Screen work · FX’s The Lowdown

A few days on set.
A moment on screen.

I appeared as a diner patron in Season 1, Episode 3 of Sterlin Harjo’s The Lowdown—“Dinosaur Memories.” These photographs follow several days spent around the production, inside the diner and out by the lake.

Watch “Dinosaur Memories” on Hulu Explore the set ↓

Shawn Lopp with Ethan Hawke in the diner between takes on The Lowdown — Between takes Shawn Lopp with Ethan Hawke · Season 1

ProductionFX’s The Lowdown

RoleDiner Patron

EpisodeS1 E3 · Dinosaur Memories

NextReturning in Season 2

Inside the scene

The diner looked lived-in. Just beyond the frame, a production was in motion.

Across several filming days, the episode’s lakeside setting filled the restaurant with cameras, lighting, crew, cast, props, and plenty of activity between takes. My role was a diner patron, helping the room feel like a real working restaurant.

The finished scene may move quickly, but the days behind it held a hundred small details. These are a few of the ones I got to bring home.

Shawn Lopp taking a selfie inside the lakeside restaurant set — Inside the diner between takes.

Behind the scenes

A working set, from the dining room to the shoreline.

Tap any photograph for a closer look.

A wide view of the lakeside restaurant filming location and production activity — 01 The full lakeside location.

Production crew and equipment filling the restaurant set — 02 Cameras, crew, and the working diner.

The exterior filming setup viewed through the diner window — 03 The scene beyond the window.

Cast and production crew gathered beside the white prop van at the lakeside location — 04 Preparing the exterior setup.

Shawn Lopp beside a production camera and monitor on the set of The Lowdown — 05 Beside the production monitor.

Lee Raybon’s ride

The van Ethan Hawke’s character drives everywhere.

The first time I saw it, I was being directed where to park—and the spot was right next to it. That unmistakable van was my first sign that I had arrived inside the world of The Lowdown.

Shawn Lopp taking a selfie with the white prop van — One quick photo with Lee Raybon’s van.

Spot Shawn

From the set to the finished episode.

Look toward the far right side of the diner and bar.

Wide broadcast frame from The Lowdown with Shawn Lopp visible at the far right of the diner — **There I am →**At the far right, beside the bar.

Broadcast frame from The Lowdown with Shawn Lopp in the background at the bar

Broadcast frame from The Lowdown with Shawn Lopp visible near the diner counter

Broadcast images from The Lowdown · FX

The historic Cain’s sign against a blue sky — A small clue from Season 2.

The story continues

More Tulsa. More days on set.

Season 2 included my first night shoot. The very next day meant a return to my main job—and that was a doozy. I’ll have more to share when the time is right.