JUNE 30, 2010—NOVI, MI—While Michigan’s film incentives attempt to reinvent the local economy with visiting big-studio production dollars, a similar metamorphosis is taking place at the grass roots level. From writer to producer, and actor to location scout, Detroit’s burgeoning film community is throwing caution to the winds and grasping the reins of their destinies.

Director Lee Martin (right) admires the handywork (Natalie Baxter) of Jason Hiltz (center) on "The Midnight Hour." (photo by Jerry Richart, www.distinctiveimage.net)

One such craftsman is Jason Hiltz, of Howling Mad Studios in Novi. A life-long horror film buff, Hiltz recently decided to turn his skills as a TV and film FX makeup artist into a full-time business. “I became interested in it after I saw an FX stage show at Universal Studios in Florida when I was 12,” he says. “When I got home I went to the library and checked out every book on makeup they had. Basically, I learned to do FX makeup on my own.”

Gaining notoriety on the locally produced “Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour” TV series, Hiltz quickly parlayed his passion into a metro Detroit success story. His ghoulish work on the cult hit show has led to offers from other productions, large and small. The experience has proved invaluable.

“I wouldn’t say that anything about FX is really easy. But it does get simpler to do things as you repeat processes,” he says. “I pace the shop making sure I have everything I need. When the actor is finally in my chair, I try to prep them by making small talk and keeping things light to put them at ease. Sometimes it backfires—the actors start talking too much and they won’t hold still!”

Hiltz’s decision to take control of his career and follow his dream exemplifies a growing trend throughout the midwest. While thousands of laid off workers find themselves unable—or unwilling—to return to their former career paths, an increasing percentage have decided it’s time for a change. With an influx of motion picture and TV productions invading the wolverine state, behind-the-scenes disciplines are taking on a new relevance.

“Ultimately, I would like to move into a larger shop and start pulling projects with large budgets,” he says. “I don’t need to be famous or rich…I just want to do what I love. FX makeup is the kind of job you never want to retire from!”

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