Term used to describe the period, following development, when a film is officially prepared for production. During preproduction, the art department is set up, locations scouted, casting completed, transportation and craft services lined up, etc.

All the activity leading up to the first day of filming, including budgeting, scheduling, changing the script, designing and constructing sets, renting and fitting costumes, casting, and choosing locations.

The planning stage of a film or television program involving budgeting, scheduling, casting, design and location selection.