In this interview with the sexy actress, Ziering discusses the changes made to "Gold Diggers" after National Lampoon came onboard the film, working with writer/director Gary Preisler, and her upcoming projects.
INTERVIEW WITH NIKKI ZIERING ('Charlene'):
How would you describe Charlene and how close is she to you?
Let’s see. Charlene is – well, she’s the fantasy girl. She’s the inspiration for Will [Friedle] and Chris [Owen’s] characters to go out and be gold diggers, because they figure that they need to have a lot of money to obtain Charlene. I guess that’s where we are different because for me, in my life, I know I’ve always been kind of like I make my own money and I don’t want to be dependent on anybody. (Laughing) I don’t need anything from anybody, you know?
The fact that she’s the supermodel for the condoms, the Mundt condoms, that’s also the one thing in my entire modeling career, which is what I started out doing, I never [modeled for]. I thought I had run the gamut on every product and I realized I’ve never endorsed a condom (laughing). But other than that, we look alike. You know, the fantasy girl, the model that they have this preconceived notion that they need to have money to get a girl like that, because this face and this body is just an image to people and not really a person. They seem to think they can just tell everything about them by just looking at a picture.
How much do you worry about getting typecast?
Well, you know, it’s one of those things that, because I look a certain way, will always happen. But I really believe that I will… The opportunities are already starting to come. Once I prove that I can deliver, little by little I think I will get the opportunity to eventually play a role that will show my full capabilities. You know what I mean? My full potential, because I don’t think I’ve had that chance yet. But each time I work with a new director on a new project, I get a lot of positive feedback and compliments. They say things like, “Wow, I wish I would have made your part bigger. You really are funny. You really can act.” They’re going to keep me in mind for something next time. Those types of things.
Speaking of being funny, is comedy your niche? Is that what you’re hoping to stick with?
I love comedy and it seems to be what I tend to be just naturally better at. As a matter of fact, Gary Preisler the director and writer of “Gold Diggers” told me that I have a real natural, comedic timing - but I confessed to him that it was really surgically enhanced (laughing). He’s very funny and he gets my sense of humor. We’re hoping to do something, actually another project right after this one, together.
What is it like for you to work with a first time director? Is that something you worry about or do you not even consider that when you’re looking at a project?
I haven’t really considered it too much yet, just because I’ve been so fortunate to have worked with [great directors]. Every director I’ve ever worked with has been amazing. So I never even worry, “Oh gosh, how is this director going to be?” Until I have a bad experience I’ll probably never give it too much of a second thought (laughing).
Do you find that it’s more or less difficult to work with a director who also wrote the script?
I think it’s probably more difficult for them to direct if they’ve written the script. I don’t think it’s really more difficult for [the actors]. I mean, I don’t want to speak for everybody, but there’s a lot more [invested]. When they have to cut a scene for instance, they’re so attached to it. It’s a lot harder for them.
Did Gary Preisler allow you much freedom with your character?
In this film it was very easy. I mean, it wasn’t like I had a real stretch of character. Playing the fantasy girl wasn’t like I had to do much research on all that (laughing). When I went to the audition, I remember he hired me right on the spot. He said that he didn’t think that girls were funny, and especially pretty girls just weren’t funny. He said he just thought that I’m the only girl he’s ever met that he thought was funny and that had the look that he was looking for – and could actually act. You know, people just don’t expect much from you if you’re a pretty girl. They just expect nothing else. Like as if you’re pretty, you never needed to develop any other skills or even a personality or even have to be friendly or anything. (Laughing) You just say hi to someone and they’re like, “Oh my God, I never knew you were so friendly.”
