Chere Bernhard, Natalie Baxter in “Prisoner of Love”

SEPTEMBER 1, 2010—REDFORD, MI—The long awaited third-season premiere of Detroit’s first and only homegrown dramatic TV series, “Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour,” premieres Thursday, September 2 at midnight.

In an episode entitled, “Prisoner of Love,” series fans get one of the most exciting entries in the show’s history. A literate script, compelling characters and gruesome makeup effects herald a dark tone for season three.

Lead player Natalie Baxter, of Port Huron, turns in the best performance of her career as Christie, a teen born with a severe deformity. Condemned to life on a remote farm with her spiteful mother (Chere Bernhard), Christie’s life takes a jaw-dropping turn for the worse about four minutes into the show. Enter Mike and Joanne (Michael Lazzara and Richelle Leigh Walsh), a pair of sleazy runaways seeking refuge on creepy Christie’s farm, who inadvertently provide the devastated teen with a reason to live—and kill.

The episode marks Walsh’s fourth appearance on the show and her most compelling performance to date. Newcomer Bernhard also rises to the occasion, and her scenes—although brief—are unforgettable. Oxford resident Gary Lindell convincingly plays a stressed-out dad and Lazzara’s final scene is riveting.

The show owes its slick look and feel to editor and co-producer Daniel D. Smith and a sharp team of metro Detroit technicians, including cinematographer Eric Dodson, gaffers Richard LeValley & James Meyers, audio engineer Kevin O’Connor, assistant directors Jane E. Randall & Ian Wolfe and FX makeup artist Jason Hiltz.

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

###

Jillian Hoffman

AUGUST 25, 2010—DETROIT, MI—Jillian Hoffman, whose smarmy on-screen characterization in the season-two episode “Daddy’s Little Girl” earned her a soap-in-towel beating, hair pulling, punches, bondage and a hungry rat gnawing her face at the hands of her sadistic nanny, returns to “Midnight Hour” this November.

Portraying a lonely teenager with hideously dysfunctional parents and a non-existent social life, Hoffman will film the season-three shocker, “The Hour of 13” this November 13 & 14.

“She’s really looking forward to her next ‘Midnight Hour’ chapter,” says her father, George. “She’s up for anything (Midnight Hour) can throw at her!”

The decision to bring Hoffman back was an easy one for series producers, who basked in the praise her TV performance brought last spring. “’Daddy’s Little Girl’ was a big hit for us,” remarks series creator Lee Martin. “Thanks to a great production team, it was an instant classic and the feedback on Jillian’s performance was great. We also loved that she was off book verbatim and could be relied on to play her scenes the same way each time—she was very professional.”

In “The Hour of 13,” Hoffman will again be cast as a teen with problems, albeit different ones. Her character, Carol, is befriended by the coolest couple in high school—she thinks. But an unsolved murder, a late-night séance and a touch of insanity guarantee things won’t go according to plan.

With Hoffman locked in as the lead, producers are now scrambling to fill supporting roles. Hot-shot Michigan actor Didrik Davis, regarded as one of the best character performers in the Midwest, will play Carol’s corrupt dad. Carol’s mother and nasty teen pals—plus a handful of high school-aged extras—have yet to be cast.

“The Hour of 13” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm throughout January, 2011. See the Air Dates page of www.themidnighthour.tv for details.

###

Daren McNay, Christine Marie in “A Birthday Wish”

AUGUST 14, 2010—DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI—As southeast Michigan sweltered in near record-breaking heat and humidity, a dedicated team of film makers wrapped principal photography on the latest episode of “Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour,” aptly entitled, “A Birthday Wish.”

The story concerns a dying man (Jeffrey Hart Peterson) who creates a macabre “oracle” for his 11-year old daughter (Shannon Mary) to use as a communication device with him after his death. Meanwhile, his scheming wife (Christine Marie) conspires with his brother (Daren McNay)—with whom she’s having an affair—to conceal a ghastly crime.

Scheduled to air in November, the episode is the third entry in the series’ third season and marks the TV debuts of most of its cast. Jason Hiltz, of Howling Mad Studios in Novi, provided the gory makeup effects and a troop of Port Huron-based Girl Scouts were on hand as extras in a memorably grim birthday party scene.

Director of photography Kevin O’Connor collaborated with camera assistant and audio engineer Brok Bagnall to create the show’s stylish images, aided by gaffer Richard LeValley’s trademark classy lighting. Assistant directors Jane E. Randall and Ian Wolfe kept the production on schedule, with Randall handling crowd control and logistical issues when “extras” were involved. Most of the episode was filmed at the home of actor Eric Tuchelske, who appeared in an earlier episode, “Diary of a Mantis.”

