Video Record of Deposition
Of all the video production assignments performed by the Videobilia Lab, none is more
demanding than the Video Deposition. This is a case where every aspect of the finished
product must be perfect in one take (one very long take) with no chance of a "do-over" and
many legal ramifications to face for producing a sub-standard product.
The media of choice in this case is VHS Tape, even in this
digital age, for many reasons. As verified many times in
the editing lab, all of the video footage recorded to a
digital source during a session can be lost without
warning, if the finalization process cannot be engaged
due to a malfunction in the software or hardware.
Never happens with VHS. We record a VHS "Back-Up"
Master Tape at the same time we record our regular VHS
Master Tape so there is a second source of original video
if needed. Also, the large capacity of VHS video tape, in
the highest quality *SP* mode, allows a running time of
2Hr. * 40Min. without an interruption in the
proceedings to change or check on digital media.
miniDV tape and Digital-8 tape are good for only an hour of recording time.
The Equipment used for videotaping the Deposition is
fully pre-tested the day before the scheduled date.
When the production console cart is brought, fully
assembled, to the site for the actual deposition, A Video
Camera is connected to a Super-VHS VCR that is also
connected to a VCR Monitor Combo in order to produce
the original and a backup VHS tape at the same time. The
on-camera mic can pick up good quality audio of the
entire proceedings but the deponent will be using a
lapel-clip microphone in order to get the best audio
clarity. An On-Screen-Titler will show the Deponent's
Name and Case Number on screen throughout the
video along with the Date and the Current Time in a
"running clock" that displays in HR:MIN:SEC format.
To insure that the video is coordinated with the written
transcript, an audio tape is also made during the
proceedings for the use of the Court Recorder.
The modern procedure of course is to convert the Master Tape into a DVD disk for use at
trial - but the actual VHS Master Tape still stays on file and can be played in court, on our
equipment, if the opposing counsel objects to a faithful transfer to DVD. The obvious advantage
of DVD is that any particular statement by the deponent that is deemed important to the
outcome of the case can be found instantly by setting that location as a *chapter point*
accessible through a single click.
Fees for Deposition Services:
$90.00 per Labor Hour - Labor rate for Deposition Videography and other "Away" Work.
$30.00 per Travel Hour - "Same-Day" round trip to site from Antioch, CA
Minimum Charge of 2-Labor Hours ($180.00) for each "Away" Video Production assignment.
This Charge will apply if Cancellation is not made by 48 Hours prior to scheduled start
$80.00 per Labor Hour - Basic Rate for "In-Lab" Videography or Editing Work.
Click HERE for Printable (PDF) Deposition Ad Flyer - page 1 "General and Price Information"
Click HERE for Printable (PDF) Deposition Ad Flyer - page 2 "Elements of the Deposition"
Click HERE for Printable (PDF) Deposition Ad Flyer - page 3 "Experience & References"
Click HERE to e-mail Bill Moore's VIDEOBILIA LAB for more Information
Of all the video production assignments performed by the Videobilia Lab, none is more
demanding than the Video Deposition. This is a case where every aspect of the finished
product must be perfect in one take (one very long take) with no chance of a "do-over" and
many legal ramifications to face for producing a sub-standard product.
The media of choice in this case is VHS Tape, even in this
digital age, for many reasons. As verified many times in
the editing lab, all of the video footage recorded to a
digital source during a session can be lost without
warning, if the finalization process cannot be engaged
due to a malfunction in the software or hardware.
Never happens with VHS. We record a VHS "Back-Up"
Master Tape at the same time we record our regular VHS
Master Tape so there is a second source of original video
if needed. Also, the large capacity of VHS video tape, in
the highest quality *SP* mode, allows a running time of
2Hr. * 40Min. without an interruption in the
proceedings to change or check on digital media.
miniDV tape and Digital-8 tape are good for only an hour of recording time.
The Equipment used for videotaping the Deposition is
fully pre-tested the day before the scheduled date.
When the production console cart is brought, fully
assembled, to the site for the actual deposition, A Video
Camera is connected to a Super-VHS VCR that is also
connected to a VCR Monitor Combo in order to produce
the original and a backup VHS tape at the same time. The
on-camera mic can pick up good quality audio of the
entire proceedings but the deponent will be using a
lapel-clip microphone in order to get the best audio
clarity. An On-Screen-Titler will show the Deponent's
Name and Case Number on screen throughout the
video along with the Date and the Current Time in a
"running clock" that displays in HR:MIN:SEC format.
To insure that the video is coordinated with the written
transcript, an audio tape is also made during the
proceedings for the use of the Court Recorder.
The modern procedure of course is to convert the Master Tape into a DVD disk for use at
trial - but the actual VHS Master Tape still stays on file and can be played in court, on our
equipment, if the opposing counsel objects to a faithful transfer to DVD. The obvious advantage
of DVD is that any particular statement by the deponent that is deemed important to the
outcome of the case can be found instantly by setting that location as a *chapter point*
accessible through a single click.
Fees for Deposition Services:
$90.00 per Labor Hour - Labor rate for Deposition Videography and other "Away" Work.
$30.00 per Travel Hour - "Same-Day" round trip to site from Antioch, CA
Minimum Charge of 2-Labor Hours ($180.00) for each "Away" Video Production assignment.
This Charge will apply if Cancellation is not made by 48 Hours prior to scheduled start
$80.00 per Labor Hour - Basic Rate for "In-Lab" Videography or Editing Work.
Click HERE for Printable (PDF) Deposition Ad Flyer - page 1 "General and Price Information"
Click HERE for Printable (PDF) Deposition Ad Flyer - page 2 "Elements of the Deposition"
Click HERE for Printable (PDF) Deposition Ad Flyer - page 3 "Experience & References"
Click HERE to e-mail Bill Moore's VIDEOBILIA LAB for more Information
