Jan Cartwright, Phillip J. Hughes

MAY 23, 2010—WYANDOTTE, MI—The home of a former steel mill worker became the ghostly setting for “Toby’s Room,” the latest episode of Michigan’s first and only locally produced dramatic TV series.

Lead player Jan Cartwright, a veteran of many local stage and film productions, brought her unique skills as a character actress to her role as Edie, a domineering wife whose love/hate relationships with her two sons drives the story. By day, Cartwight’s activities are decidedly more conventional. “I’m a professional photographer,” she says. “I own the Bounce Photography studio and specialize in portrait and event photography. But I love acting as well.”

Joining her were Phillip J. Hughes and Alex Munteneau as her emasculated husband Sherman and least-favored son Billy, respectively. Local FX makeup artist, Jason Hiltz, of Howling Mad Studios in Novi, made a memorable guest appearance as her preferred son. “Toby’s Room” is set in motion by Billy’s return home after a three-year stretch in boarding school. Finding his mysterious parents still at odds, he discovers the house is also inhabited by an unseen guest whose presence becomes undeniable after a session with a Ouija board and an unforgettable bit of magic in the reflection of an old, ornate mirror.

Kevin O'Connor, David Kennedy, Sandy Carpenter, James Meyers, Phillip Hughes, Jan Cartwright, Derek Hanna, Donna Terwillinger, Eric Dodson, Brion Dodson, Alex Munteneau (seated), Jamie Lynn Turner (seated)

Staffed by a team of up-and-coming local filmmakers, “Toby’s Room” features the work of numerous recent graduates from the Lifton Institute for Media Skills in Allen Park. Eric Dodson served as sound engineer while gaffers Richard LeValley and James Meyers provided the show’s beautifully saturated hues. 1st AD David Kennedy kept filming ahead of schedule and wrapping early with the help of 2nd AD Derek Hanna and script/continuity supervisor Jamie Lynn Turner. Set designer Donna Terwillinger joined forces with property master Sandy Carpenter to create ghostly manifestations to great effect.

“Toby’s Room” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm on select Comcast and WOW! systems throughout August, 2010. See the Air Dates page of www.themidnighthour.tv for details.

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MAY 10, 2010—AUBURN HILLS, MI—While wind, rain and even hail whirled through Metro Detroit, a dedicated team of professionals wrapped filming of “Queen Bee,” the season two finale of the locally produced hit TV series, “Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour.”

Lead player Alice Gandee was joined by series veterans Natalie Baxter, Richelle Leigh Walsh and—as the queen bee herself—Angela Roberts. “This was one of the strongest casts we’ve had in a long while,” commented series creator Lee Martin. “Each actor found their character and brought it to life, right on cue.” The set was graced by a special Mother’s Day visit from Doreen Gandee, Alice’s mother and a longtime fan of the show. “I wish ‘Midnight Hour’ was on where I live,” she lamented. “I’d watch it every week, I love it—unfortunately I only have a few of them on DVD.”

The half-hour show was filmed in a mere two days by one of the sharpest crews in the series’ history. The show’s two directors of photography were supported by gaffer Jim Meyers and audio recordist Johnnie Luna to form a tight unit monitored by assistant director Eric Dodson and script supervisor Donna Terwilliger. Special gear was provided by gaffer Richard LeValley and newcomer Jeff Hornsby assisted as production assistant. Series veteran Jason Hiltz, of Howling Mad Studios in Novi, created the episode’s chilling makeup effects and—in a memorable opening sequence—an actual tazer gun. Although their first time working together as a unit, the team bonded quickly and achieved broadcast-quality footage with ease. “We actually wrapped two hours early,” laughs Martin. “That’s doesn’t come without a highly skilled crew.”

MAY 6, 2010—REDFORD, MI—While the weather warms and recreational car owners remove the drop-cloths and dust of winter, a black and red 1960 Plymouth Fury begins prowling the streets of southeastern Michigan.

In “Do Not Pass,” an upcoming episode of “Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour,” the furious-looking Fury—touted as “’Christine’s’ kid sister”—will become the leading protagonist in a tale of supernatural mystery and shock. Scheduled to lens July 10-11 along metro Detroit’s few remaining stretches of two-lane highway, area drivers are already noticing the striking car zooming past them on warm, dry days.

“It’s a good idea to get the motor primed and the seals lubricated after a long winter in storage,” remarks grass-roots mechanic Gary McClachlan. “That’ll keep the seals from dry-rotting and leaking.”

The script calls for the driverless car to terrorize small-town citizenry through a number of creative means, while a young man begins to uncover the mystery behind its malevolent life—and lethal agenda.

