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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JANUARY 30, 2010—TROY, MI—While metro Detroit temperatures dip into the single digits, the production team for “Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour” prepares to begin filming the most technically complex episode in the series’ two-year history.

“Bed and Breakfast,” the story of a small town couple (Jan Cartwright, James Lawrence), whose charming B&B is the front for some devilish activities, features a large ensemble cast as well as extensive makeup and photographic effects.

“We’ve been planning this one since last summer,” says series creator Lee Martin. “And thanks to our talented team, it’s shaping up nicely.”

“Bed and Breakfast” combines storytelling, fine acting and FX makeup artistry to create an exciting entry for the series. There are several memorable and colorfully depicted murders, the graphically vivid transformation from human into demonoid, and flame spewing pyrotechnics created by Jason Hiltz of Howling Mad Studios in Novi, MI.

Filming is set to take place in one of the most attractive Tudor homes in Troy, MI in just two days in February. After months of preparation, the cast and crew will be turning it around in short order.

“This episode steps up the action with more explicit makeup effects and violence,” continued Martin. “But of course, we retain the foundation of a good and engaging story fans will be able to enjoy over again.”

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

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JANUARY 11, 2010—WALLED LAKE, MI—While Michigan’s winter weather swirled and plunged into sub-freezing temperatures last weekend, a harlequin doll, armed with a paring knife, viciously attacked a nine-year old Brigthon girl.

On screen at least. “Lee Martin’s Midnight Hour,” the locally produced hit TV show which made history as the first homegrown dramatic series to come out of Detroit, Michigan, was at it again. “Harley Returns” is the story of Kelly Metcalfe (Chloe McDole), whose spiteful father (Robert W. Maples) springs her from a mental institution and brings her home—only to reunite her with the devil-doll protagonist from earlier “Midnight Hour” episode, “The Devil’s Locket.”

“’Devil’s Locket’ was a big hit for us,” says shock-jock* series creator Lee Martin. “As soon as we knew the fans were eating it up, we decided to give them more.”

“Harley Returns” certainly does give “more.” There’s mystery, suspense, bloodshed and oh, yes—Harley, the grotesque harlequin doll who commits most (but not all) of the mayhem.

“Everybody loves Harley,” laughs Martin. “We found him last year in a tiny doll shop, run by an elderly woman. This particular doll had been made in the 1940s and was incredibly well preserved. It’s also one-of-a-kind.”

With a face not even a mother could love, it isn’t hard to imagine Harley coming to life and stalking you in your sleep.

“My eight-year old daughter had a sleepover last summer and we showed (The Devil’s Locket) to her friends. Some of them were so scared, they cried. Others demanded to go home because they were afraid to stay any longer. But I loved him,” quips Dana McDole, Chloe’s mother.

As with all “Midnight Hour” episodes, “Harley Returns” was filmed in just two days. “We had one of our best teams to date,” says Martin. “We welcomed a lot of new talent recently and everybody brought their best game.”

Series vets Robert W. Maples and Jeff Kotlarz were on hand to lend show-stealing support in character roles. Sporting eye-patch and attitude, Maples reprised his role as the father who would rather take his daughter down than take her to the park. Kotlarz, who played the voodoo-vengeful hubby in “Portrait of Jadine,” was perfectly cast as a child psychologist whose prescription is anything but healthful.

“I think the fans will have a lot of fun with this one,” says Martin. “We always like to give them something extra, a little surprise at the end. ‘Harley Returns’ is no exception.”

“Harley Returns” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm on select greater Detroit Comcast and WOW! stations throughout April, 2010. See the Air Dates page of www.themidnighthour.tv for details.

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“HARLEY RETURNS” CAST: Robert W. Maples, Jeff Kotlarz, Mollie Hanf, Katarina Von Eper and Chloe McDole. CREW: Kenneth Schraeder, DP; Dave Dork, production manager; Jason Hiltz, FX makeup & special props; Linda Carr, script & continuity manager; Rick LeValley and Mike Kozub, gaffers; stills courtesy Jerry Richart, www.DistinctiveImage.net.

* Metro Times (10/28/09)

DECEMBER 26, 2009—REDFORD, MI—”Shock Goddess” Angela Roberts, who co-starred in an episode of “Lee Martin’s The Midnight Hour” last summer as a hooker who returns from the grave to avenge herself against her final John, will play “Tiffany” in the show’s second season finale, “Queen Bee.”

The story of three high school prima donnas who attempt to oust a fourth in a most violent way—resulting in a payback involving witchcraft and a cursed brooch—”Queen Bee” showcases Roberts’ flair for hard-hitting drama.

“I did a guest spot on an earlier episode called, ‘Mesmerized,’” she says. “They had me read for the role of Tiffany between takes and made me an offer. Of course, I said ‘yes!’”

