‘In some respects corporate video, especially for training, is seen as the poor relation of video production and has therefore been neglected when it comes to insight and guidance as to how to get the most out of it. Until ‘Watch & Learn’ that is, which has to be a first a real-world guide to video drama for workplace learning -written by one of the most experienced video makers in the business, and in such a way as to be relevant to all-comers whether commissioning, designing, writing or managing an L&D project with a video in it. This book is also unusual in that, despite being written from the video producer’s perspective about a niche genre, it doesn’t talk down to us in any way. In fact you really couldn’t wish for a more grounded and creative guide than Tom Hickmore whose unrivalled knowhow and wry humour shines through on every page underpinned by a steely resolve to ring every last drop of screen gold out of any and every budget! The standout chapters for me are the ones on character building technique and writing dialogue and description, including interactive scenarios. But there’s also the nitty gritty of formatting, reviewing scripts and later, what to expect on the day of the shoot. All this is balanced nicely with some of the film theory thatunderpins the creativity. When you’ve read the chapter on dialectical storytelling you feel quite an expert! So there really is something for everyone here and it all reads very easily, more of a memoire than a manual, with Tom able to draw on loads of real-life examples and case studies from video dramas produced for all sorts of private and public sector organisations. You sense with this book this is Tom’s way of putting some jam back into the corporate L&D space that’s been his bread and butter for solong now, and to read this book is proof that sometimes the best things are worth waiting for.’

‘Watch & Learn” is an excellent and concise guide to creating video drama for workplace learning. Tom has shared his considerable experience, with useful tips on everything from character and dialogue to the anthropology of storytelling. The case studies pack a punch too. Recommended.’

‘Drama, when used for learning, is often a bit wooden and the script a bit laboured OR it goes in theother direction and is too gimmicky. This is written by someone, with the experience and background in learning videos, to stop you making the rookie errors. Tons of stuff on process but it’s the advice on dialectical storytelling, building character and scripting that pay back dividends. Best book I’ve read on this subject.’

‘This was a very easy to read book with lots of great advice on what the basics are for filming a drama specifically to be used for learning. I wasn’t looking to make a film with actors but looking to understand a little more about creating dramas in different formats for learning. It has giving me lots to think about.’

‘Tom has effectively captured his craft and distilled his deep experience of drama in learning to give the L&D community a taste of what is possible. His book is well structured allowing you to dive in start to finish or dip into the areas you need most. It’s a fantastic resource for learning designers, scriptwriters and producers, as well as marketers in L&D needing to better understand video drama for learning and how powerful it can be to enable behaviour change.’

‘Tom Hickmore shares a wealth of practical experience and applied learning theory. From concept to edit and everything in between, this is a mini bible for instructional designers, script writers, producers and anyone commissioning video for learning.’

‘As much as our learners like to relax with a box set or blockbuster, drama can also be an impactful way for them to learn. Tom’s guide is the perfect tool for learning designers hoping to use this medium to its fullest potential.’