Summer 2013, Ian learned he booked the role in Warner Brothers' The Judge opposite Robert Downey Jr, but was scheduled for open heart surgery just 2 weeks prior to the film. Originally he was cast for one day on set, but was then asked if he'd be interested in being one of the chosen jurors, now working 2 weeks...of course he said yes.. But with the scheduled heart surgery Ian had a problem... It would take 6 weeks to recover and he would only have 2... Ian quickly moved his heart surgery up so have it sooner so he would be healed in time for the shoot. Of course he couldn't miss this opportunity to act. Actors... Anyway, the heart surgery went great. 7 weeks later he was on set having a scripted argument with Robert Downey Jr. Downey Jr. was generous enough with his time to even stay for Ian's coverage (close-up). Ian was riding high after that shoot and even enjoyed an additional 2 weeks on set for re-shoots in LA. Unfortunately, this argument would never make the final cut of the film, but it remains an experience Ian won't soon forget.