Digital Dish Diva says: Welcome to MSN Live! This afternoon we are pleased to welcome Josh Schwartz creator of "The O.C."

Digital Dish Diva says: Josh, welcome to MSN Live. It's great to have you here on MSN!

Josh Schwartz says: Hello, thanks, I'm here to answer any of your questions as long as it doesn't involve giving away any secrets. (laughs)

Digital Dish Diva says: And of course, that is what everyone wants to know.

Digital Dish Diva says: So you created "The O.C."

Digital Dish Diva says: Did the ideas come from childhood?

Josh Schwartz says: It's sort of based on my experiences growing up in Rhode Island and then going to college. Being a little bit of an outsider because we didn't have blonde, water polo playing types in Providence, RI. They grew up in their McMansions. Once you got to know these kids you got to see there were problems and conservative values and extreme behavior.

Rooney_Babe_ in Onstage_1 asks: Will Rooney be on mix 2 of “The OC” soundtrack? Because I was sad to hear it wasn't on mix 1 so I was hoping.

Josh Schwartz says: No, Rooney won't be on the soundtrack. We were happy to have them appear on the show but they have been less than grateful. (laughs) And now they must be punished.

Digital Dish Diva says: How much input did you have into the music on the show?

Josh Schwartz says: I work very closely with Alex P. The first year we didn't have anyone so it was basically me doing everything on my IPod. Now we have 20 to 25 new songs, or I'll write songs in. Sometimes I'll write a scene that needs the perfect song, so we'll work hard together to find that perfect song.

Digital Dish Diva says: What kind of music do you listen to personally?

Josh Schwartz says: Everything that's on the show.

Josh Schwartz says: I just saw this band The Killers and they're a great new band.

Digital Dish Diva says: Being in California now, does it expose you to newer music than the most of the U.S. would hear?

Josh Schwartz says: L.A. has a great music scene. L.A. and New York are sort of the tent poles of the music business, with that said I think there's cities across the country that are hotbeds for music. Eventually they filter their way through L.A.

Digital Dish Diva says: Do you have a favorite song on the music from "The O.C.”?

Josh Schwartz says: I love all of the songs on that CD so much. I really love the South song and Joseph Arthur song because it's the song I heard when I wrote the pilot and knew how the end should feel and the rest of the pilot came from that.

tennysonsong in Onstage_1 asks: Are you aware of the large male audience you have? I know more men than women (adults) who watch the show and love it. Did you think Seth would be such an adopted character, that most people identify with him?

Josh Schwartz says: I know that a lot of men watch the show and I'm thrilled, I hope they get their wives and girlfriends to watch also. There hasn't been a relationship driven show on TV before that guys can get behind, I hope this is the first, and I hope that Seth's experiences are relatable. We all have a little Seth Cohen inside us.

stuckinalift in Onstage_1 asks: Hi, I was wondering how difficult it is to actually license a song to use in the show.

Josh Schwartz says: It's gotten easier as the show has progressed. Alex has become a magician in getting bands who normally don't license their music to license it out to us. We've got a Beastie Boys song coming up and they NEVER do that.

InLoveWithJoshSchwartz in Onstage_1 asks: I really loved the Zack Hexum song. How did you hear about him? Do you go searching for artists that are not as well-known as others for the show?

Josh Schwartz says: Is that my mom?! (laughs) It's not an agenda to represent artists that aren't discovered but if we can find one that doesn't have a CD out yet, it's great for them and us to get their music out for people to hear.

Digital Dish Diva says: So Josh there was a question from an audience member who asked if they had an idea for a character and they gave you the idea, could they play the character?

Josh Schwartz says: No, but thanks for the character. (laughs)

Digital Dish Diva says: What was the audition process like for the current cast?

Josh Schwartz says: It was not easy. We started with Peter Gallagher, the only guy we looked at for Sandy, and Mischa we had known because she was on "Fast Lane." We had those two people in play and took a long time to find the rest of the cast. When Adam came in to read he went away from the text and we sent him away but after not being able to find a Seth we had him back and asked him to stick to the script and he was great.

Yettaren in Onstage_1 asks: There's been a lot of discussion on the internet about the character of Ryan, who's turned out to be fairly complex. How much of his "issues" did you have planned out, and how much developed as you went along?

Josh Schwartz says: We knew Ryan was going to be complicated with a lot of issues and those issues were set up in the pilot. As we sent into situations with the other characters we knew how his character would come into play in those circumstances. Now in season two we are having move past some of those issues and grow up a little bit.

metails in Onstage_1 asks: Was it difficult for you to write out characters like Anna and Luke? Or did you just feel it was time for them to move on and leave "The O.C.?"

