Meet Our Neighbors: Dimitri Anastasakis

Line producer for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

Tell us a little about how you work with the Fred Rogers Productions team.

As the line producer, I am responsible for running the budget and the day-to-day logistics of the series. Metaphorically, it's a bit like being a pilot: I book the flights for the passengers, create and follow the flight path, and then adjust and reroute that flight path during the journey when needed. Basically, I secure all passengers for a safe takeoff, flight, and landing with zero turbulence.

 Do you have a favorite episode you've worked on?

I am sworn to secrecy because it’s an episode that hasn’t aired yet! What I can say is that it's about family, tradition, and spending time with your loved ones however that may be!

 What were your favorite TV shows growing up?

Growing up there were three, and I now realize were a reflection of my personality: Mr. Dressup satisfied my love for art and creativity. Ernie's drawing segments were my absolute favorite! Then there was Sesame Street that was feeding my right brain by exercising mathematics and language, creating the foundation of skills I still use today. And finally, the most important of all, my HEART, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood with life lessons about kindness and love.

What do you like to do when you're not working?

I love spending time with my family! Whether it be hiking, a beach day, a weekend road trip, or just at home having a movie night, I love the time we spend together and cherish every second.

Anything else you'd like to mention?

I still pinch myself sometimes because it's a dream to be able to work with such wonderful people that I grew up watching and learning from. Six-year-old me could have never dreamed of being a part of something that brings such value to our children. Thank you for watching, and cheers to more and more Daniel Tiger and his wonderful Neighborhood!