Lost in Ian: Steven Antin On Discovering Ian Somerhalder

Writer-director Steven Antin. He directed Burlesque. He's promoting. He mentions Ian. Nuff said.

The excerpts about Ian are below.

Is it strange that coming into Burlesque, many folks don’t realize that you’ve done so much before — like your previous acting roles or the series that you created, Young Americans?
A lot of people don’t. Every now and then there are people like you who saw it and loved it. But stylistically, Young Americans was a staggeringly beautiful show, and a lot of attention was paid to detail in creating a beautiful world and environment.
The other thing that an entirely new generation may not realize they have to thank you for is introducing the world to Ian Somerhalder, who made his acting debut in Young Americans.
Oh yeah! I found Ian Somerhalder. He had never acted before, but his picture came across my desk and I said, “Get that kid in here! I think he could play the role of Hamilton.” I just liked the way he looks and I wanted to see if he can do it. He was a Guess model at the time and they kept saying, “He’s doing a shoot for Guess,” and kept cancelling. I said, “But I want to meet him for a TV series!” Finally he came in and I took him to the network and coached him. I actually shot him myself in my office and went through a long process of helping to get him on TV.
Was he not already sold on transitioning into acting at the time?
He was sort of thinking about it, exploring it, and he was going out for things. But he hadn’t done any [acting]. He was just a model. Not just a model — he was a successful, beautiful young model, but I knew when he came to my office that there was something special about this guy.
Does that mean you keep up with him on The Vampire Diaries?
I do sometimes, because Ian’s like my son! I feel like his dad. I love it. He’s great, such a charming, lovely, fabulous guy. You would love him. He’s also an incredibly bright, thoughtful, earthy guy. Really smart. He is really one of the most beautiful specimens I’ve ever seen in person. He’s so staggeringly beautiful that it’s jaw-dropping. You know what they said to me at The WB? “You’re putting too much make-up on him, there’s too much blush on his cheeks.” I’m like, “He doesn’t wear any make-up. That’s his f***ing skin.” He’s one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever seen, and he’s a fabulous guy.

Let's all take a moment to thank Steven. Can you imagine if the beauty and wonder of Ian had never touched our lives? Yeah, what a sad, sad place this world would be. Also, I may just have to see this man's movie for saying such great things about our lovely Ian. Things I totally agree with. Tis why I practically worship the man. LOL

Just cause I can, here's couple of images of Ian on Young Americans. So presh.