“A Birthday Wish” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm on Comcast 52 and WOW! 18 throughout November, 2010. See the Air Dates page of www.themidnighthour.tv for details.

###

AUGUST 12, 2010—REDFORD, MI—Just two years ago, Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour made history as the first homegrown dramatic TV series in Detroit’s history. Since then, its creators have produced and aired the equivalent of more than eight feature films in 24 months—a record for Michigan and the Midwest.

Now, with viewership at an all-time high, anticipation is building for the series’ lugubrious third season premiere. Prisoner of Love, the story of a hideously deformed teenager and the horror that unfolds on an historic farm, provides the show with a knock-out punch opener for the new season.

“It’s another instant classic,” says series creator Lee Martin. “The story, characters, makeup effects and ending combine to give the fans a great ride.”

Premiering on Thursday, September 2 at midnight, the episode has already been screened within a circle of industry insiders. The consensus is that Prisoner of Love is one of the best entries—if not the best—thus far in the series’ history.

“Midnight Hour’s popularity began snowballing last fall and lately has been drawing notice across the country,” Martin continues. “People are genuinely frustrated that they can’t see the show outside of Michigan. It’s like living across the street from someone whose cable provider gives them all the channels you wish you had.”

The show’s notoriety has influenced the indie film scene in Michigan, inspiring producers large and small to adapt its production technique and penchant for literate screenplays.

“People love the stories,” Martin says. “They’ve become our claim to fame. Fans write us that like the fast pace, interesting characters and of course, the twist endings. It keeps them coming back for more.”

Maintaining the tone set by Prisoner of Love, season three promises to be the juiciest and most satisfying yet. Subsequent episodes Feast of Flesh, The Hour of 13, Masque of Horror and Drink the Blood of Manalu give just a hint of the delights to be savored in the coming months.

For the Midnight Hour production team, it’s all in a day’s work. “It’s a fascinating show to be involved with,” Martin says. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour airs Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm on select greater Detroit Comcast and WOW! systems. See the Air Dates page on www.themidnighthour.tv for details.

###

AUGUST 4, 2010—DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI—For kids of all ages, summer is a time of freedom and fun…a time for new experiences and excitements that can be enjoyed at no other time throughout the year.

For a troop of Port Huron-based Girl Scouts, this summer is no exception. They’ll be making an 80-mile trek to Dearborn Heights to visit the set of “Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour,” for the filming of the supernatural-themed upcoming episode, “A Birthday Wish” on Sunday, August 15.

While Girl Scouts and their troop leaders enjoy many recreational and educational field trips each year, the most engaging are the ones in which the girls are participants rather than mere spectators. Opportunities for participation will abound on the set, where many of the girls will bask in their 15-minutes of fame as “extras” in a birthday party scene.

The story of a terminally ill man who devises a plan to maintain communication with his daughter after his death, “A Birthday Wish” stars top-flight Michigan actors Jeffrey Hart Peterson, Daren McNay and character performer Christine Marie. A significant supporting role will be played by Marie’s real-life thespian daughter, Shannon.

“This episode will be a nice mother-daughter experience for them,” commented series creator Lee Martin. “With a troop of Girl Scouts on set, we won’t have to worry about keeping young Shannon engaged between takes!”

As will happen on “Midnight Hour” episodes, all is not entirely what it seems and a surprise awaits each character—and the audience—at journey’s end. For the Girl Scouts, who arranged the visit several months ago, excitement is building as the lens date approaches.

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

###

Carol McClure, Chris Peresky, Curtis Lee Vest, Michael Carluccio in “Do Not Pass.” (Photo: Jerry Richart)

JULY 11, 2010—BRIGHTON, MI—Great lakes, cherries, Motown records…and cars. Michigan is famous for many things, none more so than its automobiles—especially the flashy classics. 

This month, two Michigan classics were united in the picturesque countryside of Brighton. An old classic: A 1960 Plymouth Fury convertible, was featured in a new classic: Michigan’s homegrown “Midnight Hour” TV series. Principal photography on “Do Not Pass,” the latest episode of the popular series, wrapped on Sunday, July 11 near Kensington park. 

The story revolves around Will (Chris Peresky), a young man whose girlfriend (Kim Koltyk) is killed by the seemingly driverless Fury. Turning to his sheriff uncle (local nightclub singer Michael Carluccio) for help opens a festering rivalry between the sheriff and Will’s drunken father, Sam (Curtis Lee Vest)…one that widens to deadly proportions as a link between the fiendish Fury and an undiscovered crime comes to light. 

