The stages of filmmaking involve five key steps: 1) Development, where the story is conceived through a detailed treatment; 2) Pre-Production, where the cast and crew are assembled and equipment, sets, and costumes are prepared; 3) Production, which is the principal photography or filming of scenes; 4) Post-Production, where the film is edited, sound and visual effects are added, and the final cut is approved; and 5) Distribution, where the completed film is printed, duplicated, and released. Each stage is vital to the process of bringing the film from concept to final product.