Star-Kidz
Menu

2018 – Kai Wener

Kai Wener filmed a 2015 episode of Days of Our Lives and you most likely know him as Ty Finn on the FOX series The Orville! He has also appeared on Game Shakers and in national commercials for companies such as Disney Parks.

1. How did you get started in the industry?
I was full of personality as a toddler. I would run around the house singing and re-creating commercials that I had memorized from TV. This confidence led to auditioning in front of casting directors for print, national commercials and TV shows.

2. What was your time on set like filming Game Shakers?
I am a huge fan of the show and Nickelodeon! All of the other young actors/cast welcomed me with open arms when I arrived on set to play the part of “Young Trip”. I literally froze in my seat as we all did our schooling hours together before filming. I was in “pinch me” mode, I couldn’t concentrate! I was able to watch them film their scenes and when it was time to shoot my scene with actor Kel Mitchell, they all walked over to the set area and rooted me on! The support I felt was so amazing!

3. What was the best part of filming your commercial for Disney Parks?
Oh my, there are SO many! First of all, my family are Disney Fanatics!!! So, the fact that Disney flew me out to Florida First Class was bananas! We filmed at both the Disney World Resorts and at the Parks. It was amazing to go through a lot of the VIP areas that the general public would not have access to. It was awesome to film on the balcony of the Animal Kingdom Resort and experience the Safari and wild life up close as you can see on the commercial. I was also very fortunate to film with an Original BB-8. That was really neat because I learned that there are only two Original BB-8’s in the world and they brought one out for my commercial!

4. How did you react when you heard you booked The Orville?
Words cannot describe how happy I was, I could cry! I was in the car when my Agent called to give me the great news! Let’s just say there was a lot of screaming and jumping in the backseat!!!

5. What was the first day on set like?
My first day was a table read and that was an out of body experience! I met my new boss, Seth McFarlane who is the creator of the show and a really cool guy. I was introduced to the entire cast, the writers, the producers and crew. We all read the script and brought it to life for the first time together. I was able to do this in the shows’ custom-made wardrobe that was tailored just for me from Shanghai. I toured the FOX Lot and settled into my new trailer where I have called my 2nd home for the last two seasons. I just felt like I was on top of the world that day! A busy busy day, but one I will never forget!

6. How do you like working with Penny Johnson Jerald?
Miss Penny is definitely a fun person. I am so happy she is cast as my Mom on “The Orville”. While filming she makes up games to play that are funny, she teaches me and BJ Tanner who is cast as my brother, her morning dance and while filming she makes funny faces sometimes to brighten up our long days! The three of us are always on a mission together to be the first to find the best craft services goodies. BJ Tanner is definitely a big brother on scenes as he is off set! We are definitely the perfect “#FinnFamily”.

7. How did you enjoy attending the Teen Choice Awards?
It was a last-minute surprise from the FOX TV Network. I really enjoyed being able to represent “The Orville” and all the young sci-fi fans out there!

8. What has been your favorite project to work on so far?
Every project is a blessing that I enjoy being considered for. I must say “The Orville” has been the best so far because each sound stage has amazing sets and special effects that are so incredible. I mean who gets to wake up and ride in a space ship for the day? Each episode is like filming a mini-movie. I have learned most on this project from well established actors like Scott Grimes and Directors like Jon Cassar. I was even challenged to learn a new complexed skill that you will see me perform on the show for season two, that I probably wouldn’t have ever gotten down so fast on my own.

9. Is there anything you can share about season two?
#1 It airs on December 30th, can’t wait! Yaaay!
#2 My character Ty Finn will definitely take you on more adventurous episodes this upcoming season. You are in for a good ole’ sci-fi ride, so tune in will you, and enjoy!

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you, Star-Kidz and its fans for highlighting me and for having an interest in my body of work. I am already filming new projects and can’t wait for them to hit your TV screens!

Follow Kai on social media:

Twitter
Instagram