“Blue Bloods” takes Bay Ridge

The stars shone brightly as, for two days, the cast and crew of the popular CBS show, "Blue Bloods," set up shop in Bay Ridge to film scenes for upcoming episodes.

The first episode, which will air on May 5, will feature scenes using the exterior of a house on Harbor View Terrace.

Locations Manager Dennis Voskov let the Home Reporter in on how the house was chosen to be the "Reagan House."

"They [directors] wanted an area in proximity to the city that looked nice, and the structure of the houses and the quiet neighborhood seem like a good fit," said Voskov. "The ultimate decision came to the director. We chose the [Reagan] house because of the exterior, it was just beautiful."

The house caught the location manager's eye when he was driving around the neighborhood trying to choose a house that would be a good fit for the family at the heart of the show. "It really matches the Reagans," he said.

The cast and crew try to fit in as many episodes as possible, Voskov explained. "We shot scenes for four episodes," he said,.

But, don't expect an inside view of the actual house where the exterior filming took place. The interior of the house -- featured in "the dinner scenes" -- are filmed in a sound stage in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

As the upcoming episodes were filmed, residents gathered on the sidewalks to try and catch a glimpse of their beloved "Reagans" -- Police Commissioner Frank Reagan, played by Tom Selleck; son Danny, played by Donnie Wahlberg; daughter, Erin, played by Bridget Moynahan; and son Jamie, played by Will Estes -- and if they were lucky enough, an autograph or two. Some were even venturing into paparazzi mode, snapping photos with their cellphones.

"It's wonderful. They [the residents] are into the show, they are super accommodating, and we get a lot of neighbors who love the show, come out and greet us," said Voskov.

These welcoming sentiments are mirrored not only by area fans but by members of the crew, like Paul Cabbad, a born and bred Bay Ridgeite.

"I love working here. I just roll out of bed and come to work," he said teasingly.

Cabbad, the on-set publicity go-to person, lives just two blocks away from the Reagan house and welcomes filming in the area.

"We want business here," he stressed. "We want to work here. Our families are here, and our homes are here."

Working for more than 60 hours a week could be hard for some. For Cabbad, who has worked on other sets, such as "Sex in the City," it's easier if you're surrounded by a great group of people, very much like the cast of "Blue Bloods."

"It's good to have a great cast. It's fun to go to work for 60 hours - they become your family," he said.

While Estes, Moynahan, Wahlberg and Selleck were filming under the rain on Monday, April 4 and Tuesday, April 5, that was not the last time they will be in the area - since the Reagans call Bay Ridge home.

"Blue Bloods" airs Fridays at 10 p.m.