News From Planet Depos

Legal Videography and the Remote Deposition

If you need video of a witness who is being deposed through remote technology, there is no need to worry that the video quality will suffer. Videographers have been videorecording remote witnesses for years – even from different continents – and technological advances have greatly improved the quality of both picture and audio in remote depositions, thus improving the videorecording. There are also things that you can do to set the stage for the best possible videorecording of your remote deposition, long before the videographer’s read-on.

The first thing to do for a remote deposition which will be videorecorded by a legal videographer is make sure the Notice of Deposition states that the remote deposition will be videorecorded by a legal videographer. The Notice must state that the deposition is being taken via remote technology, and that a legal videographer will videorecord the testimony. For the deposition to proceed at all, it must be noted accurately. Make sure to schedule a videographer to record the proceeding; the technician is not a videographer. You do want to schedule a technician for the remote deposition as well, to ensure a smooth, continuous connection. The technician also shares and marks exhibits if needed and quietly performs other administrative tasks behind the scenes.

Once the deposition is scheduled, prepare the witness for their closeup. Dark, solid colors are best, as they are serious and not distracting. They also show up better on camera. The witness should be tidy and well groomed, in a quiet, well-lit room. Lighting is very important in a remote deposition, particularly when you have a legal videographer recording the witness. If there is a chance the videorecording will be used at trial, you want the jury to be able to see the witness. For in-person depositions, the videographer will take care of making sure the witness is lit to advantage. In a remote setting, the witness will need to set up their own lighting, so make sure they know:

  1. Sit with light in front of you.
  2. Natural lighting works best, so sit facing a window.
  3. Consider a ring light or light cube if you have limited light

No matter how smartly they are dressed, nor how well-groomed they appear, if your witness is in the shadows, they will not look good on camera. Make sure they are both attired and groomed appropriately to be taken seriously, and lit to be seen! Speaking of seeing them, make sure they position their webcam for the best optics – straight on at eye level. They should sit right in the middle of the frame. Make sure the webcam lens is clean! All of these details can be checked on the demo/test with the technician, recommended below.

Now that your witness is set up for the best shot, you need to make sure everyone can be heard.

Clear audio is imperative for the videorecording. Make sure your witness tests all their equipment prior to the deposition, including their microphone, headset, and internet speed. They will need to have at least 3-5 Mbps download speeds for the videoconference deposition. They can quickly check how speedy their internet is at  www.fast.com. They should corral any pets or children as far from the room as possible and close and lock the door. Make sure the witness knows to close all other programs during the remote deposition. This protects their privacy and keeps applications from draining memory and processing power from the computer. A pre-proceeding reboot is a good idea, too.

You should also schedule a demonstration and test with the technician prior to the remote deposition. This is an opportunity to go into as much detail as each attendee wants or needs, go over common issues so they do not happen in your deposition, and get comfortable with the platform. You want to make sure they’ll be able to view and read any necessary documents the technician shares during the deposition, for example. A comfortable witness is better able to focus! Each participant should test with a technician prior to the virtual deposition, from the witness to the deposition interpreter, if applicable.

Consider individual speech patterns. Perhaps your witness speaks clearly and loudly without prompting and needs only the admonition at the start of the deposition to remind them to speak clearly, let the attorneys finish their questions before answering, give verbal answers, etc. But most people will need a little prep before the deposition. Even with so many conducting meetings over the internet, few people are naturals at speaking on camera. You don’t need to morph into Tarantino or anything, just remind them to speak up, slow down, and enunciate. If English is not their first language, consider an interpreter.

The legal videographer will record only the witness’ testimony, no breaks or off-the-record discussions, and no other participants. The legal videographer can give workable tips if the witness’ lighting isn’t optimal, as well as ensure the witness is properly framed. If the video will be shown to a jury, these elements really matter – all distractions are removed from the picture so your witness holds the spotlight.

Your legal videographer captures all the facial expressions, intonations, gestures, and other visual cues that the stenographic record cannot convey. Video can be a persuasive tool for or against your case in court. Video can also be used should the witness not be available to testify in court. All videos are shot in digital format, using professional-grade, high-definition cameras. Video can be synched to the transcript as well. Once your video is ready, you can download it at anytime from the secure repository, along with related transcript and exhibit files.

Planet Depos has been covering depositions and legal proceedings all over the world for over 10 years. Always looking forward, our reporters, videographers, and technical specialists utilize the latest technologies to implement case-winning tools. Our entire team works closely with clients to ensure no detail is missed. For more information on court reporting services, or to schedule your next proceeding, contact Planet Depos at scheduling@planetdepos.com, or schedule online.

