Brooklyn, NY - BP's Chasidic Community Take Center Stage In Upcoming TV Show (photos-video) |
|
| |
Last updated on: January 9, 2013 04:30 PM
Text Size
|
|
In this Jan 7 2013 photo, a woman and a young boy dressed up as a family of Hasidic Jews walk down with a a baby carrige the busy 13th Avenue retail strip in Borough Park section of Brooklyn, NY for filming of an episode Of the Blue Bloods TV series, Hasidic Jews in the background watch. Photo: Eli WohlBrooklyn, NY - The streets of Borough Park were abuzz this past Monday, as a major television production took to 13th Avenue for the filming of an upcoming episode, which included a casting call for people to portray chasidic men and women. Dozens turned out for the chance to work as paid extras on the set of the show Blue Bloods, a police drama series portraying an Irish American family of police officers who are NYPD members, which airs weekly on Friday nights.
The episode being filmed deals with a murder in the family of a prominent chasidic rabbi, with police officers navigating the unique challenges of investigating a crime within the tight knit Chasidic community.
Video credit: Shimon Gifter.
“When you do an episode in a specific community, there are things that might appear unusual or strange to the outside observer and it is easy to stress the apparent differences but our intention here was to show the similarity between the Irish-American family of police officers and that of a chasidic rabbi’s family ” Ian Biederman executive producer and one of the writers told VIN News.
“So much is the same in different cultures: the relationships, how people love each other and how they deal with loss. Those things all exist in every community and we wanted to portray the commonalities of these two varied cultures, despite their obvious differences. Maybe on the outside the chasidic community seems different than that of the Irish American police officers we are portraying, but deep down inside we are all very much the same.”
Filming in a chasidic community was integral to capturing the flavor that was crucial to the episode, according to Biederman.
“There was no place else in the world that we could have shot this and done it right,” explained Biederman. “We wanted the look, the feel, the sounds and the accents to be authentic and we never could have accomplished that using actors to portray chasidim. We needed the right feel and a specific population and you can really feel the flavor of the chasidic community coming through all over the film. It teems with life and the feel of the place.”
Production staff at Blue Bloods reported that despite never having seen their show, members of the Borough Park community greeted them and their crew with open arms.
“Everyone was so welcoming and cooperative ,” said Biederman. “It was just fabulous. People were so courteous and they asked great questions. Clearly this was something they don’t see every day.”
In this Jan, 7 2013, an actor dressed up as a Hasidic Jew talks to the actors portrayed as police investigators. Photo: Eli WohlOne scene for the episode was filmed inside Krausz Hatters on 12th Avenue and featured one of Blue Blood’s lead actors donning a shtreimel, something Biederman termed “a moment not to be missed.”
Future filming is scheduled for January 9th, 10th and 14th and as the episode is officially set in Williamsburg, producers aren’t ruling out the possibility that they may shoot some footage there as well.
According to Amy Miller, director of publicity for Blue Bloods, approximately sixteen chasidic extras were hired for the shoot with an additional fifty four actors dressed up as chasidim. The episode, titled Men in Black, is scheduled to air on February 8th. Blue Bloods is currently in its third season and fifty four episodes have been aired to date.
Photo credit: Eli Wohl
More of today's headlines
“Las Vegas, NV - The 2013 International CES gadget show, the biggest trade show in the Americas, is taking place in Las Vegas this week. It's a place for technology...”
Las Vegas, NV - In Photos: CES Gadget Show In Las Vegas
Israel - Taking Page From Obama Campaign, Netanyahu Surveys Storm Management
Total55
Read Comments (55) — Post Yours »
1
Jan 09, 2013 at 10:49 AM Secular Says:Report as Inappropriate
PURIM
2
Jan 09, 2013 at 10:46 AM My2Cents_ Says:Report as Inappropriate
a charpa and a busha that hemishe stores helped them , and that so called fruma yingerleit and vaber would stand around and watch , i bet these are the same ppl that dont accept others children in to a mosod they control
oh how far we have fallen
3
Jan 09, 2013 at 10:53 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
This was right outside from where I work. I loved watching them film. I should mention, though, that it was pathetic to see how many people in BP actually have nothing to do all day. I never want to hear a complaint again about "nareshkeit" being posted in VIN or complaints about the secular world because the chassidim clearly loved watching this as much as I did.
