aid of the crew. In other words, the raw elements for the finished film are recorded during the production stage.
- Post-production – in this stage, the film is edited; dialogues are composed, music tracks are composed, performed and recorded; sound effects are designed and recorded; visual effects using computer-graphic are digitally added; and all sound elements are mixed and added to the picture. In short, during the post-production stage, the film is fully completed and made available for distribution.
- Sales and distribution – in this stage, the film is screened for potential buyers who will be the ultimate distributors of the film. It is the distributor who agrees to distribute the film, who reaches the film to cinema theaters and/or the home media audience.
