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Gale Maimane: A Few Of My Favourite Things
Radical Media new signing Gale Maimane talks us through the noise-cancelling, non-caffinated, nifty-cooking items she keeps around herself to maintain creative inspiration.
As a filmmaker, I work when and where is needed. Early on in my career, my friend Adam Bentel, a Director of Photography, once teased me about needing a desk. He said, "Come on, you're a filmmaker - the world is your office!”.
It’s funny because it’s true!
It sounded wild and far-fetched then, but now, it's my reality. Between my home and any surface, I can perch my laptop, notepad or quickly scribble a note on my phone, I work where and how and when.
You'd think a filmmaker's must-haves might be eccentric, right? Well, not exactly!
When I paused to take stock, I realised I was accidentally engaging in a minimalism kick, seeking out tools and habits that don't clutter my life but make it fun; making me sharper and more energised.
So I’ve picked apart my days and isolated the things I can’t live (read: work) without right now.
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The Camera(s)
My lifelong love affair with capturing moments started at 6 years old with a pink Barbie toy camera, and it's been a rollercoaster ever since.
A camera is always within reach. Cliché, but true.
Cameras have become an extension of me, whether it's a classic 35mm or my phone.
My 35mm used to be on my person every day, all day but I’ve slowed down a lot, focusing more on creating conceptual images and bodies of work not only capturing/documenting it.
The Mamiya; Canon; Pentax and iPhone are my current favourites and constant companions.
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The Headphones
By day, in slower moments and prep, I’m an easily distracted, silly little chatterbox.
So when I write to avoid forgetful people watching or becoming a magpie for social interaction I put on my trusty noise-cancelling headphones to save the day and rein in my scattered focus.
Predictable? Sure.
Essential? Absolutely.
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The Non-Caffeinated Drinks
No need for alarm, I love coffee but with time it's become a love-hate relationship.
Once upon a time, I was on a caffeine rollercoaster; I used to be a 5-7 espresso a day coffee person.
Now, I've had to trade my espresso addiction for a healthier relationship and cut it down to like two… health is wealth and all that.
So yeah, now it’s kombucha’s and Pantone-coloured juices to actually fuel me, not send me on a jittery caffeine ride.
And it tends to have to be sparkling water and another drink, replicating my favourite way to drink espresso.
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The Light
It’s non-negotiable in my work; I genuinely believe good light makes everything better.
Of course, I adapt when things are what they are and I cannot lighting design every room I’m in but I find writing is best in natural or neutral light.
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The Flowers
I arrange and display flowers around the spaces I work in.
Arranging them allows me to play with colour, material and make something that makes my workspace brighter.
A week-long occasional visual treat, no stress, just an aesthetic playground for my mind.
And a meditative pursuit that calms my mind and adds a dash of visual delight to my days.
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The Movement
Not a 'thing', exactly, but post-pandemic, I've rediscovered the joy of movement.
I decided to throw myself into HIIT training, adding a little running and then I went back to Martial Arts/ Boxing.
These activities are my escape from the stresses of work.
They're more than just workouts; they're meditative practices that challenge me to let go and embrace the physicality of life.
Hanging out with friends and relaxing works too but it was a good friend who told me “get a hobby” and man has that advice been a tonic.
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The Cooking
Like many, I have turned a chore/nifty skill into a hobby!
It gives me joy to create new dishes for myself and to make and share them with my loved ones.
There's an odd serenity in the rhythm of chopping an onion or watching a pot boil.
It’s relaxing.
Cooking isn't just about meals; it's my low-stakes canvas for creativity.
Crafting new dishes, and experimenting with flavours - it's an easy form of self-expression.