4
Jan 09, 2013 at 10:58 AM omg! Says:Report as Inappropriate
Curiosity killed the cat!?
5
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:02 AM Movie Critic Says:Report as Inappropriate
This is not the first time that a movie has been filmed in the Chassidic community in NYC, which had stories about Chassidim. The movie "A Stranger Amoung Us" (1992), and "The Chosen" (1982), also had scenes filmed in Williamsburg.
6
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:03 AM ChareidiMan Says:Report as Inappropriate
Great story. But lets wait and see how they betray us on the TV show. The verdict is yet to come
7
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:04 AM Shtarker Says:Report as Inappropriate
At last, a sympathetic yet accurate portrayal of the real people of BP.
8
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:08 AM bored Says:Report as Inappropriate
The red headed goy looks authentic. The shorter guy with the white beard next to him in the picture, eh, not so much. He's probably the murderer.
9
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:11 AM Lodzker Says:Report as Inappropriate
what is this trash. everyone go home!!! its not going to be good for the kehilla. Does anyone even know how theyll portray us?? its never good.
10
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:12 AM enlightened-yid Says:Report as Inappropriate
Ohh, what a small world! I see two actors that I know all dressed up as Hossids. The scary part is their beards and payos look so real that I didn't recognize them right away.
11
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:12 AM Aryeh Says:Report as Inappropriate
The same interest is found in construction machinery. No big deal.
12
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:14 AM bubii Says:Report as Inappropriate
Oy vey iz mir what moviesare they making?murder not in bp.
13
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:17 AM Longwave Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ a charpa and a busha that hemishe stores helped them , and that so called fruma yingerleit and vaber would stand around and watch , i bet these are the same ppl that dont accept others children in to a mosod they control
oh how far we have fallen ”
Interesting that people who have no TV sets would sell their souls to do avoda zara for the goyyim.
Brings an interesting question, As per the article, the show is on Friday nights. Someone who is Jewish, who is not frum hears, about the show and decides to watch it. There are some chassidim that got paid to be on it, causing the not frum Jew to be mechallel Shabbat. What is the punishment for the 'frum' Jew?
Ain L'davar Sof
14
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:19 AM heshysquirtz Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ a charpa and a busha that hemishe stores helped them , and that so called fruma yingerleit and vaber would stand around and watch , i bet these are the same ppl that dont accept others children in to a mosod they control
oh how far we have fallen ”
Such a tzaddik.
15
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:26 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Great story. But lets wait and see how they betray us on the TV show. The verdict is yet to come ”
With all dignity, your comment only incites more hatred of our nation. We should not be seeking a justification to "disregard" someone elses work prior to it being in our features of tomorrow. If there is an insensitivity, act surprised rather than reluctant to open the jar.
16
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:27 AM volfie Says:Report as Inappropriate
in 1992 a film directed by sidney lumet ,whose father baruch acted in the yiddish theater, was partially also filmed in boro park on 16th ave.they needed extras for the wedding dance scenes.perhaps one of the large warehouses on 39 street could be converted(no pun intended)into a movie studio which could produce KOSHER films ,documentaries,and children's educational programs.and get the
never- working class into job$ while doing kiddush hashem programming.
anyone with ties to spielberg for that venture ?maybe the boro pres ?
17
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:35 AM commonsense99 Says:Report as Inappropriate
RELAX PPL ITS A DUMB MOVIE!!! TAKE IT EASY
18
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:36 AM Ina Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Interesting that people who have no TV sets would sell their souls to do avoda zara for the goyyim.
Brings an interesting question, As per the article, the show is on Friday nights. Someone who is Jewish, who is not frum hears, about the show and decides to watch it. There are some chassidim that got paid to be on it, causing the not frum Jew to be mechallel Shabbat. What is the punishment for the 'frum' Jew?
Ain L'davar Sof ”
Not to worry. We can all watch it during the week on the internet. No need to be mechallel Shabbos.
19
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:40 AM blubluh Says:Report as Inappropriate
I just hope any non-Jewish actors dressed as Yidden didn't stop off to have lunch at a treif place.
20
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:45 AM Insider Says:Report as Inappropriate
could actually be a Kiddush HaShem !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
21
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:48 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I just hope any non-Jewish actors dressed as Yidden didn't stop off to have lunch at a treif place. ”
Right. Like any non-chassid wants to stay dressed in chassidishe garb for one second longer than they have to...
