Safety Town Movie – Project Brief
Isla Vista Session 1 July 7 - 11
Logline
" The (Yet to be Titled) Safety Town Movie " is an immersive journey into the soul of American
childhood today. Through the lens of an 87-year-old nationwide child safety program-run by
passionate volunteers and single-minded civic leaders-we explore how a miniature replica of
American life becomes a battleground to protect children against growing threats. With rare
archival access, including a little-known 1980s Muppets collaboration, the film reveals how
these idealized towns reflect America's hopes, contradictions, and the fragile bonds of civic
trust.
The Film
Tucked into schoolyards and parking lots across the country are miniature cities-perfectly
scaled-down versions of American life, complete with tiny traffic lights, storefronts,
crosswalks, and pedal cars. These are Safety Towns-places where young children learn how
to navigate the real world safely. What began in the late 1930s as a local experiment has
grown into a little-known but vast civic tradition that has shaped the childhoods of millions.
Overview
"The (Yet to be Titled) Safety Town Movie" is an inspiring documentary that takes viewers on
a journey into the heart of a program that's making a significant difference in children's safety
education. Going on nearly 2 years of development and early production, and driven by a
dedicated team of filmmakers, the film explores the legacy and impact of Safety Town, a
program co-founded by the passionate Dorothy Chlad, who is now 90 years old and
continues to advocate for safety education.
Synopsis
In the film, the crew captures the essence of Safety Town's mission, which is to provide
immersive, practical safety education for children. Filming in nationwide locations, the
documentary portrays Dorothy and follows the program's devoted volunteers as they work to
create a safer future for children. The film highlights the genuine enthusiasm of the
volunteers, families, and law enforcement officers who contribute to this experiential learning
effort.
Key Themes
Community and collaboration: The documentary showcases the collaborative spirit of the Safety Town community, where volunteers, educators, and public safety officials come together to support a shared mission.
Legacy and leadership: Dorothy Chlad's tireless dedication and leadership in establishing and growing Safety Town is a focal point, demonstrating how one person's vision can impact generations.
Experiential learning: Safety Town serves as a beacon of effective child safety education, teaching practical lessons in a simulated environment that prepares children for real-world situations.
Filming and Production
The production team, including Director H Spencer Young, Producer Patrick Hamm, Director
of Photography Claudia Raschke, and others, has embarked on a challenging yet rewarding
journey. From capturing the bustling activity of Safety Town sessions to conducting in-depth
interviews with Dorothy and other key figures, the team captures the vibrancy and
significance of this unique program.
Impact and Vision
The documentary aims to broaden awareness of Safety Town's impact, inspiring other
communities to adopt similar initiatives and prioritize child safety education. It also aims to
provide an intimate look at the life of Dorothy Chlad, whose passion for safety education has
been unwavering throughout the decades. This film is more than a documentary; it's a tribute
to the power of community-driven education and one woman's vision to make the world a
safer place for children. With its compelling storytelling and vivid imagery, the film seeks to
inspire and inform viewers about the importance of child safety education and the enduring
legacy of those who champion it.
