Pre-production plays a huge role in any motion project. It is the necessary step (and step with most work to do) that compiles the necessary information for both parties involved-- crew and client. Since most of the work is done pre-production, it can help keep a tidy outline that keeps your project organized and running smoothly. Here is a list from a blog post we stumbled upon that nicely highlights the vital steps in video making:

Brainstorming
Research-Primary-Secondary
Proposal-Pitch(Synopsis)
Production Schedule
Budget
Storyboard
Location Recce -Risk Assessment
Contingency Plan -Back Up Plan
Shooting Schedule
Call Sheets
Production-Film Shoot -Shot Blog
Offline Edit -Rough Cut
Watch-Review=Online Edit

source | https://lukejames7.wordpress.com/unit-1/unit1-why-is-pre-production-so-important/