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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DECEMBER 7, 2009—REDFORD, MI—Michigan TV “scream queens” Natalie Baxter and Richelle Leigh Walsh have both signed on to co-star in an upcoming episode of “Lee Martin’s The Midnight Hour,” entitled, “Queen Bee.”

The story of three snobbish teenage girls who attempt to oust a fourth girl from their club in a most violent way—leading to a colorful revenge involving witchcraft and a cursed brooch—“Queen Bee” provides Michigan’s first and only homegrown dramatic TV series with a memorable finale to its second season.

The reunion is a happy one for the two starlets, whose work together in previous “Midnight Hour” episode, “Blood Sacrifice,” brought some of the entry’s most entertaining moments.  “While we were filming the fight scene (in ‘Blood Sacrifice’) people were telling Richelle and I that Lee Martin, the director, had a huge smile on his face while watching us in the monitor. You know you’re doing something right, if the director is smiling at your footage,” Baxter says.

Affectionately dubbed “Queen of Blood” by the show’s producers, Baxter holds the all-time record for guest appearances on the show: Four in less than two years. 

“We know ‘Queen Bee’ will be another great episode,” remarked series creator Lee Martin.  “Richelle and Natalie worked very well together before, and this new script will give them many terrific moments.”

The “Queen Bee” cast will be headed by Michigan’s newest horror diva, Alice Gandee.  “Alice made her debut in ‘June Bride’ last summer, then knocked us out with her work in the upcoming episode, ‘Curse of Willow Lake.’  When we saw what she could do, we had to bring her back,” continued Martin.

Two key roles in “Queen Bee” remain to be cast; one for a sympathetic aunt, the other for “Tiffany,” the meanest and most arrogant of the teenaged girls.  Producers say the search will continue throughout the winter months.

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

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DECEMBER 1, 2009—REDFORD, MI—Fans of Michigan’s first and only homegrown dramatic TV series, “Lee Martin’s The Midnight Hour,” are in for a scary treat this winter.

“Harley Returns,” the long-awaited follow-up to the hit season one episode, “The Devil’s Locket,” begins principal photography on January ninth in metro Detroit.

“We love giving the fans what they want,” remarked series creator Lee Martin. “’The Devil’s Locket’ was a big hit for us, and we scripted a follow-up right away to explain what happened to the little girl and her hateful father after the first story ended.”

Picking up one year after nine-year-old Kelly (Chloe McDole) is committed to an insane asylum for the brutal assault against her scheming father (Robert W. Maples), “Harley Returns” reunites the tormented tot with her devil-doll protagonist.

“The 1940s harlequin doll that came to life and attacked Kelly with an ice pick in the first show returns, but with a very different spin. This time, it’s no accident,” continued Martin.

Packed with intrigue, suspense, shocks and devilish humor, “Harley Returns” will also be a showcase for the gruesome makeup effects series fans have come to expect. “We’re pulling out all the stops on this one, and viewers won’t be disappointed,” Martin promises.

“Harley Returns” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm throughout March, 2010 on select greater Detroit Comcast and WOW! systems. Visit www.themidnighthour.tv for specific airdates.

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NOVEMBER 25, 2009—REDFORD, MI—Natalie Baxter, star of “Midnight Hour” episodes “Nightmare at Blood Manor,” and “Night Winds,” returns to the show in a new episode airing throughout December, 2009, entitled, “Blood Sacrifice.”

The story of a young man who entertains his camping trip comrades with the legend of an infamous murder and Satanist, John Neville—only to find the legend is true—“Blood Sacrifice” provides Baxter with another opportunity to shine.

“I got interested in acting in 4th or 5th grade, when a friend and I would grab my parents’ video camera and shoot short movies with my Barbies and pretend to do our own talk shows,” Baxter says. “I’ve been in love with performing ever since.”

Best remembered for her cheese grater-in-the-face scene in an earlier “Midnight Hour” episode, “Nightmare at Blood Manor,” “Blood Sacrifice” gives Baxter a change of pace as the villain rather than the victim. As the vindictive Jennifer, she embarks on a camping trip with her former boyfriend, Scott (Luke Richmond) and his current love, Amy (Richelle Leigh Walsh). Sparks fly as Jennifer vainly attempts to distract herself with Scott’s older brother (Jeffrey Hart Peterson) while foiling Scott and Amy’s romance. Soon, an unwelcome fifth party joins the proceedings, with deadly results.

“Natalie is one of those great, natural talents,” remarked series creator Lee Martin. “She accepted this role on short notice and brought it home with both guns blasting. Her scenes with Luke and Richelle are very exciting.”

“Blood Sacrifice” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm on select Comcast and WOW! systems throughout December, 2009.

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NOVEMBER 16, 2009—REDFORD, MI—Principle photography for upcoming “Midnight Hour” episode, “Diary of a Mantis,” was completed on Sunday, November 15 in southeastern Michigan.

The story of a young woman who leaves her home town following a bizarre assault—only to find the incident has triggered within her a lethal reaction to the men in her life—“Mantis” offers series fans another entertaining story featuring strong performances and grisly makeup effects.

“We’ve continued to introduce new faces to the show, while bringing back the best-loved performers from earlier episodes as well,” remarked series creator Lee Martin. “’Mantis’ showcases newcomers Jaqueline Wells and Curtis Lee Vest, while Vikki Gasko returns with another great performance…we were very pleased.”

Special makeup effects—which included a shocking, graphic “chopstick” murder—were provided by Jason Hiltz, of Howling Mad Studios in Novi, Michigan. “Our fans tell us they love the gore effects. So by popular demand, we’re including more of them as we go along,” continued Martin.

“Diary of a Mantis” will air Thursdays at midnight and Saturdays at 10:30pm on select greater Detroit Comcast and WOW! stations throughout February, 2010.

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NOVEMBER 7, 2009—SOUTHFIELD, MI—The “Midnight Hour” casting event held Saturday, November 7 at Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts was a complete success, according to series producers.

Visited briefly by WXYZ-TV Action News, who interviewed producer Lee Martin on site, the event provided the talent required to cast the upcoming “Midnight Hour” episode, “Daddy’s Little Girl.”

“We were very impressed with the talent that visited us today,” remarked Martin. “This was an especially complicated episode to cast, and it had to be just right. Fortunately, just the right people came to see us.”

The tale of a sadistic nanny who torments a young girl while her necrophiliac father elopes with a new woman, “Daddy’s Little Girl” is rife with the elements series fans have come to expect. “There’s mystery, suspense, shock, horror, and of course many fascinating confrontations between intriguing characters facing unique situations,” continued Martin. “It’s a very ’satisfying’ episode.”

“Daddy’s Little Girl” will go before the cameras in March, 2010. Until then, series producers will be busy filming other memorable entries in Detroit’s first home-grown dramatic TV series.

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