Legal Videography and Customer Service?? Really?
In my 10 years experience in the Legal Video and Trial Support field customer service is a topic that is rarely mentioned. It seems that some videographers have it and some don’t when it comes to customer service. It seems that some videographers just don’t consider it part of their job description to be professional and friendly. While for other videographers it seems to come naturally. I have several years of customer service background and find it natural to introduce myself, shake hands and offer any assistance to make others feel comfortable.Legal videographers have to remain neutral therefore it is important to treat everyone the same.
What are the advantages to using video for depositions?
There are several reasons to videotape a deposition.
Depending on the type of case and the circumstances surrounding the case an attorney may chose to use video to capture the witness testimony. Often it is more cost effective to videotape a witness and show that video to a jury in place of live testimony. Live expert testimony can be very expensive. Doctors and experts can charge thousands of dollars to appear live at trial where a video deposition would cost a few hundred dollars. Experts may also charge for travel time and accommodations. Many Judges and Juries actually prefer video testimony in place of live testimony. For examples video depositions can help speed the pace of trials.
Microphone placement for video depositions
Audio is a crucial part of producing a video deposition.
You need clean, crisp audio to be a successful videographer. Microphone placement may seem simple however there are many situations that can occur, and you need to be prepared for all of them.
When approaching the witness take your time and introduce yourself. Keep in mind that many people have never given a deposition before, so they may be nervous and uncomfortable. Demonstrate how you would like them to put the microphone on. Ideally you want the microphone to be within 6 to 9 inches from the mouth. If the microphone is placed too low, it may come in contact with the table or papers that are being used during the deposition. This will cause scratching or ruffling sounds. If the microphone is too high you risk the audio being too loud. If you anticipate a problem, tell the witness ahead of time. That way, if you need to signal the witness during the deposition they will be aware of the issue.
Attorneys most likely will have experience with microphones, but do not take it for granted. Take a few seconds at the beginning of each deposition, and after each break to check the microphone location. They handle many documents and exhibits so a low mic could cause considerable problems. It is your job to preserve the testimony. Therefore, it’s your duty to control the position of the mic. Your best bet is to make a habit of checking the mic before you start and after each break to insure clear audio.