Josh Schwartz says: It was really hard and tearful. I don't think the characters could get past their last scenes without crying. When they have exhausted their storyline it's better to give them a grand farewell rather than having them in the background. I would love to see both characters come back some day.

Digital Dish Diva says: Pick up the soundtrack "Music From the O.C. Mix 1" today including singles by Phantom Planet and Jet.

TheTimaginator in Onstage_1 asks: Where did the Rooney appearance idea originate & will there be more live bands/celebs?

Josh Schwartz says: Definitely more live bands on the show and I'm excited about that. We knew the kids were going to a concert and we wanted a band that wasn't overplayed at the time. A band that the kids would be happy to see and people wouldn't turn their TVs off when they saw the band. There was also a cosmic connection because one of the band member's brother is in Phantom Planet.

I_Heart_The_OC in Onstage_1 asks: Is there a chance that The O.C. Season 1 DVD will be moved up to a July or August release, because October is too long haha?

Josh Schwartz says: I know, we just have to much, it will just take a little longer.

SethlovesRyan in Onstage_1 asks: Greetings from Germany; will we ever get to see some more unusual pairings in the show...like, yeah, you know what I mean?

Josh Schwartz says: I don't know what you mean.

Digital Dish Diva says: SethlovesRyan, if you want to elaborate, we'll get back to that.

ChloeRichards in Onstage_1 asks: What does it feel like to be a part of such a phenomenon that has taken the world by storm?

Josh Schwartz says: Thanks, it feels great. I don't really have a sense of perspective and it's impact because everyone I know works on the show. We're excited about the success and that there is an audience is humbling.

Michel_MCB in Onstage_1 asks: is there a chance another person from Ryan's past might show up?

Josh Schwartz says: You bet. But who and when... I'll never tell.
metails in Onstage_1 asks: What sort of plot twists can we expect in the next two episodes? Everyone keeps mentioning a "big cliffhanger"? Can you elaborate even a little?

Josh Schwartz says: Nope. You'll just have to watch, but I don't think it will be a cliffhanger in the traditional sense. It's going to be much more emotional. You'll have to revisit the pilot (first episode) for clues.

Gidget_Gal4 in Onstage_1 asks: Have you ever considered anything besides writing? Would you ever want to act in the show or maybe a different one?

Josh Schwartz says: I'll potentially act in an animated show. (laughs) I'm kidding. I love writing. I don't think I would be a good actor. Maybe a hand model. (laughs)

SethCohen2 in Onstage_1 asks: Will the characters experience a college environment in seasons to come? Have you thought of putting that on the show?

Josh Schwartz says: It's going to be a few years.
rh3725 in Onstage_1 asks: Are you working on any other new shows right now?

Josh Schwartz says: I'm just relaxing after finishing season 1 and breaking season 2.

TheTimaginator in Onstage_1 asks: Why is there so much mention of Marissa's sister and yet she's all but not seen?

Josh Schwartz says: We don't like children. (laughs)

LaXAliCat23 in Onstage_1 asks: Wow this is craziness. I love “The O.C.” so much, I just can't believe I get to ask you a question! What are some upcoming bands that might appear on the show?

Josh Schwartz says: Iron Wine, Franz Ferdinand, Beastie Boys, and Jem.
maudgonne02 in Onstage_1 asks: Are we really supposed to like Marissa? She seems kind of sociopath and at the very least is completely self-centered.

Josh Schwartz says: That's one way to look at it. Marissa is a girl that means well. She's just grown up with privilege and her life was perfect until Ryan showed up.

Josh Schwartz says: Since then she suffered several calamities, but there is hope.

metails in Onstage_1 asks: What sort of music can we expect on Mix 2? Will it be similar to that on the first Mix or will you expand some new horizons?

Josh Schwartz says: It will probably be a little more rockin then Mix 1. You can expect "If You Leave" and a lot of other music from the second half of the season.

DGL10501 in Onstage_1 asks: Anyway I can get Mischa's phone number? Josh Schwartz says: (laughs) Mischa doesn't have a phone.

ChloeRichards in Onstage_1 asks: Why did Ryan have to bunk with Seth when Theresa stayed in the pool house? Don't they have like loads of rooms in that mansion of theirs?

Josh Schwartz says: It's so funny, people are really upset about this. Hayley is in one bedroom and everyone thought that Ryan and Seth would have a fun sleepover since Seth hasn't had any friends to have sleepovers with.

Digital Dish Diva says: Josh, do you ever read the message boards online about "The O.C."

