Why videotape a deposition?
Videotaping depositions captures the nonverbal expressions that are so much a part of true communication. A witness’ voice, appearance and demeanor are all caught on camera and can totally change the interpretation of what is being said. Television, YouTube, and the DVD have made us a visual society. Merely reading testimony does not impact a jury or opposing counsel like video does. Certainly, video depositions are valuable when a witness’ testimony would otherwise be unavailable for trial and can reduce the high cost of expert testimony by eliminating travel costs and time.
Are jurists persuaded by testimony presented on video?
Yes! Studies repeatedly demonstrate jurists retain information up to 6 times better when seeing witnesses along with hearing them speak. Video proves to be more compelling than just listening to testimony being read aloud or being played from an audiotape recorder. Videotaped testimony is a persuasive communication tool.
Does it matter which video company I use?
Absolutely. All videographers of Affordable Video Solutions are experienced professionals who will ensure that the deposition is properly and professionally recorded. The type and placement of camera, the proper use of supplemental lighting, and the clarity of the audio signal are among the many details that can serve to either enhance or detract from the usefulness of a video. Using our expert, independent services safeguards against bias that can arise from improper production.
What are the credentials of Affordable Video Solutions, Inc.?
We are an independent, professional production company with over 29 years of legal videography expertise. Our videographers are experienced, dedicated professionals, each with backgrounds in all aspects of video production. We maintain Certified Legal Video Specialist designation through NCRA and carefully abide by the rules of civil procedure. We are not financially interested in the action of a case, and we are neither relatives, nor employees of any of the parties. We are committed to providing the best possible video and audio available utilizing our broadcast-quality equipment and our team of highly-skilled videographers.
What are the video formats offered for depositions?
We provide every format available, including the formats of DVD, MPEG-1, DepoView and Video-Text Synchronization compatible with Sanction, Trial Director, Summation, LiveNote and Power Point trial presentation software.
What are the benefits of using video and transcript synchronization?
Large cases benefit from synchronizing all of the depositions to cohesively manage the testimony for all of the witnesses. Words and phrases can be searched and cataloged with clips created to focus on those specific areas of testimony. Synchronization is also useful at trial for playing back the created clips or to impeach a witness by searching his or her deposition transcript and playing the video back within seconds.
Can a video deposition be edited?
Any video deposition can be edited to either extract objections or colloquy or to condense a deposition into specific areas of testimony. Affordable Video Solutions, Inc. holds all backups for video depositions for a minimum of two years, allowing for any editing needs to be done almost immediately upon notice because the masters do not need to be delivered to our offices.
What is a Day in the Life Documentary?
Forceful and compelling, a Day in the Life video of the plaintiff is a condensed documentary showing the difficulties of daily living for the injured party and their families. The jury sees “first hand” exactly how the plaintiff’s life has changed and the extraordinary effort it takes for them, sometimes with the aid of family members, to perform ordinary daily tasks.
