Ian Ziering – Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens

By starrymag | July 31, 2016

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I have had a lot of things that have been keeping me busy. Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens airs July 31^st. I’ve been working on a clothing brand called ChainsawBrands.com that is classic American style and at leisure. I started building that about two years ago and we’re growing, which is really exciting. I also created a travel website called CelebrityHideaways.com. That’s really exciting because travel is something that I’ve always been passionate about. The site lets the everyman know where all the rare and unique hideaways are that typically reserved for the rich and famous or people of high profile. Then, I’ve been working with my wife on a family blog called AtHomeWiththeZierings.com. That is a place where we share our passions for life food, family and fashion. My wife is an incredible mom so all of her crafting ideas and different ways in which she engages with the kids, we discuss and share with others. And I blog about my dad skills. I kind of look at it like a time capsule, but others have been checking it out to get ideas from my wife for their kids.

Q) This is your fourth Sharknado What keeps you coming back?

A) They are a lot of fun to make! The audience is not just here in the US, but people all over the world love this movie. So, we have got four in the series so far and there is no sign of slowing down.

Q) How was Fin originally described to you?

A) There was no breakdown. They just gave me the script. It was a straight offer. It was pretty obvious that this was an ordinary man doing extraordinary things to keep his family safe and protected. As the films have progressed, he really is very similar to John McClane from the Die Hard

Q) Was there anything you added to role that wasn’t in the original pitch?

A) No, I kept it to what was on the page. With the first movie, there were a lot of holes in it that were left to be filled in by visual effects. So, I didn’t want to mess anything by adding anything to it. I respect the writer and tried to say all the words that he writes.

Q) How do you prepare for the movie each time?

A) I try to stay in shape. With the nature of the movie, we’re running from one scene to another so I try to stay in good shape. I do my own stunts so I try to stay in shape so I don’t hurt myself.

Q) What keeps challenging you about playing Fin?

A) There are different scenarios that he finds himself in. As that progresses, he has a five year old son now so with every movie there are new challenges that are presented to the character.

Q) Each film fans look forward to seeing the cameos in the film. Who were you most looking forward to working with from this sequel?

A) Tommy Davidson works in Sharknado: The 4th Awakens. I was excited to work with him because he is so funny. He’s a fantastic comedian that he brings a great element to the movie this time.

Q) What are some moments you are most looking forward to fans seeing in the movie?

A) You always have to continue to raise the bar with the Sharknado Now there is a Sandnado and a Firenado and they all combine to make one incredible Sharknado.

Q) You and Tara Reid have great on screen chemistry. What do you think it is that makes you click on screen together?

A) We both have been in the industry for a long time. So, I appreciate her level of professionalism and she’s a sweetheart. I like working with Tara.

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming?

A) Working with all the cameos, the guest artists that have worked with us. Judd Hirsch in Sharknado 2 and Vivica A. Fox, Biz Markie was a treat. This Sharknado we have Gary Busey and David Hasselhoff is returning. I’m getting to work with a lot of great people.

Q) What has been your favorite part of Fin’s character development?

A) He started off a single man trying to get his life in order and get back with his wife. He’s accomplished that, but now it’s about putting all of the puzzle pieces together. Now, with Sharknado 4 it is about rebuilding his life with his wife and with his son who is now five years old.

Q) What do you think it is about the Sharknado movies that make them such fan favorite films?

A) I’m not sure exactly. If I knew what the secret ingredient was I would produce these movies myself! It’s just a good fun movie and it comes right in the middle of summer. So, it’s a fantastic time to air a movie on television because it is accessible to everyone. It’s just good summer fun. It’s a good summer movie that people talk about for a long time and then the excitement builds for next summer. “What are they going to do next summer?!”

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the fan feedback you receive during the films?

A) Oh yeah! I’m always tweeting live during the broadcasts or doing Periscope to engage with the fans. It’s so exciting for me, as an actor, to be involved that touches people in such a positive way. Having these social media platforms is another ray of excitement not just for the fans, but me too.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure fans know about Sharknado 4?

A) July 31^st leave your umbrellas at home and bring your chainsaw out just in case.

Q) People still recognize you from your work on the beloved series “90210.” What did that time on the series mean to you?

A) I got to work on a very popular television series for ten years. So, I have a lot of gratitude for that because that is something that doesn’t happen too often and I made some lifelong friends because of it.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I have nothing but appreciation for them supporting my career and following all of my adventures whether they be on screen, TV or on my family blog or with the two businesses I started. I just appreciate the people following me and sharing in the passion I have for these things.