Port Huron-based actor Edward Sytkowski, who has appeared in smaller roles on “Midnight Hour,” will make his starring role debut as “Will,” a young man juggling the desires of his girlfriend with his domineering father’s (Curtis Lee Vest) drunken attempts to regain his son’s respect.

Producers are searching for suitably rustic stretches of paved two-lane highway and wooded countryside in which to film the episode, including the exterior of a small farmhouse or cottage.

“Do Not Pass” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm throughout October, 2010. See the Air Dates page of www.themidnighthour.tv for details.

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APRIL 27, 2010—TROY, MI—Quality local actors will have a shot at their 15 minutes of fame on the locally produced TV series, “Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour” this May.

The show will be holding an open casting at One Source Talent Agency in Troy, MI from 3:00-6:30pm on Friday, May 14. Actors with experience in lead and supporting roles are encouraged to show series producers what they can do.

“We’re looking primarily for character performers,” says series creator Lee Martin. “We’re especially interested in chameleon types who can portray personalities radically different from their own.”

The goal of the casting will be to fill lead and supporting roles in the series’ summer and autumn lineup of episodes. For the lucky ones, work will be available in short order. “We have opportunities that begin in June,” continues Martin. “We shoot during the second weekend of each month from 10am-10pm both days, and have roles available each month through November.”

Actors who are cast should be prepared to memorize a lot of lines—verbatim. Each episode’s script runs 22 pages and talent is expected to show proficiency. “The only way you’re going to get through a half-hour show in two days is for the actors to know their lines fluently. We recently placed a ban on scripts being present on set, to remind talent that they’re expected to study prior to the lens date. If they’re not off book, they’ll be replaced.”

Producers also want to ensure that what they see is what they’ll get. “We’ll be reminding talent that if we cast them, we expect them to be recognizable when they arrive on set. Radical changes in type can have a profound effect on the decision-making process,” Martin says.

Actors up for the challenge are encouraged to contact Great Lakes Cinema for a monologue, which they must memorize and present at the casting for consideration. Scripts will not be permitted inside the casting room.

One Source Talent is located at 3250 W Big Beaver, Troy, MI 48084. For directions to their facility, contact (248) 816-7900.

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APRIL 14, 2010—GARDEN CITY, MI—Michigan-based actors Luke Richmond and Jeffrey Hart Peterson, who played rival siblings last year in an episode of “Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour,” have been teamed again for another episode.

In “A Birthday Wish,” the two will again be at odds, but with the usual plot twists and turns series fans have come to expect. As Tony, a terminally ill man with a plan for survival, Peterson will be confronted by Richmond, a scheming friend of the family who feels Tony’s demise can’t come soon enough. But things aren’t what they seem and a ghastly oracle holds the key to a life without end.

A veteran of many local screen productions and print ads, Richmond has grown into one of the midwest’s most reliable young leading men. Indie screenwriter Peterson has also been featured in numerous short and feature films of late, developing into a fine character performer.

The episode includes blazing effects during a sinister birthday party scene, and grisly makeup effects created by the show’s resident artist, Jason Hiltz of Howling Mad Studios in Novi. “The script is a lot of fun,” comments Peterson with a knowing wink.

“A Birthday Wish” is to be filmed in Garden City at the home of local character actor Eric Tuchelske. A skilled child actor is also being sought for the supporting role of “Tracey,” whose birthday party fuels the story’s supernatural spell.

The pairing of Richmond and Peterson echoes a similar reunion between “Blood Sacrifice” co-stars Natalie Baxter and Richelle Leigh Walsh, which will take place May 8-9 on the set of the teen-flavored shocker, “Queen Bee.”

“A Birthday Wish” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm throughout November, 2010. See the Air Dates page of www.themidnighthour.tv for details.

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MARCH 31, 2010—BRIGHTON, MI—For most children, colorful dolls are toys that bring hours of innocent pleasure during the long, idyllic days of youth. For Kelly Metcalfe, a fictional character portrayed in “Midnight Hour’s” season one episode, “The Devil’s Locket,” dolls are things of horror—particularly when outfitted with cursed lockets which bring them to fiendish life.

After surviving both the assault of her tiny would-be killer and wearing the demonic locket herself in season one, Kelly (Chloe McDole) returns in season two for the equally bizarre follow-up to her saga. In “Harley Returns,” Kelly is released from a mental institution, where she has resided since attacking her father (Robert W. Maples) with an ice-pick she wrangled from Harley, her possessed harlequin-doll protagonist.

Unfortunately, life in the outside world is far from what Kelly expected. Finding herself the victim of a family conspiracy, she decideds to liberate herself with a most controversial plan: To deliberately re-animate Harley and let his murderous ways eliminate the obstacles to Kelly’s happiness. A night of bloody terror ensues.

