What You Need to Know About Video Deposition Services
Whether you are deposing witnesses for a lawsuit or are involved in mediation or arbitration, video depositions can greatly impact your case’s outcome.
You should know some things about video deposition services that will help you get the most out of them. These tips will help you prepare for your subsequent video deposition.
Read More: How to Find Work as a Freelance Video Editor
Getting Started
A video deposition records someone’s testimony that may be introduced as evidence at a trial. This specialty area is a fast-growing business for independent videographers and small video businesses. It can be an excellent way to start a business if you want to make money with your video skills.
The first step is determining what you want to accomplish with your video deposition. If you’re planning to play your footage at trial, reviewing the rules of evidence in your jurisdiction is essential.
It would help if you also considered what you want to capture from the witness. Video depositions are a great way to capture moments, including momentary slips in confidence or character, that you can use in court to build your case.
When preparing your witness for their video deposition, be sure to instruct them on what they should do to prepare, including how to avoid body language issues and nervous fidgeting that can negatively impact their appearance on camera. This will ensure they look and act like their best selves during the deposition.
Getting the Right Equipment
Video deposition services like video deposition services Boston MA can be a great sideline for videographers. This kind of work is recession resistant and is an excellent way to earn extra money when times are tough.
The right equipment is essential to getting the job done. Without it, the finished product may be subpar, severely undermining its value in court.
One essential piece of equipment is a camera that can capture uninterrupted for a long time. This is especially important when multiple people are in the room, and you need to keep your recording unobtrusive.
Another piece of equipment that’s vital is a backup audio source. This can save you a lot of time if you accidentally lose or damage a microphone.
You should also have a backup of the video file to ensure you always have a record of what happened during the deposition. It can also help you determine if your camera needs to be repaired.
Getting the Right Person
Video depositions can be invaluable for attorneys and juries before, during, and after a trial. They can capture testimony that would otherwise be lost in a written transcript.
They can also help to strengthen arguments for upcoming negotiations outside of court. Additionally, they can be used to challenge contradictory statements a witness has made during their testimony.
However, before you schedule a video deposition, you need to ensure that the person providing the service is qualified. Many states require that the videographer be a person authorized to administer oaths.
This is a vital step in getting your testimony recorded correctly. It also ensures that the deposition will be taken in a safe, well-lit environment.
Getting the Right Final Product
Video depositions have long been a cornerstone of litigation and discovery. Capturing testimony in a high-quality depo video can make all the difference between winning and losing a case.
A key component of this is the right final product that reflects the firm’s needs and goals for the case. It’s important to discuss what you want in the video presentation ahead of time so that your depo company can plan accordingly.
It’s also good to consider how exhibits will be used in the final product, tiny objects, and paper documents. These may need to be enlarged or manipulated so the camera can capture details and avoid glare off shiny surfaces.
The end product can be a video file, or DVD transferred digitally or delivered to an attorney for playback in a courtroom. It can also be synchronized with a court reporter’s transcript so that the witness’s testimony and audio can be viewed simultaneously on a computer screen.