Legal Videography has a wide definition of so-called experts, certified users and “this guy I know” providers. Make certain you get what you need to go to trial and impress your audience.
1. Are you certified? Now, listen carefully to their answer. Whether or not they are certified really isn’t as important as whether or not they have experience. Make sure they have more than just a driver’s license to record legal video for you.
2. What format do you use? Again, the actual format, whether it be MiniDV, HDV or AVCHD isn’t necessarily as important as the explanation they give as to why they use it. Their explanation should include the facts that their format is digital and it saves time and money for themselves, in turn saving you and your client money and time.
3. How do they deliver their video? Does it work with your system? Do they offer to assist in getting it working for you?
4. What kind of microphones do they use and how many? Audio is one of the most taken for granted aspects of video depositions. Clear audio is just as, if not more important than the video that accompanies it. So, your videographer should offer at least four microphones. One for the witness, one for the taking attorney and one for opposing counsel plus one for themselves and as a backup. The microphones should be lavaliere as opposed to table microphones. Their audio quality is superior because of their proximity to the source of audio (everyone’s mouth) and are not as susceptible to table top noise. One last thing to take into consideration: They should be wired mics and not wireless. Wireless microphones have too many variables to be used in various locations without proper testing.
5. How long do they store or archive the footage? We all know that cases take years to complete and things happen. There’s always a chance that you may need to get another copy from the source. Make certain you know the date that the archive will disappear.
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