Los Alamos National Lab staff unveil the 'Oppenheimer' set experience

Los Alamos National Lab has recently made headlines after 17 of its employees shared their experiences as extras on the set of the upcoming film "Oppenheimer." These employees had the opportunity to engage in scientific discussions and interact with celebrities during filming that took place in various locations across New Mexico.

Among the employees who took part in the film, Arthur Bishop played the roles of a newsperson and a community member, while Shane Bridges portrayed a scientist. Ted Dorff had a versatile presence as a community member, cameraman, photographer, and reporter. Joshon Ebanks assumed the role of a news reporter, and Jeff Favorite juggled roles as both a photographer and an audience member. Reed Figley and Shane Fogerty played the parts of meeting attendees and scientists.

One of the highlights of the experience was when the actors playing senators in the film approached Jeff Favorite and R.T. Thompson, a retired Lab employee and fellow extra, to ask about the concept of "isotopes." Thanks to their knowledge, the actors now know more about isotopes than some actual senators. This interaction showcases the unique opportunity these employees had to contribute to the film beyond their roles as extras.

Timothy Gildea portrayed a military police officer, while Adam Howell took on various roles as a journalist, photographer, and scientist. Clement Livache, Frederic Montoya, Austin Nichols, and Andres Quan played the roles of scientists, contributing to the authenticity of the film's scientific atmosphere. Nick Ramey and Sarah Tasseff also added to this atmosphere, and Tom Tierney tackled roles as both a scientist and a male spouse. Alex Wass made a notable impression when he shook hands with Cillian Murphy, who portrays Oppenheimer in the film, in an awkward left hand, right hand handshake during a scene celebrating the success of the Trinity test.

The experiences of these Los Alamos National Lab employees on the set of "Oppenheimer" not only allowed them to be a part of a major film production but also showcased the expertise and knowledge they possess in their scientific fields. It is a unique opportunity to see these individuals contributing to the authenticity and accuracy of the film, making it an even more immersive experience for audiences.

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Arthur Bishop took on the roles of a newsperson and a community member. Shane Bridges portrayed a scientist, while Ted Dorff had a versatile presence as a community member, cameraman, photographer, and reporter. Joshon Ebanks assumed the role of a news reporter, and Jeff Favorite juggled roles as a photographer and audience member. Reed Figley and Shane Fogerty both played the parts of meeting attendees and scientists according to a press release.

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According to a press release, Jeff Favorite said, “Some of the senators question Strauss about the ‘isotopes’ that Oppie wanted to send to Norway. It is a major plot point. Between takes, the (actors playing the) senators asked me and R.T. Thompson (a retired Lab employee; also an extra) what ‘isotopes’ are. Thanks to us, the actors now know more about isotopes than any actual senators.”

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Timothy Gildea portrayed a military police officer, and Adam Howell wore multiple hats, serving as a journalist, photographer, and scientist. Clement Livache and Frederic Montoya played the roles of scientists, alongside Austin Nichols and Andres Quan. Nick Ramey and Sarah Tasseff added to the scientific atmosphere, and Tom Tierney tackled roles as a scientist and a male spouse. Alex Wass contributed as the Trinity site photographer according to a press release.

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“There was a scene where we all gathered around (extras and main actors) to cheer and congratulate Oppenheimer after the Trinity test was proven successful. Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) walked towards us while we surrounded him. In one of the takes, I shook his hand with an awkward left hand, right hand handshake, and said ‘Congrats’ to him. His acting and professionalism was so good that he didn’t even blink an eye and just went with it. It was impressive," said Alex Wass according to a press release.

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