The method described for selecting objects (concluding at around 7:30) doesn't seem to work, in 2.80 that is... I assume due to the Python version update...
>>> bpy.data.objects['Cube'].select
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "<blender_console>", line 1, in <module>
AttributeError: 'Object' object has no attribute 'select'
some additional info...
Selecting object by name in 2.8 (StackExchange)
so, instead of the "direct" way, you need to use:
select_get() and select_set()... mind the use of round brackets! : )