Our Editor-in-Chief, SANTI PINTADO, discusses a decade at the helm of MAXIM AUSTRALIA. Warning: blatant namedropping ahead…
When you launched MAXIM Australia 10 years ago, did you ever expect you’d still be working on it 10 years later?
Hell, no! If you asked me in 2011 if we’d still be around in 10 years, after launching our inaugural issue with Jennifer Hawkins on the cover, I would’ve told you that you were dreamin’. When we first announced we were entering the men’s lifestyle market, MAXIM Australia had so many non-believers — especially the so-called “media experts” who predicted we’d fold after three issues. Yet, here we are 121 editions later. Special shout out to Australia’s “leading” media analyst Steve Allen.
What’s your favourite cover to date?
As the wankers say, this is like “choosing your favourite child”. There’s been some awesome covers over the years – Ruby Rose posing in her birthday suit for PETA is a stand out, as is Delta Goodrem’s 2020 MAXIM HOT 100 photo shoot, and shooting Charlie Sheen in L.A. must score a mention as he is the first and only male we’ve had on a cover. But, I really can’t go past issue number one, our launch issue – the whole experience shooting with the iconic Hawko and having her as our first-ever cover girl for MAXIM Australia is still one the biggest highlights for us.
Do you have a favourite issue?
See previous “choosing your favourite child” answer. Every issue has its own merits — it’s impossible to choose just one.
What’s been your favourite photo shoot location?
There’s been way too many amazing locations we’ve had the pleasure of shooting at – from epic mansions to luxury yachts to exotic local and international settings – to name only one favourite. However, another stand out is when we did four photo shoots over two days in West Hollywood showcasing four outstanding Australian models living in Los Angeles, California. And of course, all of our Destination MAXIM trips are definitely up there as far as epic locations go — they’ve simply been outstanding. Actually, for more on these, check out our best of Destination MAXIM on page 84. You won’t be disappointed.
Do you have a favourite interview?
Again, there’s been way too many extremely enjoyable and exciting interviews I’ve done over the last decade, to give you just one favourite. Ricky Gervais and Seth Rogen were both hilarious highpoints, and chatting to my heroes Quentin Tarantino, Jeremy Piven and UFC President Dana White was equally awesome. But I guess getting to rap “It Was A Good Day” with Ice Cube has to be up there as far as my career highlights go.
What about a favourite story that you have done in the last 10 years?
Probably travelling to L.A. then to Las Vegas to cover the best bars, restaurants, hotels and their collective local scenes or glamping at Coachella for three days and getting to watch some quality acts. I wouldn’t be able to pinpoint specifics because, to be honest, I wasn’t exactly sober at either of these locations.
You have been to heaps of VIP parties. Got a favourite?
Jeez, there’s been so many epic parties over the last 10 years – some of which I even remember! Any of our massive MAXIM HOT 100 parties have got to be mentioned as well as the U.S. MAXIM HOT 100 VIP party in Los Angeles. It’s not every day you get to sip champagne, do shots of tequila and party on with the likes of Candice Swanepoel, Drake, Vin Diesel, Paris Hilton…
Finally, who would you like to thank for the last 10 years?
First and foremost, to the MAXIM team and anyone who has ever been involved in producing the magazine, website, TV show and our social media platforms. Special mention to our brilliant art director, Luke Shaddock, who has gone above and beyond for Nuclear Media in the last decade – thanks for sticking with me, mate. And to our managing director/publisher/owner, Michael Downs, for always believing in what MAXIM is and can still achieve. Our photographers for their quality work – shout out to Wayne Daniels, Rocky Batchelor, Neil Dixon, Arthur St John and Brian B Hayes. Thanks, snappers! To all the talent, celebrities, models, influencers, etc… who have appeared in these pages and given us content to work with, thanks. And last, but definitely not least YOU – the reader/viewer/fan – for your endless support. We hope you enjoy this special 10th birthday issue and continue the love you have for MAXIM. Until next month, thank you! ■
For the full article grab the August 2021 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
