FIVE MINUTES WITH: Documentary filmmaker Alexis Girardet

If you had to be stuck in a lift with someone, who would it be and why?

I'd love to have spent more time as an adult with my grandfather, my mother's father. He had such an exotic and mysterious life, his ancestry is really fascinating and I'd love to have got to know of his story. Sadly he died when I was a teenager, when foolishly these things didn't seem so important.

What is your biggest fear?

That something will happen to my wonderful family. That would be truly terrible.

Do you have any superstitions?

I don't like walking under ladders, but I think that's just sensible, who knows what could fall on you. Also I wear a bit of old string around my neck that I was given by a Buddhist monk before I attempted Everest in 2012. I don't know why it's still there but the longer it is, the harder it is to get rid of it. It's my lucky string. My wife would chop it off in a flash.

If you could have one song on your iPod, what would it be and why?

Scooby Snacks by the Fun Lovin' Criminals. When our kids were small they used to love bouncing up and down on our bed shouting out the words, not having a clue what they meant. It's a great memory.

What’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought not including your property?

Probably something really boring like a car. We did have a wonderful summer holiday this year after our children passed their collective GCSEs, A-levels and degrees this year, which wasn't cheap but was worth every penny. They did so well.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Life is about being able to compromise and work with others. The fun one is being given the secret to my nan's pilau rice. I'll pass it onto my kids and no one else, so don't ask.

What’s your indulgence?

Weekends away with my wife, even after nearly 25 years of marriage, making time for just each other is so important and fun.

What item could you not live without?

I always carry a small penknife with me - that's been very useful. It's travelled the world with me and has opened more wine and beer than is good for me.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

Easy, and incredibly vain - I would love the full head of hair I had as a young man. Nothing intellectual or soulful, just my hair.

Where are you next going on holiday?

Not a holiday, but my next work trip is to Siberia for three weeks in winter. I love the cold and the chance to spend some time working in that stunning, bleak yet fascinating environment is a dream come true.