BehindThe Scenes: 13 Must-See Photos from The Vampire Diaries Episodes 6x15 & 6x16! 

Season 6 Episode 16 was directed by none other than Ian Somerhalder. Just like his co-star Paul Wesley has done twice so far, the talented actor went behind the camera for the upcoming installment, and we cannot wait to witness his artistic vision and technical prowess firsthand. Judging by the ep’s ominous title, “The Downward Spiral” — and by the

image of Ian roaming around set in a tutu — it’s going to be an interesting, drama-packed evening, that’s for sure!

Moreover, in the event this update isn’t exciting enough for you, you’ll be pleased to know that executive producer Julie Plec directed TVD Season 6 Episode 15! Yes, ’tis true, fang fans: Julie, aka the show’s mastermind who makes

decisions as far as production and storylines are concerned, is taking the reigns on this one. And we don’t know about you, but the fact that she’s at the helm of “Let Her Go,” makes us both nervous and giddy with anticipation; clearly, it’s going to be one of the CW series’s most intense, heart-wrenching installments yet!

That being said, how about some behind-the-scenes set photos from TVD 6×15 and 6×16, courtesy of Julie, Ian, Nina Dobrev, Kat Graham, Candice Accola, Zach Roerig, Michael Malarkey, and Christopher Wood? Enjoy!

"Girls hang on set with bad ass executive producer, writer, & DIRECTOR @julieplec! #girlpower"

Julie enjoys the best sandwich ever: Team Donowood!

"Spent the day in the mystic grill with these rad folks."

Nina noticed some strange happenings on set....

"Live from the set of the Vampire Diaries- me directing in a black tutu... Totally normal right?"

"Day 1! Coolest parking spot... So humbled by the artisanal skills of this group of people-on every level."

"Ole blue eyes directing. #TVD @iansomerhalder @tristinmays."

"Pretty damn cool-look who is directing this episode... On set with her now- @julieplec you are an amazing director... Love you. Thank you Love Damon&Ian"

"Last shot! The time- 23:23 Thank you all- wow. Killer day"

"Getting to direct my sister @katgrahampics in a scene that she showed some amazing colors in. Adore this woman... Thanks to my brother @cornellwillis for snapping this piece of candid photographic evidence of me ruining a perfectly good episode of The Vampire Diaries;)"

No biggie. Just two supernatural foes getting along.

"And that\'s a wrap on DIRECTOR, @iansomerhalder! Congrats, brother."

"My new office!!!!! Thank you to everyone who made this happen-the individuals whom will go on this journey with me. Directing an episode of this show is no easy feat and I\'m so grateful for the challenge. To be working side-by-side with the family that we have built over the years-a group of exceptional people whom are extremely talented artists. Thank you. Truly."

"It\'s not everyday you come to set and the director\'s wearing a tutu. Unless said director is @IanSomerhalder. Then it\'s totally normal." link text

Catch brand new episodes of The Vampire Diaries every Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on The CW!

In 18th century New Orleans, this immoral family hopes to build a home for themselves. But the city is lawless, and the witches and werewolves aren’t going to give up their territory without a fight. If there’s anything a vampire likes, it’s a good bloodbath, and Klaus Mikaelson isn’t afraid to begin a war over the woman he loves.

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