As the most popular—and nastiest—of the teen-aged girls, Tiffany leads the others into an act of violence which changes their lives forever. “I get to be glamorous and self-centered, but I also get to be a real bitch, too,” Roberts quips. “The story’s a lot of fun.”

The show provides its resident FX makeup artist, Jason Hiltz, of Howling Mad Studios, another field-day. With a script calling for some of the most original and harrowing makeup effects ever seen on television, series fans won’t be disappointed. “We’ve upped the ante for the second half of season two,” remarked series creator Lee Martin. “’Queen Bee’ combines great storytelling with completely unique and gruesome effects.”

With Roberts on board, the episode’s casting is complete. She shares the spotlight with Midnight Hour’s “Queen of Blood,” Natalie Baxter and blonde vixen Richelle Leigh Walsh. Alice Gandee, Michigan’s newest horror diva, heads the cast in the lead role of “Tracey.”

“Queen Bee” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm on select greater Detroit Comcast and WOW! systems in 2010. See the Air Dates page of www.themidnighthour.tv for details.

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DECEMBER 21, 2009—WHITMORE LAKE, MI—Principal photography on “Mesmerized,” an upcoming episode of the smash hit Detroit TV series, “Lee Martin’s The Midnight Hour,” wrapped on Sunday, December 20 in Whitmore Lake.

The sequel to popular season one episode, “Die Laughing,” “Mesmerized” finds murderous, drunken circus clown Droxton obtaining a new lease on life as a nightclub hypnotist.  Assisted by former Asian prostitute, Wan—whose loyalty he guarantees via blackmail—Droxton finds himself openly ridiculed by his tipsy audiences and sarcastic manager until a fiendish plan for revenge comes into play.

The episode features one of the series’ strongest and most colorful casts to date.  Show-stopping character actor Jamie Wheatley is featured in startling black-and-white greasepaint as surly, smashed Droxton, while sexy Asian bombshell Cindy Chu adds glamour and mystique to the proceedings.  John Tynan, Jr turns in a jaunty performance as the good-time Charlie nightclub manager whose panache hides an agenda of his own.

Horror guru Jason Hiltz, of Howling Mad Studios in Novi, created the show’s grisly gore effects.

The episode was further enhanced by Whitmore Lake’s Barnstormers banquet center, where most of “Mesmerized” was shot.  “We were very lucky that they granted us permission to film there,” commented series producer Lee Martin.  “The venue photographed particularly well and they made the cast and crew very comfortable.”

Series fans will also enjoy a cameo appearance from shock goddess Angela Roberts, who returned from the dead in last summer’s “June Bride.”  Newcomer Curtis Lee Vest provided memorable support as a dangerously disturbed nightclub patron.

“Mesmerized” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm on select Comcast and WOW! channels throughout March, 2010.  See the Air Dates page of www.themidnighthour.tv for details.

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DECEMBER 12, 2009—REDFORD, MI—Michigan’s first and only homegrown dramatic TV series, “Lee Martin’s The Midnight Hour,” is peppering its second season on greater Detroit Comcast and WOW! systems with a host of supernatural chills.

Upcoming episodes feature everything from the psychological horror of a child being tormented by a sadistic nanny, to witchcraft, ghostly manifestations, murderous harlequin dolls and demonic possession.

“We’re having a lot of fun with this show,” remarked producer Lee Martin. “Each month, we depict characters facing everyday challenges and conflicts, who are then subjected to bizarre and horrifying situations.”

Nowhere is this trend more evident than in the second half of season two, which goes before the camera later this month and continues filming through May, 2010. “We’re increasing the FX makeup and violence in each episode by popular demand, while maintaining engrossing, character driven story lines,” Martin says.

Upcoming entries include “Mesmerized,” the brutal follow-up to season one’s popular black comedy, “Die Laughing,” starring the talented Jamie Wheatley; “Harley Returns,” a sequel to “The Devil’s Locket;” “Bed and Breakfast,” featuring extensive woman-into-demon makeup FX; “Daddy’s Little Girl,” “Queen Bee” and the grisly shocker, “Toby’s Room,” about a young man’s return from school to his mysterious parents and their poltergeist-ridden home.

“This show reminds me of the kind of TV I used to run home from school to watch,” remarked Linda Calvano Carr, the show’s script and continuity manager. “It’s that good.”

The series has been picked up by Netflix beginning in 2010, giving horror fans around the globe an opportunity to enjoy the show which has held metro Detroiters captivated since 2008.

Meanwhile, fans can catch the show Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm on select greater Detroit Comcast and WOW! stations. See the Air Dates page of www.themidnighthour.tv for details.

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