Ian Ziering says he was more confident, had more fun making 'Sharknado 2'

NEW YORK, July 24 (UPI) -- Actor Ian Ziering says he had more confidence -- and fun -- making Sharknado 2: The Second One after the original Sharknado TV movie turned out to be such a phenomenal success.

The 2013 telepicture was about how Ziering's bar owner Fin and his estranged wife April -- played by Tara Reid -- try to survive a freak storm that deposits man-eating sharks on Los Angeles. It became a social-media sensation and quickly spawned a sequel, which is set to air on Syfy July 30.

Sharknado 2: The Second One follows Fin and April as they find themselves up against a similar disaster in New York City.

Both films were helmed by director Anthony Ferrante.

"In making Sharknado 2, there was a greater amount of ease about it because where I didn't have the experience of what was possible [on the first one]," Ziering told UPI in a teleconference with reporters Tuesday. "After seeing what the visual effects artists were able to accomplish, what Anthony was able to do with the script, going into Sharknado 2, I had a higher level of trust."

"So, it was a bit more freeing and it enabled me to not have to worry about, 'Gosh, am I going to look ridiculous doing this?' I would do it no matter what, but I had a greater amount of trust knowing Anthony is completely capable and knowing that the visual effects artists are going to make all my actions substantiated by whatever shark it is that I am being threatened by. To make what initially was an action into a very realistic reaction, so I had a lot more fun because I wasn't ill at ease."

Ziering is best known for his work on the iconic 1990s TV series Beverly Hills, 90210. Reid co-starred in the American Pie film franchise.