Ten Questions: Sam Goldblatt

Published on Thursday 11 June 2009 10:14

Sam Goldblatt, 25, is producer of the Edinburgh 48 Hour Film Project. He lives in Bruntsfield.

1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? I first visited for the 2004 Fringe. I remember the stunning view of Arthur's Seat, then arriving on the Royal Mile and mobs gathered around bizarre street performers. The sun was shining through the pouring rain. I thought it was the craziest city in the world and knew I would live here one day.

2 What are your memories of school? I went to Rock Creek Forest Elementary School in Washington DC. While in kindergarten, my parents took me and my brother to London. I remember writing a journal about the trip for school, and drawing pictures of Starlight Express.

3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? The Meadows. Every Sunday I play football with the ushers of the Festival Theatre there and it's just a happy place.

4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? All the cultural amenities of a big city in a compact area. We've got West End musicals at the Playhouse, world-class ballet and opera at the Festival Theatre, touring plays at the King's, new work at the Traverse, and brilliant productions at the Lyceum. Add to this two of the best cinemas in the world – the Cameo and the Filmhouse.

5 What would you change about the city? Instead of trams, how about a log flume?

6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out. Every perfect Saturday begins at the Farmers' Market on Castle Terrace. Depending on the weather, we'll either take in a film at the Cameo, or take my parents' dog Kong to the Meadows. Depending on what's playing, we would end up at either the Festival Theatre for a ballet or the Picture House for a gig. Dinner from Kebab Mahal, and there is no better place to end the night than Brauhaus on Lauriston Place.

7 Which sports interest you? I love American football, and root for the New Orleans Saints and the Edinburgh Wolves.

8 What was your most embarrassing moment? Saying, "Edin-berg" when I first arrived.

9 What is your greatest achievement? I'm very proud to have arrived in Edinburgh in 2007, not knowing a soul, and creating the Edinburgh 48 Hour Film Project.

10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Creative, innovative, celebratory.