The passing of Micky Lachmann

I was among the many people deeply saddened to hear of the premature death of Micky Lachmann in a climbing accident in the French Alps in June.

He was an extraordinary talent as a producer and director and had an amazing ability to make the most esoteric subject matter a fun watch for a general audience. A WhatsApp group for friends and colleagues formed in reaction to his loss is testament to the hundreds of lives he touched over decades of ground-breaking and inspirational filmmaking. My own professional connection with him began in 1998 when he walked into the one-man office in Fitzrovia, home to the nascent Productionbase, which he joined that day over a cup of tea. I liked him immensely and became a supporter and promoter of his work from that day onwards.

It's been incredibly moving to read so many wonderful obituaries and tributes to Micky in the last few weeks. Matthew Bannister captures his spirit and many unique qualities beautifully in the latest edition of Radio 4’s Last Word.

Micky Lachmann (centre left) and Brian Cox (centre right) on location off Catalina Island, California, during the making of Wonders of Life. Photograph: BBC