Meet Mark Adams, Artistic Director at the Edinburgh International Film Festival whom we are extremely pleased to welcome as a member of the Stewart Christie & Co. Gentleman's club. We look forward to assisting Mark with any future tailoring requirements! We spoke with Mark in the summer of 2016 to interview him for a Stewart Christie & Co. Creative Profile .
Q
Name?
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Mark Adams
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Occupation?
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Artistic Director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival
Q
What's the best thing to do in Edinburgh that you can't do anywhere else?
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Embrace that unique atmosphere…escape from the bustle of the city to the peace of the countryside or beach in minutes…enjoy unparalleled vistas. Its hard to put a finger on it, but there is something simply special about the city.
Q
Favourite cinema in the world? (Except the Filmhouse) & Favourite film festival (Except EIFF)?
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Another tough one. There are so many. I love the art deco Pathé Tuschinski in Amsterdam; adore the opulent luxury of the Astor Film Lounge in Berlin and marvel at the outdoor screenings in the Piazza in Locarno or the Roman amphitheatre in Pula….but in the end I think I’d go for the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill.
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What was the first film you ever saw? And what was the first film that made you want to be involved with the film industry?
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I really can’t recall the first film I saw. Probably a Disney film when I was a child. I knew I always loved film, but as to what made me want to be involved in the business I’m not sure. It is hard to imagine there can be a job that simply involves watching films – I do remember seeing a John Carpenter double-bill of Dark Star and Assault on Precinct 13 and being inspired. Then going to my first press screening – as a young journalist in Leicester – at midnight of Raiders of the Lost Ark and thinking – yes, I like this.
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Out of all the film festivals in the world which in your opinion give the most exposure to new film-makers?
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It all depends if you are after exposure to the business or to the media or to the public. Sundance remains a great platform, especially for young independent American filmmakers. But there is no denying the sheer power of Cannes and Berlin. But in truth a great film and a stunning new talent will always shine – EIFF has always supported and helped young filmmakers, along with so many others. At heart that is what we are all about.
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From the 70th Edinburgh Film festival, which film do you feel had the most potential from an emerging talent, either screenplay, director or actor?
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It was wonderful to see the sheer enthusiasm, enjoyment and support for Hunt For the Wilderpeople. The director/writer Taika Waititi has been around for a while and is a real cult star, but the film is a real delight and he is now directing the new Thor film. At the same time it was gratifying to see the response to Philip John’s Scottish-set film Moon Dogs which we had seen very early and really wanted to support.
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You looked dashing in your new Stewart Christie made-to-measure 3 piece suit, tell us a bit about how it makes you feel and where it will get it's first outing?
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I’m so thrilled with the suit. I wanted something I could wear around the world at many of the film festivals I attend and that would be distinctive, Scottish and comfortable. I think it will have its first proper outing in Japan in October when I’m on a jury at the Tokyo International Film Festival
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Who's your dream travel companion?
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Not sure. I tend to travel solo so much that it never occurs to me. But it would have to be someone who embraces the journey; relishes the thought of a new destination and would help me get into lounges and through passport control speedily.
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Tell us a little bit about your experience in the store?
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''The experience of Stewart Christie was quite wonderful. Warm and welcoming, professional and thoughtful, it was all one could ask from such a venerable institution. It simply makes you want to go back and keep in browsing and embracing its sheer sense of style and depth of history. The whisky in the changing room is also rather appealing!'
Thank you Mark for choosing Stewart Christie & Co.
Photography: http://www.mat-hay.com