Like a thief in the night

Austin is a smooth criminal. He steals scenes, hearts and you know, sometimes outerwear.

But from this interview, it seems Mark Schwahn, creator and Executive Producer of One Tree Hill, likes this kind of criminal element and not just the usual suspects.

Sounds like there was stating the case, providing persuasive arguments, review of the exhibits, and going with your gut for ruling of Austin on OTH.

Here is an excerpt from a interview with him at 411mania.com .


Al Norton: Adding a cast member in a show's 6th season can be tough but Austin Nichols has jelled really quickly. Did you know right away that he was going to work so well?

Mark Schwahn: The funny thing about Austin is that there was initially much resistance from the folks who have to OK our casting choices. Which is not rare, by the way. When that happens, I pick up the phone and try to rationalize with everyone, or pout or bitch or whine and eventually I get my way (and probably get called an ass****) and this leads to Austin Nichols killing it as Julian, just as I suspected he would in the first place. This is not to say that there aren't good people and good allies working on my show at both the studio and network, just that the fans would be surprised at how things work behind the scenes. Remember too that Austin was not being hired as a series regular for One Tree Hill, but was coming off being the lead in John From Cincinnati on HBO. So first I had to meet with Austin and convince him that he was perfect for this part, and that I had a very clear vision of where I would take his character and how we would write his storyline. Then we had to work out all the financial stuff – which can be challenging. Then I had to fight for the right to hire him. But this is what producing is and this is why you follow your instincts and also humbly learn from those instincts when they're wrong. But to answer the question, yes, I knew that Austin was going to jell with this cast. I sincerely felt as though he was a perfect fit. And I think he's proven my instincts to be correct with his talent and professionalism and performance.

As for hearts, well it looks like he's stealing the on and off the screen. Fans, forums, blogs are falling for his charm, and he's a repeat offender. Looks like in tonight's episode he may have really stolen Brooke's. And then of course there's that one heart he stole a few years ago and still has.

And jackets? It is known that Austin has fondness for coats from his past projects. But lifting this one of Julian's and it could be could considered grand larceny , $695 from Neiman Marcus, but it's just petty in North Carolina.

Another Mug Shot - This one from Southern Gothic ....
And check out the video clip of Austin back in Carolina.
And check out Spooky for a great screen cap.

Austin rode 45 minutes on a scooter, all the way across the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles to eat eggs and split a crazy big 47 grain (exaggeration) pancake with Lis and me. He knew more than a couple people in the restaurant. He's been taking meetings out west with agents and managers, doing really solid work to get this project rolling. He's going to make this movie great. But he's not a slick LA man. This is a southern creature we are talking about. He belongs in our sleepy little town, rocking on front porches and sipping on sweet tea.

So after all the mayhem of freeways and too many coffee meetings in one day and drinks that are too expensive, it was so good to return to Wilmington and have our leading man back out here.

He raced right up to the ocean's edge, to get as far East as possible.

We spent some time shooting fun stuff this weekend. Here's just a taste of what is to come. Help me in saying, "Welcome Home Cowboy."
Now let's get down to work.
xoxo hilarie

Is Austin channeling his La Dolce Vita? Cause a Texas Cowboy on a Italian Scooter to go eat eggs and grainy pancakes, gives Fellini a run.

What's the bet it's a Vespa. Just picturing him buzzing down the street with a sly grin on his face. Funny how he knows so many people and never gets seen in LA.

Don't think a cowboy on a scooter would work for most of Texas, but for Austin it fits right in. (Both the buckaroo and the city)


And Lincoln's Continential ?

Looks like familiar friend is in hand.
A little bit of home to help with the "all business" trip?


OMG Movie Club for March

The votes are in and we will be discussing the cult classic Harold and Maude, directed by Hal Ashby on March 27-28th.

The film is number 45 on the American Film Institute's list of 100 Funniest Movies of all time, number 69 in its list for most romantic and number 42 on Bravo's 100 Funniest Movies. In 1997, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress as being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant"