Metro Detroit native makes his name in entertainment

Michigan is attempting to make a name for itself in the entertainment industry by offering generous tax breaks to the movie business. A few blockbusters have already been filmed in metro Detroit and more are certainly coming. One of the more successful metro Detroit natives who has put his mark on the entertainment industry is hardly even known in the area.

Martin Pakledinaz attended St. Lawrence Catholic School in Utica, about 12 miles north of Detroit. He attended Wayne State University in downtown Detroit and earned his master's degree from the University of Michigan. Despite his roots in metro Detroit, few know that he has become one of the most respected costume designers in the business.

He earned his first Tony award in 2000 for his work in "Kiss Me Kate." He would earn a second two years later for "Thoroughly Modern Millie." Pakledinaz is proud of his Michigan heritage and readily points out that being successful in his line of work does not require hailing from New York or Los Angeles. While most in metro Detroit have never heard of him, those in the industry think of him as one of the best at period-influenced costumes, especially those of the 1920s-1940s.

Source:

http://www.candgnewspapers.com/Homepage-Articles/2010/06-30-2010/Sterling-Martin-Paklendinaz.asp