Up and coming local actors Carol McClure and Miranda Tully rounded out the cast, as Will’s sympathetic aunt and a decidedly unpleasant woman from Sam’s past, respectively. 

Richard LeValley, Michael Carluccio, Paul Kouba (hidden), Curtis Lee Vest, Brion Dodson, Ian Wolfe, Eric Dodson

Filmed in a mere two days, “Do Not Pass” was brought in early (despite many environmental challenges) by a top-flight team of Detroit-based film makers. Well photographed and featuring stylized images beautifully realized with the aid of gaffers Richard LeValley and James Meyers, the episode marked the debut of Paul Kouba as alternate director of photography. First assistant directors Eric Dodson and Jane Elizabeth Randall collaborated with second assistant director Ian Wolfe to create an efficient production capable of resolving challenges as quickly as they arose. All were indebted to script & continuity supervisor Erica Hermann for providing crucial insights which enhanced the shoot and overall efficiency. 

Two briefly seen but memorable FX makeups were created by Jason Hiltz, of Howling Mad Studios in Novi. Working in a portable, outdoor “workshop,” Hiltz transformed his subjects into works of grotesque art. Fans of stills photographer, Jerry Richart, can expect to catch tantalizing glimpses of the make-ups in soon-to-be-released publicity stills. 

“Do Not Pass” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm in October on Comcast channel 52 and WOW! channel 18 in select cities. See the Air Dates page of www.themidnighthour.tv for details. 

###

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!”

###

His role in the episode, “Do Not Pass,” gives the balladeer (often compared to Frank Sinatra and fellow cool-cats Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and Neil Diamond), a chance to wear a different hat—literally. In a dramatic turn as a small town sheriff attempting to unravel the connection between a 1960 Plymouth Fury and a series of grisly homicides, Carluccio will put his considerable skills as an actor to good use.

“We found ourselves with a compelling cast,” says series creator Lee Martin. “Michael will share the spotlight with up-and-coming Chris Persky. Their scenes together promise to be very impactful.”

A lifelong music and movie fan, Carluccio is no stranger to dramatic intensity on screen. His favorite films include “Rocky,” “Chariots of Fire,” and “An Officer and a Gentleman.” His favorite TV shows currently include modern classics “Seinfeld,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and of course, “The Midnight Hour.”

Until the cameras roll on “Do Not Pass” in July, Carluccio will keep busy doing what he does best—entertaining people. You can see him yourself at Tirami Su Italian Ristorante in Shelby Township. Contact him at Please Login or Register to read the rest of this content. for details.

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

###

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.

###

JUNE 6, 2010—TROY, MI—Great Lakes Cinema announced today that talent recruited from its May 14 casting is already being secured for summer episodes on the hit local TV series, “Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour.”

Candidates prepare for their readings on May 14. Photo: www.distinctiveimage.net

A capacity crowd of applicants participated in the casting, many of them responding to media coverage the event received in The Detroit News, The Oakland Press and on WXYZ TV-7, WDIV TV-4 and FOX 2 newscasts. The resulting surplus has afforded producers enough talent to populate the shows’ third season, which begins filming this month.

“We’ll still be featuring familiar faces in upcoming episodes,” remarked series creator Lee Martin. “We’ve promised to bring back the best of the best and we’ve kept that promise. However, much of the new talent we’ve harvested will be showcased in lead and supporting roles starting this summer.”

Local actors Gary Lindell, Chere Bernhard and Michael Lazzara are among the first candidates to be brought into the spotlight. They’ll be joining series veterans Richelle Leigh Walsh and Natalie Baxter on the set of “Prisoner of Love,” the series’ third-season premiere episode, filming this weekend. The story concerns a young woman whose face has been marred by a severe birth defect and the turmoil that enters her life—and the lives of those around her—when she discovers her mother’s plan to have her institutionalized.

Actor Michael Lazzara appears in the season three premiere, "Prisoner of Love."

Los Angeles native Lazzara is a world traveler whose exploits have recently brought him to Michigan State University for his master’s degree in business administration—and the “Midnight Hour” show. “Life is short, you’ve got to live each day like it’s your last,” he says. “Because you never know what tomorrow brings!”

The show’s producers have also begun casting July’s episode and will be focusing on confirming local talent for its autumn lineup within the coming weeks. “We’re scripted six months ahead,” continues Martin. “So we’ll be able to cast the remainder of the 2010 calendar year as soon as time permits. The important thing is that the quality of the talent recruited last May is among the best we’ve seen yet.”

###