Gale Maimane: A Few Of My Favourite Things

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.