22
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:51 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
This is an embarrassment to my community that none of us work and can spend all day watching! The goyim will think we still live in the 1700's in Europe!
23
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:56 AM long island bubby Says:Report as Inappropriate
Love this show, watch it every week (on Hulu) BUT, there was one error. The chasidishi man's wife was walking next to him - a no-no always a step or two behind.
24
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:57 AM rikki Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Interesting that people who have no TV sets would sell their souls to do avoda zara for the goyyim.
Brings an interesting question, As per the article, the show is on Friday nights. Someone who is Jewish, who is not frum hears, about the show and decides to watch it. There are some chassidim that got paid to be on it, causing the not frum Jew to be mechallel Shabbat. What is the punishment for the 'frum' Jew?
Ain L'davar Sof ”
Ever hear of You Tube and you can log onto the name of the show at any time and see reruns..it doesn't have to be watched on Shabbos!!!Also, why is everyone worried how we're being portrayed? Weberman did a good job, on his own, to portray/represent Chassidim...you, obviously, don't need a TV show to make us look bad!!!
25
Jan 09, 2013 at 12:14 PM NeveAliza Says:Report as Inappropriate
Great costumes. I can't tell the fakers dressed up as frum yidden from the fakers dressed up as frum yidden.
26
Jan 09, 2013 at 12:24 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Love this show, watch it every week (on Hulu) BUT, there was one error. The chasidishi man's wife was walking next to him - a no-no always a step or two behind. ”
Not sure about that being the only error. I noticed the guy with the veisa zucken is wearing bendel shoes....
27
Jan 09, 2013 at 12:40 PM Shtarker Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ in 1992 a film directed by sidney lumet ,whose father baruch acted in the yiddish theater, was partially also filmed in boro park on 16th ave.they needed extras for the wedding dance scenes.perhaps one of the large warehouses on 39 street could be converted(no pun intended)into a movie studio which could produce KOSHER films ,documentaries,and children's educational programs.and get the
never- working class into job$ while doing kiddush hashem programming.
anyone with ties to spielberg for that venture ?maybe the boro pres ? ”
I also had this idea - to make movies that a frum family would want to see. Movies with brochos, with learning, gemilus chesed, etc. The problem was finding enough actors, since many very frum people don't allow themselves to be photographed. Then there was a problem with filming men and women together, so you have to make two versions of everything. Then there was the problem of whose minhagim to follow in the storyline, chassidish, litvish, etc. In the end it was just too much trouble. This is why the production crew has to hire goyim to portray Jews.
28
Jan 09, 2013 at 01:07 PM Miriam377 Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Interesting that people who have no TV sets would sell their souls to do avoda zara for the goyyim.
Brings an interesting question, As per the article, the show is on Friday nights. Someone who is Jewish, who is not frum hears, about the show and decides to watch it. There are some chassidim that got paid to be on it, causing the not frum Jew to be mechallel Shabbat. What is the punishment for the 'frum' Jew?
Ain L'davar Sof ”
Wait for the dvd to come out
29
Jan 09, 2013 at 01:15 PM UseYourHead Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Great costumes. I can't tell the fakers dressed up as frum yidden from the fakers dressed up as frum yidden. ”
+1
30
Jan 09, 2013 at 01:19 PM yaakov doe Says:Report as Inappropriate
I saw the one with the red beard workinmg as a mashgiach at a simcha IN BP the other night. If the women are carrying pocketbooks it's a weekday and the men are wearing streimlach? Why?
31
Jan 09, 2013 at 01:32 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Only one of them seem to be authentic to me. The guy in the orange beard seems like any typical chosid. The others look quite fake (some more, some less) The black bearded guy in the streimel looks good too, but the sunglasses just x seem to match the garb (on a shabbos day)
I'm a real chasidisha woman and never heard of walking a step behind my hub, dunno where u ppl. take that from.
32
Jan 09, 2013 at 01:34 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ what is this trash. everyone go home!!! its not going to be good for the kehilla. Does anyone even know how theyll portray us?? its never good. ”
Based on what the director said, the intention is to portray Chassidim as being normal people who just happen to be religious in a distinctive way. You may not understand that non-Chassidim, including secular Jews, look at the leyvush and assume that Chassidim are strange freaks who have no sense of humor, don't enjoy any pleasures in their lives, and are constantly strict and stern. They don't see the celebrations, the warm family life, the joking. They just see a bunch of people dressed in weird black costumes who avoid eye contact with them. If humanizing the Chassidic community helps one person to a better understanding of Jews, it is a good thing.
