preproduction I. \¦prēˌ\adjective Etymology:pre- + production (I) : involving, existing, or taking place in the period before production begins < preproduction planning > especially : relating to or being a prototype < preproduction models > II. \"ˌ\noun : the period in the development of a play or motion picture prior to staging or filming that usually involves casting, hiring production crews, constructing sets, and finding a suitable theater or location for filming