Josh Schwartz says: I read everything.

xxDeathCabforCutiexx in Onstage_1 asks: Which character would you say you are more like?

Josh Schwartz says: I love all my children equally. (laughs) I would say a lot of the misadventures of Seth Cohen are autobiographically based. There's a little bit of me in every character, even Julie Cooper, which is a little scary.

shelba_13_jsms7313 in Onstage_1 asks: I love the drama of “The O.C.” but I heard that Theresa is pregnant with Ryan's baby. Will we find out in the next 2 episodes or do we have to wait until next August?

Josh Schwartz says: You'll just have to keep watching and we're not back until November.

InLoveWithJoshSchwartz in Onstage_1 asks: Josh, do you ever post anything on the message boards?

Josh Schwartz says: Never. I like to just keep a low profile and take it all in.

ManyDistantDreams in Onstage_1 asks: Does Ben ever ad lib any of his lines, or try to?

Josh Schwartz says: Not really. He might throw in an extra grunt or sideways glance.

cleu77 in Onstage_1 asks: What books have you read recently?

Josh Schwartz says: I remember when I used to read. (laughs) “Straight Man,” "Lost Legions of New Jersey,” and the book about Miramax and Sundance by Peter Biskind.

Nothing6588 in Onstage_1 asks: How has the show influenced your life?

Digital Dish Diva says: What is your ideal day off?

Josh Schwartz says: My life has changed completely. I got a job, which is cool and an office and it's been amazing to know that I can write some characters and that there's an audience out there. It's very fulfilling and that feeling is hard to express.

Digital Dish Diva says: Sounds like you never have a day off.

Josh Schwartz says: Sleep in, see a movie, go see a concert, go have a few cocktails.

Josh Schwartz says: I'm going to have a weekend off, so hopefully it will be like that.

SoCaLGurL_OC4LiFe in Onstage_1 asks: Do you have an advice for aspiring writers/producers?

Josh Schwartz says: For writers, go see and watch as many good movies as you can and write as much as you can. It's a business that will constantly tell you "no" and you have to have confidence in your own voice and you get that from writing a lot. Producers, learn to schmooze.

DGL10501 in Onstage_1 asks: How long does it usually take you to write an episode? I know other shows have about 10 days. What made you decide to write?

Josh Schwartz says: I have gotten to the point I can write an episode in three or four days. I've always wanted to be a writer.cleu77 in Onstage_1 asks: Do you miss the East Coast?

Josh Schwartz says: I miss the seasons.
maudgonne02 in Onstage_1 asks: Are the episodes ever filmed out of order?

Josh Schwartz says: No.

Josh Schwartz says: Sometimes we go back and shoot something again before it airs.

Nothing6588 in Onstage_1 asks: How did the show launch off? Like what made the spark so it could be put into production?

Josh Schwartz says: I pitched the show to FOX in November 2002 and turned in a script in January 2003 and they thought it would be a great summer show and we were off and running.

Yettaren in Onstage_1 asks: What's been the best moment for you out of this entire experience?

Josh Schwartz says: There have been so many amazing moments, it's hard to know when to begin. Being nominated for a WG Award, the wrap party after a long, hard but amazing year, and this new family that we have formed over this last year.

Datalink7 in Onstage_1 asks: I see so many people ask where it's filmed. Can you answer that?

Josh Schwartz says: Manhattan Beach.

Michel_MCB in Onstage_1 asks: What do you like most about the show?
Josh Schwartz says: Good question. I love so much of the show, I love writing the show, thinking of new scenes and finding that perfect song for that perfect moment.

rh3725 in Onstage_1 asks: What has been your favorite episode so far and or the most fun to shoot?

Josh Schwartz says: The Vegas one that is airing tonight was fun to shoot. My favorite so far, the heartbreak on Valentine's Day and the Finale I am really proud of.

Asante2007 in Onstage_1 asks: Is there gonna be a 2nd season?
Josh Schwartz says: There is. We got the official pick-up a couple of days ago.

Digital Dish Diva says: Congratulations!

Josh Schwartz says: Thanks.

Digital Dish Diva says: Josh, thanks for joining us today here on MSN!

Digital Dish Diva says: From all of "The O.C." fans here on MSN, thanks for being here!

Datalink7 in Onstage_1 asks: Thanks for the answer- you set a lot of people straight!

Josh Schwartz says: Thank you guys so much for watching the show because without an audience there is no show. I hope we can continue to entertain and surprise you and turn you onto great music. It's been great talking to you and I hope you enjoy the last two episodes of the season.