If you need video of a witness who is being deposed through remote technology, there is no need to worry that the video quality will suffer. Videographers have been videorecording remote witnesses for years – even from different continents – and technological advances have greatly improved the quality of both picture and audio in remote … Read more

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Impacting the Jury with Multimedia Depositions (Updated)

By Jeremy Dineen

With improvements in technology, it’s becoming more and more common for attorneys to use a projector to display their exhibits at trial so the jury can see and better absorb the testimony that accompanies each exhibit. But when playing back a videotaped deposition at trial, too many attorneys are still treating exhibits the old-fashioned way – discussing the exhibits without showing them to the jury.

Impacting the Jury with Multimedia DepositionsMultimedia Depositions enable the mixing of documents, other evidence, and/or demonstratives directly into the video record at the time of the deposition. A monitor is set up for the witness so that he or she can view the exhibits at the deposition.  The final product includes the exhibit displayed full screen, along with a picture-in-picture of the witness in the bottom corner. This perspective enables the jury to see the witness’s reaction to an exhibit as they’re reviewing it.

A recent deposition that we covered in New York City illustrates the impact of this technology. The deposition would – in the client’s estimation – make or break his case. The issue at hand was whether the witness’s signature had been forged on certain contracts. The client had reached out a week prior to the deposition to discuss the situation, and we agreed the most useful solution would be to set it up as a multimedia deposition.

Counsel instructed the witness to place his signature on a piece of paper at the deposition, which was scanned with a portable document scanner and then displayed side by side with the contract. On playback, the jury could compare the signatures while the witness testified during review of each contract that the signature was not his. While this technology may not be useful for every deposition, use of multimedia depositions is certainly a very powerful tool in the right scenario.

For more information, contact Planet Depos at scheduling@planetdepos.com or call us at 888.433.3767, and we’ll be more than happy to answer your questions or set you up with a demo.

By Jeremy Dineen With improvements in technology, it’s becoming more and more common for attorneys to use a projector to display their exhibits at trial so the jury can see and better absorb the testimony that accompanies each exhibit. But when playing back a videotaped deposition at trial, too many attorneys are still treating exhibits … Read more

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12 Important Tips When Preparing For Videotaped Depositions (Updated)

We’re sharing our list of important tips for you when you prepare for videotaped depositions:

  1. Include “Videotaped” in your Notice of Deposition
    • Note in the deposition notice that the testimony will be videotaped, whether it will be for de bene esse purposes and/or whether remote attendance is available. Check your state rules to see if you must include the reason for noting the videotaped deposition and whether it must “replicate presentation of evidence at trial.”
  2. Organize Everything!
    • Organize your materials and the witness’s materials. Case management software is excellent for this purpose and enables document acquisition with just a click of the mouse. Witnesses who can’t locate material quickly appear disorganized and may be unable to respond to questions without long pauses. They may also lose the judge and jury’s attention and confidence in their testimony.
  3. Mock Depositions
    • Consider conducting mock depositions with your witness to help coach them on facial expressions, insecure body language, poor verbal responses, and to help them prepare for potential questions from opposing counsel. The mock depo can be very helpful for a witness to see what they look like on camera, and it can provide them a better understanding of what the actual deposition will be like.
  4. Give Contact Info for Remote Attendance
    • For remote attendance, let the court reporting agency know the name and e-mail address of the attendee so they can receive login credentials well in advance of the proceeding. This will allow the agency to reach out and test the connection in order to avoid delays going on record.
  5. Arrive Early to Get Realtime
    • If you’ve ordered a Realtime feed of the transcript locally or remotely, arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure you are connected and receiving the feed before the proceedings begin.
  6. Avoid Bright Colors or Designs
    • The witness should wear solid pastel colors and avoid bright colors or designs that include polka dots, plaids and stripes. These patterns can sometimes be a distraction on camera. If the witness is not comfortable in business attire, be sure he or she dresses appropriately so they look appealing on camera.
  7. Bring Extra Copies
    • Provide all parties digital and/or hard copies of all materials in advance. This will eliminate the need to go off the record to photocopy, scan and/or e-mail the documentation that will be referenced on the record.
  8. Ask the Reporter to Pre-Mark Exhibits
    • Ask the court reporter to pre-mark anticipated exhibits before going on the record. If the deposition will be conducted for de bene esse purposes, work with the electronic trial consultant in advance to be sure the documents that will be digitally referenced and drawn upon during the deposition can be seen clearly on camera and can be saved electronically.
  9. Test Video/Audio Before Going on Record
    • Test all audio and video connections – local and remote – prior to going on the video record to avoid delays and to ensure a clean record.
  10. Prepare Your Objections
    • As Michael A. Vercher wrote in Law Trends & News, “Carefully anticipate and prepare your objections prior to the deposition” since “the tone of your voice and the way you present your objections will be carefully scrutinized by the jury if shown at trial.”
  11. Bring Your Power Cord
    • Have your power cord(s) with you and preferably plugged in for your electronic device(s) to ensure connectivity.
  12. Silence Your Phone
    • Turn off ringtones on all devices and do not respond to phone calls or text and e-mail messages during the deposition as this may interfere with the audio recording.