Series vets Robert W. Maples and Jeff Kotlarz are back in “Harley Returns,” a special treat for the show’s hardcore fans. Maples reprises his role as Steve, Kelly’s father—while Kotlarz, best remembered as the vindictive husband who used voodoo to avenge himself on his ex-wife in “Portrait of Jadine,” plays a not-so-helpful child psychiatrist. McDole reprises her role as Kelly and newcomer Mollie Hanf appears as Kelly’s toxic step-mother.

“We had fun with this one,” remarks series creator Lee Martin. “’The Devil’s Locket’ was one of the most popular episodes from the first season, and everyone wanted to see more. They especially wanted to know what happened to Kelly after we implied she took her own father out with an ice-pick.”

The sequel answers these and other questions much in the spirit of the popular “Chucky” films of the 1980s. Hot-shot editor Daniel D. Smith, “Midnight Hour’s” latest discovery, brought the episode to slick life in short order with many colorful and entertaining touches. Like all “Midnight Hour” entries, the 24-minute episode flies by as if it were only seven. “So many people comment on how fast the shows go by,” continues Martin. “They ask if we have plans to expand the show to a one-hour format, so they can savor the stories a bit longer!”

“Harley Returns” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm on greater Detroit Comcast and WOW! stations. See the Air Dates page of www.themidnighthour.tv for details.

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Sandra Kelley, Jillian Hoffman

MARCH 15, 2010—LAKE ORION, MI—The gracious brick estate was the picture of secure serenity without. Within, a dangerous rat noshed and a nanny-from-hell inflicted brutal punishment on a 13-year old girl while her ambiguously necrophilic father eloped with a new woman.

“Daddy’s Little Girl,” the latest episode of Michigan’s hit TV series, “Lee Martin’s The Midnight Hour,” completed principal photography on Sunday, March 14 in the Lake Orion home of popular local actress Carol McClure.

Showcasing the talents of a powerhouse cast including Jillian Hoffman, Sandra Kelley, Jonathan West, Renee McCoy, Edward Sytkowski and McClure herself, “Daddy’s Little Girl” has been on metro Detroit’s radar since last October, when WXYZ TV7 Action News covered the episodes’ casting event at Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts in Southfield.

“The general consensus is, this is a very special episode,” remarked “shock-jock” series creator Lee Martin. “The story, the characters, the actors and makeup effects all combined for an exceptionally entertaining show.”

Brion Dodson, James Meyers, Amber Fritz, Raymond Tomanski, Richard LeValley, Lee Martin, Sebastian Boda

The episode marks the series’ first entry photographed in the more contemporary High Definition format, increasing its commercial appeal. The entire production—completed in a mere two days—was handled by a largely new film crew. Directors of photography Sebastian Boda and Kevin O’Connor made their series debuts to much acclaim. Amber Fritz, an instructor at Michigan’s prestigious Motion Picture Institute, collaborated with assistant director and recent film school grad Raymond Tomanski to help overcome early delays in filming with great effect, as the production wrapped hours early both days. Series veterans Jason Hiltz, Mike Kozub, Richard LeValley, Jim Thompson and Jerry Richart welcomed James Meyers, whose contributions further enhanced and expedited the shoot.

“People would be shocked if they knew what this involves,” continues Martin. “Shooting a half hour show in two days with a pro-level standard of quality is unprecedented. That we do it every month, with a team working together as a unit for the first time, is nothing less than miraculous.” McClure agrees, “These people spread miracles! I’m so glad they filmed (in my home). It gave me a chance to see how one of these shows is put together from start to finish. I made new friends and had so much fun!”

For Martin and the “Midnight Hour” team, it’s time to begin coordinating the details of next month’s shoot. “That’s the nice thing about series television,” he says. “When you wrap a feature, it’s over and you fall off that bubble. For us, there’s always a new iron in the fire.”

“Daddy’s Little Girl” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm throughout June, 2010. See the Air Dates page of www.themidnighthour.tv for details.

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MARCH 9, 2010—DETROIT, MI—A local Girl Scout troop based in Port Huron will make a springtime pilgrimage this May. Their destination: A lovely suburban home where the hit TV series, “Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour,” will be shooting its season-two finale, “Queen Bee.”

A story of teen-aged witchery with a grotesque twist, “Queen Bee” sends the show’s second season out with a flourish. The latest vehicle for Michigan’s newest horror diva, Alice Gandee, the episode also reunites three of the series’ most popular veterans: Scream queen Natalie Baxter, best remembered for her cheese-grater in the face scene in “Nightmare at Blood Manor;” Angela Roberts, the vengeful hooker in “June Bride;” and Richelle Leigh Walsh, the ill-fated blonde in “Blood Sacrifice.”