33
Jan 09, 2013 at 01:44 PM enlightened-yid Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Love this show, watch it every week (on Hulu) BUT, there was one error. The chasidishi man's wife was walking next to him - a no-no always a step or two behind. ”
You made me laugh uncontrollably! My psychologist friend who sees a lot of Chassidic families for counseling, asked me one day if he was imagining things or saw a real pattern of Chassidic women always walking behind their husbands and never together or in front. I never paid attention to this before, but we both guessed that it's probably some custom of a wife submitting to his husband who has to always "lead."
34
Jan 09, 2013 at 01:45 PM bubii Says:Report as Inappropriate
Oy siz git tzizayn a yid in bp theese days you can be a fake yid now all yearound:)
35
Jan 09, 2013 at 01:50 PM Yipyap Says:Report as Inappropriate
Next will be mixed dancing up and down 13th ave. Mark my words
36
Jan 09, 2013 at 01:51 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ what is this trash. everyone go home!!! its not going to be good for the kehilla. Does anyone even know how theyll portray us?? its never good. ”
you'll never know, it's on Friday night.
37
Jan 09, 2013 at 01:57 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Interesting that people who have no TV sets would sell their souls to do avoda zara for the goyyim.
Brings an interesting question, As per the article, the show is on Friday nights. Someone who is Jewish, who is not frum hears, about the show and decides to watch it. There are some chassidim that got paid to be on it, causing the not frum Jew to be mechallel Shabbat. What is the punishment for the 'frum' Jew?
Ain L'davar Sof ”
Its a pity that with the intelligence of a Jew, the idea of being featured as part of a story which is almost ultimately in this day and age in the television or theatre media for the masses and which exposes some sentiment which if done righteously will be to the blessing of many of the jews who keep our commandments; should this be the misgiving of a Frum attitude about the avoda Zara of the future where people really do use electric appliances like television. And if you want to know the facts, your punishment may be greater for sending forth a dictum of fear and suffering upon the rest of the community.
38
Jan 09, 2013 at 02:33 PM commonsense99 Says:Report as Inappropriate
most look incredibly fake, if i didnt know there was a movie shoot going on i would have call the joint terrorism task force because i would have suspected that someone was trying to infiltrate the community.
PS no one but no one use such a type of baby carriage anymore.
39
Jan 09, 2013 at 03:21 PM mutti Says:Report as Inappropriate
reply #25 , thanks for giving me a good laugh
40
Jan 09, 2013 at 03:22 PM HAPPY12 Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Not sure about that being the only error. I noticed the guy with the veisa zucken is wearing bendel shoes.... ”
Well the carriage is from a different era too.
And I never saw a chasidisha woman were a turban while pushing a carriage.
41
Jan 09, 2013 at 03:25 PM Chaim Says:Report as Inappropriate
It happens to be a great show with not a lot of violence. It's about a family of police officers.Tom Selleck is the lead actor (hope you've heard of him) as the Chief of Police. The main detective on the scene was Donnie Wahlberg. He was really nice when I chatted with him. A real mentch.
42
Jan 09, 2013 at 03:29 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Interesting that people who have no TV sets would sell their souls to do avoda zara for the goyyim.
Brings an interesting question, As per the article, the show is on Friday nights. Someone who is Jewish, who is not frum hears, about the show and decides to watch it. There are some chassidim that got paid to be on it, causing the not frum Jew to be mechallel Shabbat. What is the punishment for the 'frum' Jew?
Ain L'davar Sof ”
Given that it provides a honest portrayal of religious life in willy, I suspect your rav will give you a heter to watch it, presumably with a shabbos clock turning on the TV that is pretuned to the correct station.
43
Jan 09, 2013 at 04:11 PM Secular Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I also had this idea - to make movies that a frum family would want to see. Movies with brochos, with learning, gemilus chesed, etc. The problem was finding enough actors, since many very frum people don't allow themselves to be photographed. Then there was a problem with filming men and women together, so you have to make two versions of everything. Then there was the problem of whose minhagim to follow in the storyline, chassidish, litvish, etc. In the end it was just too much trouble. This is why the production crew has to hire goyim to portray Jews. ”
The Shas party is really good at making videos...
