Important Considerations for Deposition Videography

If you are going to be conducting a deposition, it will be beneficial to have a video of the proceedings. However, you must know what you should know before you hire a videography service. Listed below are some of the most important considerations for hiring deposition videography:

Rules of civil procedure

In many states, attorneys may be able to use videography in a deposition. But, there are some concerns attorneys should keep in mind. There are rules regarding the conditions of the room, the backdrop, lighting, camera placement, zooming, and the number of cameras. Most attorneys prefer color videotaping and set up the video camera so that the witness faces the camera. Videotaping also can interfere with the stenographic recording, so parties should stipulate conditions that will make videography acceptable.

Before the videotape begins, videographers must give notice to both sides. They must notify the court that a videotape will be used. If videotaping is used in a federal deposition, a party must provide notice to the court if they plan to use it. This notice must specify which method is to be used. The videotape must be on a tripod, and the barrel of the lens should be at eye level with the deponent.

Equipment requirements

To begin, a videographer must first decide what equipment is required to make an effective video for depositions. The most basic type of camera is one that records video with no editing. Although many judges do not allow edited copies of depositions in open court, there are some exceptions. Depending on the case, a certified unedited copy may be sufficient. SD cards can be expensive, so tape is a good choice.

When choosing videography equipment, there are several things to consider. First of all, a camcorder is ideal for depositions because it can record uninterrupted for long periods of time. DSLR cameras, on the other hand, have a twenty-minute recording limit, which can be a problem for many depositions. Moreover, cameras require excellent lighting, so they should have adequate light sources. Lastly, an experienced videographer should also purchase audio-visual equipment.

Time frame

It's vital for deposition videographers to arrive early for a deposition to get their equipment set up. Using portable backdrops can reduce distracting factors when standing behind a deponent. Also, they should know where to send the deposition video for examination. Before the deposition, videographers should prepare by knowing the location, who to contact, and what to bring to the deposition. Deposition videography should be done efficiently and professionally.

While some states allow multiple cameras for deposition videography, others mandate that only one video recording be made. It is essential to make sure the video equipment is tested thoroughly before the deposition. Clear audio and video will improve the quality and reliability of the deponent's testimony. Getting to the deposition location early will also allow you time to adjust equipment. Also, be sure to clear the location of any obstacles. If there's no place to set up the equipment, keep it to a minimum.

Cost

When negotiating the cost of deposition videography, remember that you're paying for the quality of the work, experience, and time spent setting up the equipment. Plus, there's the time to schedule the recording after the deposition is over. It is therefore critical to consider the flat rate offered by the videographer and compare that with the rates of competitors. Even if you're not planning on hiring videography services for your deposition, you can still save money by getting a discount on a second video camera.

The cost of deposition videography may be as low as $200. However, if the deposition is longer than the agreed-upon time, you may have to pay an overtime fee. Overtime fees range from $50 to $125 per hour. For example, if the deposition lasts for fifteen minutes longer, you'll be charged the equivalent of a quarter of an hour's rate. Also, consider a travel fee if the videographer must travel out of state. Some videographers will charge extra if they have to drive to the location of the deposition.