Tip #1 – One speaker at a time
The court reporter can only type what one person says at a time, so when multiple participants speak it becomes hard for the reporter to capture everything correctly. Videos also take longer to edit if multiple people are speaking over each other, because the cuts are not as smooth and can cause a bad transition for one question to the next.
Tip #2 – Your video setup
Before a deposition starts its a good idea to let the videographer know if you would like the witness positioned a particular way in distance to the videographer’s lens. There are two major setups in the deposition world. In one the videographer records over the questioners shoulder so the witness is looking toward the camera and giving a good look toward the camera. Recording style two is when the videographer records as the questioners (usually sitting 2-15 ft down the table) ask questions from the right and left side of table as the witness sits centered between the questioners. The videographer is positioned across from the witness. Witness and videographer face each other.
Tip #3 – Keep mic on if you plan to speak or speak up
If you plan to objection or ask for exhibit numbers verbally, then keep a microphone near by or attached to your clothing. Court reporters need to hear everything that happens at a deposition when On-the-Record, so having a microphone and a videographer controlling the sound will help the reporter deliver the most verbatim transcription.
Tip #4 – Check out your videographer’s video framing
If you care about what your witness looks like on camera then ask the videographer to show you the framing of the witness before the deposition begins. If you don’t like something due to personal preference then you can alter the framing before the deposition begin thus correcting any issues you may have and keeping some control.
Tip #5 – Speaking & do not want to be recorded, then cover your mic
Videographer will make every attempt to and are very good at keep sidebar talk off the recording during a deposition recording, but the best thing to do is cover your mic if you plan on saying something that you don’t want the microphones to induce into the video record when played in court. Play it safe and cover you mic, but don’t take it off unless you are done questions or objecting. The mics are there for a reason.
Tip #6 – Video editing notice
It is always got idea to tell you video production people your trial date. This will help them prepare your video for editing if needed. This will cut down on the video delivery time.
Tip #7 – When recording exhibits
One should hold them up for the camera so that they can be focused on and recorded. The person holding the exhibit up should wait for the videographer to give the cue that the exhibit has been recorded.
Tip #8 – Be clear with your instructions
Always be clear with your important needs and instructions. Depositions are a live event and can’t be redone, so do it right the first time. Think about if you will have any special needs that need to be addressed before the start date of your deposition. Do you need a DVD right after the deposition ends? Do you need a projector? A livenote court reporter? A videostream connection? Remain calm because you have hired a professional that knows how to record deposition, edit, and use their equipment to produce quality videos.
Tip #9 – Bring business cards and notice
Bring business cards to cut down of spelling errors and keep accuracy. A case notice isn’t always necessarily needed at the start of the deposition, but can be very helpful to both the legal videographer or court reporter.
Tip #10 – Paper noises
Placing paper over the microphones or wrestling with papers near microphones may distort the audibility of questions or answers during a video deposition. Try to refrain from wrestling papers. Keep your witness from covering their microphones with the exhibits or by folding their arms over the mics.