The Myths, Mysteries, and Misunderstandings about Legal Video
Legal videography is a powerful tool that can influence the jury and judges alike. It can be instrumental in decision making inside and outside a courtroom. Legal proceedings, board meetings and sometimes, medicolegal cases require the assistance of video for capturing intricate details that might escape manual transcription processes. So, is videography about to take away the jobs of traditional transcriptionists? Should all court reporters learn videography and digital transcription processes to stay relevant? Is legal videography the same as capturing regular videos?
There are many myths, fears, and misconceptions about legal videography that stem from the newness of the subject. Although it is a persuasive medium, it works as a supplement for the legal transcription and courtroom reporting services in 2018. Video has not yet displaced reporters entirely in any scenario. Here are some of the leading myths and facts about a video that you must learn before you choose your litigation service agency –
Myth 1: Any person with a camera is qualified to film a deposition
Matters of law especially when it involves the court can be complicated. Just as you would not expect a person without formal training to transcribe your court deposition, you cannot assume any random person with a tripod and a camera to cover your court proceedings. All legal videography firms need people with necessary skills for offering satisfactory services to their clients. However, for the best experience, your firm of choice should provide the services of a National Court Reporters Association accredited videographer. Certified Legal Video Specialists have to attend seminars, pass several tests and attend classes. Videography in legal environments needs to adhere to a code of ethics for videographers in legal setups and the 62 standards; the NCRA has set up. To find out more about the qualifications that set the best professionals apart from novice and hobby videographers visithttps://naegeliusa.com/chicago-illinois/.
Myth 2: Video is a luxurious option and not a necessity
Videography is not easy. The operators have to undergo rigorous training to capture maximum information possible on video. Therefore, the resulting video can serve several purposes. The scope of filming witness testaments, dialog exchange between the parties involved in a case or the details of a meeting makes videography indispensable in several situations. Videos have the power to capture the fine details that often escape the stenographer or court reporter’s eyes. It is impossible to record the minute gestures, expressions, and demeanors of the different parties involved in a court case without the presence of video recording services. Presently, video completes court reporting services with the help of its endless capabilities.
Myth 3: The cost of legal video recording is impending
Several attorneys and individual clients often shy away from the video. Law professionals and individuals in need of video services often believe the service to be exuberantly costly. This idea usually comes from the fact that videography instruments are expensive. Producing high-quality audio and visual files often require highly sensitive microphones and HD cameras that can keep track of minor movements. Using audio files is usually impractical since the shuffling of pages and muffled background noises can disrupt data, but video takes these disturbances out of the equation.
Myth 4: Bearing the cost of legal filming if not worth it
It is one of the leading misconceptions about legal videography. Since it has almost unlimited potential, the price becomes one of the necessary expenses that come with high-tech videography. Its multi-utilitarian nature outweighs the initial value of the process. Besides, hiring a legal videography firm can cut down the expenditure involved with long trial periods and erroneous deposition submissions. The only way you can ensure that you get what you pay for is by selecting the videography services very carefully. An experienced videographer will ensure that you get excellent products at competitive pricing. Additionally, the cost covers more than the recording procedure.
Myth 5: Videographers only charge for the filming
Legal videography is a complete service. Your litigation support service will likely cost you for more than just the filming service. The expert team will provide a high-definition picture in picture shots of the procedure, mock deposition videos, and audio-video syncing services. If there is any further editing you require, you should speak with your video recording service. All post-production work usually comprises the total budget of the process. It can include linear and non-linear editing services, duplication services, conversion and media enhancement as well. Consultation, presentation, and preparation services are usually parts of the videography service as well. Other services may include any technical issues that may arise with the video file and format after production and delivery.
How can you positively say that you are working with the best court reporting and videography agency?
There are several legal support services out there that do not provide optimum service to their clients. It is the responsibility of the law firm or the potential client to check the reputation of the court reporting and video support services before hiring them. Finding the right agency during the era of paid advertising and infobesity can be challenging, but asking the correct questions can save you from all loopholes. Always remember to ask these questions before you hire your next team of legal videographers –
How much experience do they have?
Thanks to the advanced communication technologies, it is impossible for a company to fake their years of experience. Video transcription and deposition services require experience to make the process perfect. The professionals have to possess specific certifications, and the company should have an impressive list of clients who can support their claims of expertise and high-quality service. Check their source of videographers and do not forget to check how many videos and depositions they have produced so far.
Who comprises their legal videography team?
The professional videographers specializing in different fields of law need to follow specific codes of ethics. They need to possess certification from the National Court Reporter’s Association along with other training degrees, diplomas and/or certifications. The federal government has laid down several requirements for experts in this niche. There are 62 new standards for video specialists. The employees of your chosen agency should know these and follow these standards as well. They should have the latest permitted recording devices, lighting, sound and monitoring systems.
What kind of technology do they use?
A large number of agencies do not share the details about the technology they use for recording services. Hiring a videographer is not a financially easy choice for an individual or a firm. Therefore, before you pay the amount, you must ensure that they use the latest video, audio, editing, and monitoring technologies. It is necessary, so the video captures the details of the deposition as per the necessities of any legal professional. The video is supposed to complement any form of transcription and reporting service. Without the high standard of capturing and editing, it will be impossible for the attorneys or the legal firms to offer better services.
How can you reach them?
An attorney requires last-minute reporting and recording services more than once during their career. When you are researching your video recording agency options, find out how many legal videographers each company has. Find out their availability and their turnaround time before you make any commitment. Finding a reputable agency witha 24*7 accessibility is not easy at all. It is why the locality of your agency will matter. In case you need a provider within your area, you can find one easily via word of mouth. Finding a new agency in a new area, outside your locality, you need some agency that has the networking power to handle all your requirements.
What can you tell about the reputation of the company?
As we have mentioned before, in this area of websites and the internet, it is impossible to hide bad reviews. You will likely find all you need to know about the agency of your choice from business directories, website reviews, and even social media. Just keep your eyes open for the most recent comments on their service quality and the company’s response time to emergency work. Look for a company that offers high-quality videography services along with excellent court reporting and legal transcription services. Although all three are of very distinct fields, they share several aspects. A company that provides outstanding court reporting service is likely to have at least one team of experts, who specialize in legal video recording.
Having an expert who can capture the details of a case or deposition in video format can change the course of your case. A team of certified legal videographers is now mandatory for finding the subtle clues that can determine your success. State of the art equipment only enhances the skill set your chosen expert already possesses however they can never replace talent. Thus, you need to check the training levels, certifications as well as the equipment of your team before you enter the field.