Tim Reca of Video Accord and Ann Mooney of metaannmedia, two renowed, professional video production specialist with close to 45 years combined experience, have joined forces to create SaferMeTV, a socially conscious video production company that specializes in producing kid-friendly videos that focus on important issues affecting families today. As parents, Tim and Ann were alarmed about the growing threat of child abduction, and the lack of resources available to parents. As a result of their concern, Tim and Ann created Not Me! in an effort to promote public awareness about child predators and to provide families with practical tips and advice for protecting their children.

We recently caught up with Tim and Ann and asked them a few questions about their new video.

Fatherville.com:  What motivated you to produce the Safer Me TV DVD? In other words tell us a little bit about the vision and motivation behind creating the DVD?

Tim Reca & Ann Mooney: In attempt to educate our own children, we quickly realized that there wasn't much out there targeted towards children, ages 8-13, that wasn't too elementary or too long and drawn-out.  That's why we compiled a DVD, 22 minutes in length, with both educational and entertainment values targeted toward children.

Fatherville.com: How long did it take to produce the DVD?

TR & AM: About 2 1/2 years (it was an all-volunteer effort, and--with the exception of graphic design and duplication--we did this on our own, assuming the costs--as a labor of love to help promote children's safety).

Fatherville.com: What age groups are best suited for the Safer Me TV DVD?

TR & AM: The target age is 8-13.

Fatherville.com: In your opinion what are some of the biggest challenges that young kids face today?

TR & AM: Challenges include peer acceptance, attaining independence--much of the same challenges their parents faced growing up.  However, the world has changed significantly; children should be respectful of adults but yet not too vulnerable or accepting of everything that is said to them.

Fatherville.com: Do you think people underestimate the problem of predators?

TR & AM: Yes--very much so.  However, with the omnipresent coverage of abduction and child predators, it's beginning to appear on people's radar.

Fatherville.com: As you think back over the process of creating this DVD what was the biggest surprise? What was something you never anticipated?

TR & AM: That most abductors aren't strangers, but people who the children have seen before. And many are relatives, neighbors and friends.

Fatherville.com: Is there another Safer Me TV DVD planned?

TR & AM: It's under discussion--we have lots of ideas for additional safety programming.

Fatherville.com: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Your passions, hobbies, goals for the future.

TR & AM: Ann enjoys spending time with her three children and teaching them about the world. Her background is in instructional/corporate television, and she loves the challenge of using the visual medium to create meaningful programming.  Tim's hobbies include photography and flying model airplanes. He has 20 years in video production and spends much of his time enjoying his teenage daughters gift of painting and pencil art.

Fatherville.com: Did your parents teach you about the danger of predators?

TR & AM: No, not really. It wasn't part of our world--something that you heard about.  Certainly, we were taught about strangers, but not in the same context.

Fatherville.com: Why would I choose this DVD over some other similar product?

TR & AM: Its approach is different--we feature a kid talking to kids. The length is also digestible--22 minutes. Plus, there's information for kids and adults by accessing the interactive menu.

Fatherville.com: As it relates to the DVD is there a particular story you want to share with us?

TR & AM: Creating a program like this is very impactful for us and the kids involved.  We all learned as we went along--and the lessons associated with this project can potentially be life-saving.

 Fatherville.com: Thank you both very much for spending time with us.