44
Jan 09, 2013 at 05:57 PM Sherree Says:Report as Inappropriate
Not so surprising there are plenty of frima actors portraying themselves as frima yidden when they think Hashem is looking and when they think he isn't looking they are the biggest lowlifes in the world. We never have to worry about WHO we are talking to if we remember that we are always speaking in front of Hashem!!! Why do people keep forgetting that?
45
Jan 09, 2013 at 06:24 PM monalisa Says:Report as Inappropriate
Never seen or even heard of the show, but your comments have me on the floor laughing! In Williamsburg & BP you see women wearing turbans all the time, esp. waiting at the bus stop or running to the corner grocery.
I would never walk behind my husband unless he's trying to run ahead & I can't catch up! We're partners, we walk side by side. That's really a ridiculous comment.
I hope Sherrel's (my favorite store for sheitel coverings) gets some good publicity. Maybe BP will become the new South Street Seaport for tourists! YAY!
I must confess, I'm curious to see this episode. When will it be shown? I'll have to see if I can download it.
46
Jan 09, 2013 at 07:34 PM BLONDI Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ It happens to be a great show with not a lot of violence. It's about a family of police officers.Tom Selleck is the lead actor (hope you've heard of him) as the Chief of Police. The main detective on the scene was Donnie Wahlberg. He was really nice when I chatted with him. A real mentch. ”
yup, was hoping to get a glimpse of tom...but sigh. nope....
47
Jan 09, 2013 at 10:12 PM Critic Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ in 1992 a film directed by sidney lumet ,whose father baruch acted in the yiddish theater, was partially also filmed in boro park on 16th ave.they needed extras for the wedding dance scenes.perhaps one of the large warehouses on 39 street could be converted(no pun intended)into a movie studio which could produce KOSHER films ,documentaries,and children's educational programs.and get the
never- working class into job$ while doing kiddush hashem programming.
anyone with ties to spielberg for that venture ?maybe the boro pres ? ”
Wasn't "sidney lumet's film "A Stranger Among Us" filmed in Williamsburg ?
48
Jan 09, 2013 at 10:34 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Wait for the dvd to come out ”
Miriam377 Says: Says:“ Wait for the dvd to come out ”
you'll be waiting a long, long time: it's a TV show!
49
Jan 09, 2013 at 10:49 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ You made me laugh uncontrollably! My psychologist friend who sees a lot of Chassidic families for counseling, asked me one day if he was imagining things or saw a real pattern of Chassidic women always walking behind their husbands and never together or in front. I never paid attention to this before, but we both guessed that it's probably some custom of a wife submitting to his husband who has to always "lead." ”
You mean when they walk in to the room the husband leads? Or are they supposed to squash in together. I am chassidish and as far as I know only one sect has this minhag and then the rebisshe kinder.
50
Jan 09, 2013 at 11:15 PM bigwheeel Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I saw the one with the red beard workinmg as a mashgiach at a simcha IN BP the other night. If the women are carrying pocketbooks it's a weekday and the men are wearing streimlach? Why? ”
Chol Hamoed!
51
Jan 10, 2013 at 01:14 AM Greener Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is an embarrassment to my community that none of us work and can spend all day watching! The goyim will think we still live in the 1700's in Europe! ”
You are wrong. In Europe in the 1700's Yidden worked. They did not stand around all day with nothing to do. In our modern world they get government handouts - so this is possible.
52
Jan 10, 2013 at 01:28 AM mutti Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Miriam377 Says: Says:“ Wait for the dvd to come out ”
you'll be waiting a long, long time: it's a TV show! ”
TV shows are put onto DVDs these days
53
Jan 10, 2013 at 10:45 AM volfie Says:Report as Inappropriate
#47 don't you think if i know that his father's name is baruch i would know where the wedding scene was filmed especially since i almost was an extra on the set ? !
54
Jan 10, 2013 at 11:32 AM zooog Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is an embarrassment to my community that none of us work and can spend all day watching! The goyim will think we still live in the 1700's in Europe! ”
What are YOU doing 11:51 am ? You are not working!!
55
Jan 11, 2013 at 01:54 PM Uselogic Says:Report as Inappropriate
can someone provide a link to where this eposode can be watched?