PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA, THE: PALEYFEST NY 2014: BLUE BLOODS {LONG VERSION}
Summary
One in a series of evenings and special screenings presented as part of The Paley Center for Media's PaleyFest New York 2014. This evening celebrates "Blue Bloods," the drama series about a multi-generational family of police officers in New York City. Host Maureen Reidy (president and CEO, The Paley Center for Media) offers opening remarks and introduces executive producer Kevin Wade. Wade previews the episode "Loose Lips," which is then screened in its entirety. (For synopsis and credits, see ACCNUM 116774.)
After the screening, Reidy welcomes moderator Bruce Fretts (entertainment writer and senior editor, Closer Weekly). Fretts moderates the following panelists: Wade; and cast members Marisa Ramirez (Maria Baez), Vanessa Ray (Edit "Eddie" Jenko), Sami Gayle (Nicole "Nicky" Reagan-Boyle), Amy Carlson (Linda Reagan), Len Cariou (Henry Reagan), Will Estes (Jamie Reagan) and Tom Selleck (Frank Reagan).
The panelists touch on such topics as: how the audience has embraced the show, which is nearing its 100th episode, despite its less-than-ideal Friday night timeslot; tricks for avoiding overeating during the show's signature family dinner scenes; the actors' quickly-established familial chemistry; Ramirez's enjoyment of her role, originally intended for one episode only; Selleck's sense that the actors "don't play it safe" in their scenes; whether Eddie and Jamie are finally headed for romance, with comparisons to the infamous "Moonlighting" curse; the challenge of learning about their characters' histories "backwards" as the show progresses; the careful balance of procedural elements and personal character drama; many cast members' relocation to New York to film on location; memorable encounters with viewers on the street, including Donnie Wahlberg's (Danny Reagan) "Blockheads," or diehard New Kids on the Block fans; Selleck's sense of honor in being saluted by real cops; their commitment to their "large and loyal audience" over media attention or awards buzz; the significant scheduling and financial differences between network and cable series; the actors' opinions on social media, ranging from "Luddite" Selleck's avoidance of technology to Wahlberg and Gayle's live-tweeting of episodes; Selleck's love of the role and the challenges of playing a character in command; Cariou's role as Selleck's father despite their six-year age difference; Selleck's affection for his late mentor and "The Rockford Files" co-star James Garner, and the "pivotal advice" he once provided; his initial disinterest in his iconic role on "Magnum, P.I." before a significant rewrite from creator Donald P. Bellasario; and the network's refusal to allow Selleck to play the role of Frank without his trademark mustache.
Questions from the audience and from the PaleyFest app then lead to a discussion of the following topics, among others: Ramirez's real-life relatives in law enforcement; the show as the first series given permission to film at Ground Zero for an important episode; Ramirez's "release of grief" in filming the season premiere "Partners," in which Baez's brother is killed saving her; tricky shooting conditions for Estes and Ray's big kiss scene; Gayle's memories of her first scene with Selleck; an upcoming "twist" involving Linda; Cariou's enjoyment of "getting out of the house" in the screened episode; Selleck's positive experience during "dark" scenes with Wahlberg, and an upcoming episode in which Frank is "way out of line"; Frank's "antediluvian" attitude about dating and a dropped subplot from the pilot involving a secret affair; the dramatic importance of his character being "essentially alone" both professionally and personally; whether flashbacks will be shown of Henry's time as police commissioner; fond memories of Wahlberg's directorial debut on the fourth season episode "Manhattan Queens"; and what they have learned working on the series so far.
Details
- NETWORK: N/A
- DATE: 3:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:27:17
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 116760
- GENRE: Seminars
- SUBJECT HEADING: N/A
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Maureen Reidy … Host
- Bruce Fretts … Moderator
- Kevin Wade … Panelist
- Marisa Ramirez … Panelist
- Vanessa Ray … Panelist
- Sami Gayle … Panelist
- Amy Carlson … Panelist
- Len Cariou … Panelist
- Will Estes … Panelist
- Tom Selleck … Panelist
- Donald P. Bellisario
- James Garner
- Donnie Wahlberg