Behind-the-Scenes

Behind the Scenes of Sharknado 3’s Filming at Universal Orlando

July 22, 2015

Sharks, roller coasters and selfie sticks, oh my! Wait… selfie sticks? Yes, you heard me right. These are some of the highlights from the filming of Syfy’s Sharknado 3 at Universal Orlando Resort. There was plenty of chaos captured from ferocious shark attacks to incredibly outrageous weapons to fend them off (like a selfie stick!).

Being a big fan of the previous two movies, I found myself fangirling a little bit when I heard that they were filming the third movie in our parks. I was able to check out some of the action, and I can tell you, this movie is going to be outrageously good.

In fact, you can get a sneak peak to see all the havoc Sharknado unleashed upon Universal Orlando in the video below.

While they were filming here, I also got the opportunity to chat with some of the cast, including Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, Cassie Scerbo, Ryan Newman and Jack Griffo. I learned some fun tidbits about Sharknado 3 and their time at the theme parks.

Q: What’s been your favorite part filming at Universal Orlando?

Tara: My favorite scene that we shot in the theme park was the part with the globe. I can’t say what happened with it but definitely the globe shot.

Ian: For me, it’s been the benefits of shooting here, and the tremendous help we received from the Universal staff. Universal is a major movie studio, and we’ve been able to create some amazing sets in the soundstages.

Cassie: I love filming in the theme parks. It’s so much fun and there’s a ton of excitement, energy and adrenaline that comes from it.

Ryan: In the movie, my character is going to Universal Orlando for her birthday and ends up kicking some major booty with different weapons. My favorite was probably when I killed a shark with one of those selfie sticks!

Jack: I’m originally from Orlando, and I remember riding my first rollercoasters here. So, it was very surreal and awesome to come back and actually film a movie in the parks.

Q: Did you get a chance to enjoy some of the rides at Universal Orlando? Which one was your favorite?

Cassie: Yes, I got to enjoy the parks with my family. [The Wizarding World of Harry Potter -] Diagon Alley was really cool. My favorite ride was Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster.

Ryan: Jack and I got to ride some of the rollercoasters. It was pretty fun to ride the [Hollywood Rip Ride] Rockit coaster that we were filming on for the movie. My favorite ride though was [The Incredible] Hulk Coaster.

Jack: Yeah, the [Hollywood Rip Ride] Rockit roller coaster was really fun and so was [The Incredible] Hulk [Coaster]. Being from here, it was great to come back and have fun at Universal again.

(Unfortunately, Tara and Ian didn’t have a chance to enjoy the parks before we talked because they were constantly filming for the movie.)

Q: What’s your advice on how to survive a Sharknado?

Tara: Try really hard not to go near the sharks coming at you. Carry some kind of weapon and try to stay under metal.

Ian: Leave your umbrella at home and take your chainsaw.

Cassie: I’ve been boxing for several years, so I think that would be helpful. Just being physically fit.

Ryan: Carry a TON of weapons.

Jack: Always be on the lookout and be prepared for anything.

Q: What’s your go-to weapon to fend off the sharks?

Tara: My saw hand.

Ian: It’s gotta be a chainsaw.

Cassie: It’s the shotgun. It’s got this sword/axe thing attached to it with brass knuckles that detach.

Ryan: Selfie sticks.

Jack: A gun is really good.

Q: You’ve got to film in some awesome locations for Sharknado with New York City, Los Angeles, Universal Orlando… where do you want the next one to be?

Tara: Everyone always asks us that, and it comes to the question of how do we beat the last one? We just do. So, we’ll see where it takes us.

Ian: Some place warm. I’m going to go wherever we’re lucky enough to go.

Cassie: I think Europe would be really cool. Maybe some different planet, like Mars!

Ryan: Europe. I want it to be in, like, Paris and hit the Eiffel Tower.

Jack: (to Ryan) You just want to go to Europe, but overseas would be cool.

Make sure to check out Syfy’s Sharknado 3!

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