Everything you wanted to know about “The Hulk” but were afraid to ask…

            When are they coming? A Universal film crew numbering around 200 will be shooting scenes from “The Hulk,” one of next summer’s blockbuster movies, at Berkeley Lab this weekend. About 20 big-rig trucks will arrive on site Friday night, April 19, and will set up base camp in the Blackberry Canyon parking lot. Filming of several scenes will take place all day Saturday and on Monday in and around the Advanced Light Source.

            Will they be disrupting our work? We hope not. Most of the rigging and traffic will happen during non-business hours, beginning at around 7 p.m. Friday and ending late Monday night. The ALS is in a shutdown mode, so staffing around the facility will be reduced. Those who require business access to the building will have it. The biggest lab impact will be to parking.

            Parking? How so? The crew’s headquarters will take out around 100 parking places in Blackberry Canyon, and filming equipment and location shots will occupy another 50 around the ALS and along Lawrence Road. The weekend won’t be a problem, but Monday will be tight. Affected employees are advised to take public transportation or carpool if at all possible that day.

            Where are the scenes being shot? Most of the action will take place Saturday near the ALS, including the patio and lobby areas. Monday’s shots will be largely in the center of the ALS and, after hours, on Lawrence Road just south of the “Z” parking lot. No filming is scheduled during set-up on Friday or on Sunday.

            Why Berkeley Lab? The setting on the hills with dynamic views of San Francisco Bay had a lot to do with it. Its impressive scientific tools were also a draw. For example, the Gammasphere at the 88-inch Cyclotron was the model for a machine that plays a major role in creating The Hulk. The ALS’ obvious visual virtues will serve as the backdrop for some important laboratory scenes. The fictional scientist Bruce Banner works there.

            Can I watch them? The sets are closed to visitors. Only authorized personnel will be permitted at the indoor shots. Vantage points to view outdoor scenes will be very limited. Photography on the sets is prohibited.

            Will we be able to see The Hulk? Only on film. The Hulk character will be a creature of digital artistry.

            Who’s in the picture? According to news reports, the cast includes Jennifer Connolly, Sam Elliott, Nick Nolte, and Eric Bana in the role of Banner, who transforms into The Hulk. Ang Lee, who received an Oscar Award for his 2000 film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” is the Director.

            Will Berkeley Lab be identified in the picture? No. The location will be a scientific facility in the Berkeley hills east of San Francisco, but it will not carry the Lawrence Berkeley, Department of Energy, or University of California name. However, it is anticipated that the lab will be cited in the film credits.

            Do they need extras? No. All actors will be transported onto the site and will be members of the Screen Actors Guild.

            So what’s the story all about? Beyond its obvious connection to the Marvel Comics character and the TV show of the same name, details of this Incredible Hulk movie are difficult to obtain. The script is being protected under strict secrecy. But you can count on a movie with dramatic science fiction action scenes and breathtaking special effects.

            Who’s going to make sure they don’t mess anything up? A staffing team of 25 Berkeley Lab employees will work throughout the weekend to assist the crew and protect the property, including representatives from the ALS, Facilities, Communications, Security, and Environment, Health and Safety.

            What’s it going to cost us? Nothing. All costs, including labor, will be reimbursed by the film studio.