It was through Baxter that the Girl Scout troop first learned of the upcoming shoot and became interested. “They were really fascinated to learn this show was being produced right here in Michigan,” says Baxter. “They want to see how a show like this is put together. The bullying and teen popularity issues in the script made it kind of relevant for them, too.” Clearance for the site visit was quickly obtained from production house Great Lakes Cinema and all are looking forward to the experience.

“As the show grows in popularity and reach, more and more people are bringing their input and ideas to the fore,” says series creator Lee Martin. “Site visits by interested groups is one of them. Another is, we’ve lifted the restriction on cell phone video on set. Now cast and crew can have great personal memoirs of their experiences on the show, which the public is interested in seeing, as well.”

As the May lens date draws nearer, the four principal players are already studying their lines, developing their characters and rehearsing their blocking—a good sign, says Martin. “The investment of time really pays off for talent. Coming prepared makes them look good on TV, which of course makes us look good.” Walsh agrees with a mischievous smile: “People should watch ’Midnight Hour’ not only because I’m on it, but because there’s nothing else like it on the air right now. It’s an awesome show.”

“Queen Bee” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm on select Comcast and WOW! systems throughout August, 2010. See the Air Dates page for details.

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FEBRUARY 14, 2010—TROY, MI—A large, beautiful Tudor home in Troy became the location for a series of human sacrifices, cannibalism, demon worship and revenge this past weekend…but only on film.

“Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour” was at it again, filming an upcoming episode guaranteed to make travelers think twice about spending a weekend at their favorite B&B. The story of hostelry owner Ilsa Moran, a woman driven to an unholy new faith and its murderous consequences, “Bed and Breakfast” continues the series’ dedication to fascinating stories told by intriguing actors and skilled technicians.

Lead player Jan Cartwright shines as Ilsa, a woman whose love for life was matched by the disdain she holds for her husband—and guests. A veteran of many local stage and independent screen productions, Cartwright’s portrayal is guaranteed to captivate, intrigue and shock audiences.

Real-life metro Detroit attorney, James Lawrence, also turned in a fine character performance as her defeated, subservient husband. Andrea DiGiglio, Randy Hutchinson, Heather Doba, Erik Heilner, Kristen Wagner and Dave Dork rounded out the cast, each turning in catchy, vivid performances.

“Bed and Breakfast” was also distinguished by the contributions of several new crew members, headed by assistant director Eric Knop and 2nd AD Dan Fischer: DPs Jeff Fuchs, Michael Brace and Amy LaPlante; mixers Caine D’Onofrio and Jim Thompson; gaffers Michael Kozub and Richard LeValley; and makeup effects by Jason Hiltz of Howling Mad Studios. Stills were provided by Jerry Richart of Distinctive Image Photography. “We are indebted to the contributions of so many talented and highly skilled people on this particular shoot,” says series creator Lee Martin. “The show’s notoriety helps its crew discover new opportunities and move up. As they do, we’re delighted to welcome new technicians to the ‘family’ and benefit from their skills.”

“Bed and Breakfast” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm on select greater Detroit Comcast and WOW! systems in May. See the Air Dates page for details.

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FEBRUARY 6, 2010—PLYMOUTH, MI—Summers in Detroit are known for their heat, humidity, mosquitoes…and classic cars. Soon, one of those cars will be featured in an episode of Michigan’s first and only homegrown dramatic TV series, “Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour.”

In an upcoming episode entitled, “Do Not Pass,” the jet-black Fury—its 13” high tailfins slashing the air—will become the chief protagonist in the supernatural-themed story. “The script calls for an unusual, sinister looking car that scares people to death while committing some pretty gruesome mayhem,” says series creator Lee Martin. “We couldn’t find anything that looked ‘angrier’ than the front clip of a ’60 Fury, so we decided to use it.”

The as-yet uncast episode calls for inhabitants of a small town to be confronted with not only the demonic car, but a sinister mystery as well. “We like to keep people guessing,” laughs Martin. “’Do Not Pass’ gives the fans an interesting story and performers to enjoy as well.”

The show’s producers have already begun the search for the lonely two-lane highways needed for filming. Locations are to be kept top secret until the shoot has wrapped to avoid any possible congestion or delays caused by well-meaning onlookers.

Another classic car, most likely of late ‘60s or early ‘70s vintage, will be used as well in a flashback sequence. The show’s production team will be scouring southeastern Michigan in the coming months for a suitable vehicle.

“Do Not Pass” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm on local Comcast and WOW! stations throughout October.

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