Which stage comes before producing a media product?

The stage that comes before producing a media product is planning and design. This phase is crucial as it involves conceptualizing the project and determining how it will be executed. During planning and design, essential elements such as the target audience, the message to be conveyed, the media platforms to be used, and the overall aesthetic and functionality are established.

These foundational decisions guide the production process, setting a clear direction for creating content that meets the intended goals. It prepares the team for the practical aspects of production and ensures that resources are effectively utilized. In contrast, other stages like post-production occur after the actual creation of the media product, while marketing and distribution focus on how the finished product will reach the audience, and resource allocation deals with managing materials and tools needed during production. Therefore, planning and design is the vital step that precedes the production stage.