Taking Depositions in Asia Part 3 – Hiring a Certified Videographer

In Part 2 you learned how to choose an American certified realtime court reporter for your depositions in Asia. Now it’s time to determine how to choose a qualified videographer.

In many instances, foreign witnesses cannot be compelled to testify live at trial in the U.S. Therefore, preserving their testimony with video for use at trial is crucial, so that the jury is able to see the body language and hear the tone and inflection of the witness. Therefore, choosing a certified videographer will ensure that the quality of the audio and video will be “trial ready.”

TIPS FOR HIRING A QUALIFIED LEGAL VIDEOGRAPHER

CERTIFICATIONS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Confirm that the videographer is either a Certified Legal Video Specialist (by the National Court Reporters Association) or certified by the American Guild of Court Videographers. Videographers who carry these certifications are well versed in the taking of U.S. depositions and have completed training and certification to ensure compliance with industry standards and guidelines.
• Is the videographer up to date with continuing education (CEUs) in the United States and familiar with the latest legal video technology?
• Is the videographer a legal videographer as opposed to a wedding photographer?
• Does the videographer have legal videography experience in the United States and internationally?
• Does the videographer follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for videotaping depositions?
• Does the videographer run a redundant back-up in case of media failure?

Choosing a certified legal videographer will avoid disappointment and will ensure high-quality audio and video.

LOCAL EXPERTISE THROUGHOUT ASIA:

• Is the videographer on the ground in the country where the deposition is taking place? If not, what steps have been taken to ensure the equipment will arrive intact and on time in light of airport security, Customs and weight restrictions?
• Is the videographer well versed in the varying voltage and wattage throughout Asia and in possession of adapters, converters and compatible equipment?
• Does the videographer have local sources for backup if any of the equipment malfunctions?
• Can the videographer cover depositions without your law firm stepping in to obtain a visa for them?

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Does the videographer record a simultaneous backup to ensure a high-quality product in the event of hardware corruption or other technical difficulties?
• Does the videographer shoot in NTSC (U.S. video compatible) so that you don’t incur an expensive format conversion in the States or find that the video is unusable?
• Is there an indelible time code stamped onto the media?
• Can the videographer deliver the video synchronized with the transcript in multiple formats that will import into any and all trial presentation programs?
• Will the videographer set up individual Lavalier microphones for the witness, interpreters and all attorneys?

ACCESSIBILITY

• Does the videographer have a staffed U.S. office that can work with you during your business hours and be reached 24/7?
• Do the videographer and staff speak fluent English?

MONEY MATTERS

• Will the videographer cover your depositions in Asia with NO TRAVEL EXPENSES?
• Can you make payment in U.S. dollars and without wiring money internationally?
• Will your deposition be covered without an up-front deposit?

Hiring a local certified videographer is a critical part of ensuring the successful completion of your overseas depositions. Using the above guidelines to help evaluate prospective videographers for your next deposition in Asia will not only save time and cost, but will also ensure that important testimony is properly recorded, preserved and ready for use at trial.

Up next: Part 4 – Hiring the interpreter