I'm always looking to depict the human side of the scientists featured in my films. That obviously means exploring their life away from science.

This makes Dr Janet Folkes a gift from above, so to speak.

Away from the University of Nottingham's high-tech water jet, Janet's big passion is hot air ballooning, a field in which she's quite well-known and a multiple record-holder.

In December she'll be taking delivery of a brand new hot air balloon (designs above), sponsored by the University of Nottingham. She has various plans for it, from university joyrides to possible scientific research. And it may culminate next year in a flight over the Great Wall of China.

All very exciting material for a filmmaker obviously... And lucky for me, as I didn't even know about this side of Janet's life until after we'd met.