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HDV Legal frequently asked questions (FAQs) What is the AGCV and what does their CCVS, CDVS and CVDS mean? The American Guild of Court Videographers (AGCV) was founded in 1995 by Dr. Gayle Marquette, and now has over 1,500 members, with approximately 500 certified professional legal videographers located not only in the United States, but also world-wide. Unlike other certification bodies, the AGCV offers certification is all aspects of legal videography, and not just depositions. By setting requirements of performance, overseeing those in the profession and verifying the quality of their completed work, the American Guild of Court Videographers certifies its members as "members in good standing" and upon meeting the certification criteria, awards them with the designation of "CDVS" (Certified Deposition Video Specialist), "CVDS" (Certified Video Documentary Specialist), "CCPS" (Certified Courtroom Presentation Specialist) and / or "CCVS" (Certified Court Video Specialist), thereby, assisting the legal profession in their selection of qualified court videographers. The "CCVS" designation means the individual has also been awarded both the "CDVS" and "CVDS" certifications. This allows the AGCV member to not only video record deposition according to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Federal Rules of Evidence (Rule 30 (b) (4)), as a disinterested third party, but they are also qualified to produce documentaries and other related videos as a vital member of the litigation team.
What is a video deposition?
A videotaped deposition saves time, money, and provides a visual image and voice of important witnesses who cannot appear in court. A drawback to a written transcript is that it cannot show the witness’s demeanor or body language, which can be very telling. The Video Deposition has perhaps become the most powerful tool a trial attorney can have at his disposal during discovery and at trial. The testimony of a witness can be a key element to winning a case, but witnesses may not always be available to appear at trial. A video deposition of an expert witness testimony can solve this problem. A crisp picture, steady camera, and clear audio are essential when recording a video deposition. This can only be achieved with the use of high quality equipment and a well trained professional videographer who is always prepared for the number of things that can go wrong when producing a video deposition: Room lighting may not be appropriate for a clear, crisp image of the deponent. Audio can be compromised by air conditioners, electronic equipment, or outside noise. Video recording equipment can malfunction.
For these reasons, members of the HDV Legal team will arrive at least one hour prior to the start of taping to qualify the room and make any necessary adjustments before recording starts. We have backup equipment on-hand, and continually monitor the performance of our equipment during the deposition process. Our goal is to assure that the testimony made before the camera will be equally effective before a jury.
Recording testimony for trial was one of the original uses of forensic video production. Preserving a witness' memory and demeanor provides counsel with an unmatched tool. In addition to testimony, the deponent's appearance, voice, and other behavioral nuances are recorded to help fact finders judge credibility. Once objections are ruled on, the testimony can be edited for playback without interruptions. Many nuances of communication are documented on videotape, including inflection, tone of voice and many other non-verbal expressions. The edited testimony then allows fact-finders to see and hear the deponent's actual testimony and demeanor rather than a third party reading the transcript of the testimony into the record. Our deposition videographers are experienced and certified by the American Guild of Court Videographers to follow the Federal Rules of Evidence (Rule 30 (b) (4)). What is a Settlement Documentary?
This video is a concise summary of your case, including liability and damages, produced for mediation. The presentation looks like a "60 Minutes" segment with narration, interview segments (with plaintiff, family, friends, experts), graphics and possibly animation. It is designed to clearly communicate the negligence, subsequent injury and damages suffered by your client. Segments of the presentation may also be used in a subsequent trial.
How long does it take to produce?
Production typically takes ten to twenty days: two to four days shooting/travel; one to two weeks writing/producing; one week editing/graphics. Please allow one to two months prior to mediation for scheduling.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the number of interviews, complexity of liability, and travel time and expenses. A Settlement Documentary includes videotaping, writing, producing, narration, graphics, and editing. Please contact us to discuss your case and get a cost estimate: info@HDVLegal.com
It is a "routine" day in your client's life captured on videotape. It may be used at mediation or trial. In can be used in conjunction with live testimony by the plaintiff, family member, caregiver, or therapist. The videographer documents and features the plaintiff's Activities of Daily Living, i.e., bathing, dressing, eating, and various therapies. It dramatically depicts the effects of catastrophic injuries, such as paraplegia, quadriplegia, and brain damage. A Day-in-the-Life is produced without narration, and is used in conjunction with live testimony in the courtroom by the plaintiff, a caregiver, or a therapist. The fifteen to twenty minute presentation is shown to the jury so fact-finders have an opportunity to see and comprehend the daily challenges the plaintiff faces.
How long does it take to produce?
It typically takes five days total: two to three days shooting/travel, one to two days for editing. Please allow two to four weeks for scheduling.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the plaintiff’s daily routine and the number of hours of videotaping required. Please contact us to discuss your case and get a cost estimate: info@HDVLegal.com. |
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