When it comes to creating a powerful piece of testimony, there is no substitute for video. Video recordings have been used to show limitations after an injury, surgical proceedings, and even footage of a loved one who was lost in an accident. The act of seeing something as it happens on a screen is worth several pages of printed testimony, so it’s no surprise that more and more attorneys are using video depositions as evidence in their cases.
How to Create an Effective Video Deposition
If you are recording a deposition, it is important to do so as early as possible. A witness’s memory of the events may fade well before the case goes to court, and getting a video of his testimony will preserve the facts of the case as well as your client’s emotional reactions.
Four Tips for Turning Your Video Deposition Into Compelling Testimony
- Backdrop. Many lawyers choose to film their clients sitting at a desk in the firm’s conference room. While this may be a comfortable place for the attorney, the client is seldom relaxed, making the testimony seem stiff. If the client is willing, you may film the deposition at his house or even at the site of the accident to give the testimony more depth.
- Camera angles. One camera may be enough to capture what is said in a deposition, but multiple cameras allow the jury to see the whole picture. The angle of the camera is also important, as certain actions can affect a jury differently. For instance, looking down at a piece of evidence may make a witness look evasive, while pausing or looking confused may make the jury sympathetic.
- Equipment. Video technology is now affordable and widely available, but that only makes choosing the right equipment more difficult. You need to preserve as much of the audio and video quality as possible, so opting for high-end microphones and cameras is always preferable to using a webcam or camera phone.
- Your limits. Is your courtroom wireless enabled? How large is the TV screen? Can everyone see and hear the testimony clearly? If something goes wrong, do you know how to troubleshoot the technology? Answering these questions ahead of time can save you from losing the jury’s attention in court.
Although the recording equipment may be “point and shoot,” there’s a lot more to producing a good video deposition than simply turning on a camera. Attorneys can avoid purchasing high-end equipment and get better value for their money by hiring a videographer who has experience shooting depositions. At Casamo, we offer a fully-equipped deposition venue and on-site technical staff to help you create effective video evidence in your case. Visit our online scheduler page to find out how we can be of service to you.