Finally, be prepared to move through the testimony at the same pace you would at trial. Juries expect the pace to be fast and look forward to it, thanks to both television and technology. Planet Depos Realtime court reporters, legal videographers and tech support team members are available 24/7 to assist you with your videotaped depositions.

We’re sharing our list of important tips for you when you prepare for videotaped depositions: Include “Videotaped” in your Notice of Deposition Note in the deposition notice that the testimony will be videotaped, whether it will be for de bene esse purposes and/or whether remote attendance is available. Check your state rules to see if you must … Read more

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The Pros and Cons to Camera Placements in Video Depositions (Updated)

By Danny Terry

Video depositions can be beneficial to your case, as the recording can show the witness’s facial expression and body language, and capture changes in the inflection of the witness’s voice and any pauses before answering. To ensure the best quality video, it’s important to consider the layout of the room where your deposition will take place. There are two primary types of camera placement that are used in video depositions.

Camera Placement - End to End
End-to-End Camera Placement

End-to-End Setup

This is the most common setup in a video deposition. The videographer places the camera, audio mixer and backup video recorder at the far end of the table opposite the witness. The opposing attorneys sit opposite each other on either side of the table, and the court reporter typically sits in between the taking attorney and the witness.

Pros:

  • Attorneys are on opposite sides of the table, facing each other.
  • Court reporter has a clear view of all parties.
  • The camera can easily zoom in on the witness and exhibits without causing any image distortion.

Cons:

  • If the table is narrow, objects (laptop screens, water bottles, coffee cups) on the left or right side of the table may appear in the video frame.
Camera Placement - Side to Side
Side-to-Side Camera Placement

Side-to-Side Setup

Also referred to as the “California setup” where it is used most often, there may be circumstances where the videographer elects to use this setup for your video deposition. Typically, the videographer would elect to use this setup due to space constraints in conference rooms. Other constraints that might warrant this setup include: issues due to window location, conference room equipment, table location and more. In this setup, the videographer may need to place the witness on the long side of the table with the camera placed directly across the table from the witness. The court reporter will then be placed next to the witness, across from the camera and the attorneys.

Pros:

  • Attorneys from both sides of the case can directly face the witness.
  • The court reporter has a clear view of each attorney.

Cons:

  • Due to the proximity of the witness to the camera, the witness’s head and arms may appear distorted, especially when leaning towards the camera.
  • The composition of the scene will be limited, and it may be difficult to zoom in on any exhibits the witness is holding without causing distortion.

By Danny Terry Video depositions can be beneficial to your case, as the recording can show the witness’s facial expression and body language, and capture changes in the inflection of the witness’s voice and any pauses before answering. To ensure the best quality video, it’s important to consider the layout of the room where your … Read more

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The Mobile Videoconference Deposition and the Videographer

Know the difference between a recorded MVC and one with a legal videographer

As you build your knowledge in all things remote deposition, a topic worthy of discussion is mobile videoconferencing (MVC) and videography. Is the deposition automatically video-recorded with the software? Or do you need a videographer?  And where exactly is the videographer, if there is one? With the deponent? In their own home or office? How does video work in an MVC? These are legitimate questions, so, let’s get to them.

Mobile Videoconference Deposition Without A Videographer

First, videoconference software can indeed capture a video recording of the deposition. As you know, when a videographer records a deposition, he/she captures only the deponent throughout the proceedings. In an MVC, if recording using the software only, the recording will look a little different. The tech will “pin” the witness to the screen to record just the witness. But when exhibits are displayed, the documents will be recorded as the main screen, and the witness will appear in picture-in-picture format. Additionally, the recording will not break for off-the-record discussions; those discussions will be included on the MVC recording. One thing the MVC recording will not include? Timestamps. Nor will the MVC recording be synced to the transcript.

