Remote Videography
Videographers can now record depositions, sworn statements, hearings, IMEs and anything else you need, using Video Conferencing software.
How Does Remote Videography Work?
Traditionally, for a videographer to record depositions, they had to be in the room with the deponent with over 50lbs of equipment, wires, and screens. Now, with everyone working remotely and more in tune with using Video Conferencing, videographers have also adapted to being able to do Remote Videography. The Video Conferencing software for most platforms (GoToMeetings, Zoom, OfficeSuites, Microsoft Teams, etc.) has a recording feature available.
The videographer logs in on their computer and attends the deposition just like the reporter, and is able to control the 'Record' feature, pausing when attorneys wish to go off the record and for breaks, and resuming when the deposition continues. They also ensure that only the deponent is recorded and that the others attending the deposition remain off screen for the recording (though they will appear during the deposition, as normal). They re able to record screen shares and documents displayed, as well as any annotations or shared files in the chat feature.
When the deposition is over, the videographer then edits the video, syncs to the transcript (if requested) and sends the video as they normally would, through a file sharing service; they also archive the video for future needs.
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Recording Using Zoom vs. Videographer
Since most of the video conferencing platforms come with a feature to record, we often get the question about whether or not the attorney can record the deposition themselves, without the assistance of a videographer. The answer is: Yes!
However, if you choose to record the deposition without a videographer, you will have to put someone in charge of stopping and starting the video for off record conversations. You will also have to find someone who knows how to use the video conferencing software who can switch the screens to have the deponent always be on screen (instead of the speaker) but ensure that when an exhibit is shown or shared, that the exhibit is then displayed on the screen. Further, they will have to have video editing software accessible so they can alter the contrast in the recording as well as ensure the sound is good, remove any unwanted sounds from the recording (paper shuffling, sneezing, etc) and format it for viewing. They must also be able to archive the video so it can be accessed at a later date if necessary.
Even after all of this, there is a chance that the video created may not be admissible in court, because it wasn't recorded by a licensed and certified videographer.
What About Quality And Video Access?
There are many videographers out there and many reporting firms have their own videographers on staff, but their quality is unknown and often unreliable, just like some fly-by-night court reporters. With United Reporting, Inc., you get guaranteed attendance, guaranteed quality, and immediate access to your videos via our online repository on our Client Login Portal. We employ our own highly trained and knowledgeable videographers, with our state-of-the-art technology and our guarantee that our videographers will be on-site and on-time, every time.