Why shouldn’t a court reporter also serve as the videographer for a deposition?
The idea has an obvious appeal. Getting a typed transcript and a video record of a deposition without having to pay the wages for two professionals to be present sounds great. In fact, it sounds too good to be true.
Having a single individual attempt to perform both services simultaneously may result in the creation of a record that is incomplete or does not conform to existing professional standards.
The most valuable aspect of having a trained videographer behind the camera is that he or she can monitor the equipment and ensure the recording is running smoothly at all times. The same level of performance simply cannot be guaranteed when one person is charged with controlling the camera while creating a verbatim transcript.
The creation of a complete video record depends on the successful coordination of multiple moving parts and it is critical that all equipment is set up properly at the outset of the interview session. Failure to meet existing standards for legal videography could jeopardize the utility of the record.
The set of standards for video depositions developed by the Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS) Council of the National Court Reporters Association includes 62 specific rules. For example, videographers are required to deploy at least four working microphones at all times during a deposition and ensure that the deponent and any exhibits being presented are in clear view of the camera.
The CLVS standards also stipulate that a "videographer shall continuously monitor the video recording" and the audio output during the deposition. It would be nearly impossible for an individual to follow this rule while creating a verbatim transcript.
For lawyers working on cases in Wisconsin, nothing ensures that a comprehensive record of your depositions will be created like working with both a certified court reporter and a trained legal videographer.
May 16th, 2013 at 6:34 pm
Our CLVS videographers at Brown & Jones are exceptional in their field. We know when we send out a videographer, that case will be handled professionally and technically sound. I am glad that Dean, John & Renee are Committed to Excellence!!