I find the early twentieth century pioneers of documentary-making inspiring figures. They were idealists in tweed jackets and sensible shoes who believed that documentaries were a vital defense against the extreme politics that brought so much cruelty to Europe. Their cameras were cumbersome, their film stock was hugely expensive, and they smoked too much, drank too much and made films that are still a joy to watch today.

60 minutes, a Lambent production broadcast on BBC4 in 2011