training films

[Richard Sobocinski <"Richard_G_Sobocinski%~WHC207"@CCMAIL.PNL.GOV>]

Hi,
I'm looking for two types of information about instructional
films, in preparation for an interview next week:

from audiences:
   What was the best instructional/training film you've
   ever seen? What made it the best?

from film-makers and writers:
   If you've ever worked on/made instructional films for
   industry, what was your biggest problem?

I may soon be working on a series of instructional films
for a multi-cultural audience; this is a new area for me, and
I'm starting to do research (looking at archives, reading up on
communication) ... and am looking for advice on pitfalls to
avoid and successes to study. Any advice along these lines
would be most welcome.

Thanks,
Angie Heckman (c/o) ivaalm -at- urc -dot- tue -dot- nl
=======================================
         The best training films I ever watched starred John Cleese of
         Monty Python fame.  If I remember correctly, he owns a
         company that produces training videos and is very successful
         in that field.  As you might expect, humor is used to keep
         the audience's attention, but the point is always made.
         Unfortunately, I don't think he acts in the videos anymore,
         but they are available from the places that specialize in
         renting instructional videos and are worth a look at.  There
         is nothing worse than being an employee forced to watch a
         badly mad training video.

         Rich