Natalie Baxter (photo: Jerry Richart)

JUNE 13, 2010—OXFORD, MI—The third season of Michigan’s first and only homegrown dramatic TV series was off to a memorable start June 12-13 as a team of local filmmakers gathered at a remote location in Oxford to film “Prisoner of Love.”

The story of a severely disfigured teenager (Natalie Baxter) whose mother (Chere Bernhard) moves into the country to hide her daughter from onlookers—only to meet a far worse destiny—“Prisoner of Love” weaves horror, suspense and kinky romance into a grisly and unforgettable tale.

Michael Lazzara and Richelle Leigh Walsh provided the show’s offbeat romantic interest, foiled by disapproving “dad,” Gary Lindell. The resulting confrontation was matched by another powerful battle between Bernhard and Baxter, ending in what can only be described as one of the series’ most memorable climaxes.

Special makeup effects were created by Jason Hiltz, of Howling Mad Studios in Novi and gave the series one of its all-time best “monsters.” Gaffers Richard LeValley and James Meyers were behind the episode’s richly saturated hues, their work recalling Mario Bava’s films of the early to mid ’60s.

(Top) James Meyers, Richard LeValley, Jason Hiltz, Ian Wolfe (2nd row) Chere Bernhard, Eric Dodson, Kevin O'Connor, Jane E. Randall, Lee Martin (foreground) Natalie Baxter, Michael Lazzara (photo: Jerry Richart)

“Prisoner of Love” was lensed by director of photography Eric Dodson, whose stylish compositions made the most of a 150-year old farmhouse, barn and scary silo. Audio engineer Kevin O’Connor collaborated with him to capture the show’s engrossing dialogue with his crisp, clear recordings.

The production was greatly enhanced by the efficient, dynamic participation of 1st assistant director Jane E. Randall and 2nd assistant director Ian Wolfe. Their site supervision and production documentation expedited filming and will prove invaluable to the post-production process.

“Prisoner of Love” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm on greater Detroit Comcast and WOW! systems throughout September, 2010. See the Air Dates page of www.themidnighthour.tv for details.

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