Should it be needed at a later date, it is possible to edit and sync the MVC recording. The hours needed to edit the recording would make it cost prohibitive to do so in most cases, however. It is an option, but as always, the expense of the process is a factor to consider carefully when deciding whether to add video to a remote deposition.

Mobile Videoconference Deposition With A Videographer

Now you know how the MVC recording works. What about when you schedule a videographer? Where is the videographer? How do they capture only the deponent on video?

Currently, when you schedule a videographer for a remote deposition, the videographer will be remote as well. The videographer will, however, capture the deponent only when they record the video of the remote deposition. On their end of the MVC, they will “pin” only the deponent to the full screen, and with their video camera record the deponent on that screen. When exhibits are shared, the videographer’s screen will still show just the witness. This is not quite the same as a traditional in-person deposition, but it’s pretty close! This video will have timestamps and can be synced to the transcript. It is recommended that if you anticipate needing to present video from the deposition at trial, that you schedule a videographer for your remote deposition.

Planet Depos has been hosting and covering remote depositions for over a decade. If you want more information, or to schedule your own remote depositions, contact us at 888.433.3767 or schedule online.

As you build your knowledge in all things remote deposition, a topic worthy of discussion is mobile videoconferencing (MVC) and videography. Is the deposition automatically video-recorded with the software? Or do you need a videographer?  And where exactly is the videographer, if there is one? With the deponent? In their own home or office? How … Read more

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What To Consider When Selecting A Room For Your Video Deposition

By Debby Cavazos

When setting up a video deposition, there are several important components to consider. The first order of business is determining your client’s availability, as well as that of opposing counsel. Other considerations include preparing your exhibits and questions, organizing your cross-examination, scheduling a court reporter and videographer, and the list goes on! One item commonly overlooked is the room itself. As a videographer on the job, I’ve seen firsthand the impact a room can have on your deposition. Let me discuss the four important factors to consider for a successful videotaped deposition.

Lighting:

Lighting is important for many reasons. Not only can it impact the quality of your footage, but it also sets the tone for the deposition. The darker the room is, the harder it might be for some people to read exhibits that are presented. An overly lit room can also trigger headaches for some.

Are there large windows in the room? This can also have an impact on the quality of your footage because sunlight changes throughout the day. If the deposition is scheduled for several hours, consider how natural light will change on camera throughout the depo.

Noise levels:

Noise can impact the quality of the audio. Is your room full of windows? Traffic sounds such as car horns, if loud enough, can be picked up on the audio. This can also prevent the witness and reporter from hearing the questions you ask and causing disruptions in the deposition. Be cautious of interior sounds, as well, such as loud air conditioning systems, which can be picked up by the mics, creating a hissing effect on the video record.

Outlets:

Outlets are necessary for your deposition! You’ll need plenty of outlets for the court reporter, videographer, and attorneys. Some rooms have limited outlets or have outlets that are completely out of reach. Too many wires on the floor can be dangerous if someone trips over them or if they are accidentally unplugged during the depo. This might sound silly, but make sure your outlets work; many offices have tables with built-in outlets that do not work.

Size of the room:

Last, but not least, the size of the room is critical! You’ll want all parties to be comfortable and have enough space for their personal items. Reporters and videographers carry a good bit of equipment; they take up a fair amount of space as it is.  Keep in mind the amount of exhibits that are handled, as well. A room that is too crowded not only makes it uncomfortable for the participants, but it can also cause the room to get warmer. Alternatively, if you have a small group in a large room it can be chilly.

Consider each of these components in your planning to get the best quality video deposition!

Our court reporters, legal videographers, and trial services consultants are available 24/7 to assist you with your video depositions. Reach out to us at video@planetdepos.com or call 888.433.3767.

By Debby Cavazos When setting up a video deposition, there are several important components to consider. The first order of business is determining your client’s availability, as well as that of opposing counsel. Other considerations include preparing your exhibits and questions, organizing your cross-examination, scheduling a court reporter and videographer, and the list goes on! … Read more

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What Makes a Deposition Suite Awesome for You? Part 1: Greenbelt, MD

By Suzanne Quinson and Julia Alicandri

At Planet Depos, our employees constantly strive to improve themselves and our company. To better the PD experience for our clients, we recently inserted tablets throughout our offices to get quick and reliable feedback directly from clients. The requested feedback includes topics such as the professionalism and friendliness of our employees, the ease of use of videoconferencing, the comfort of our modern conference rooms and, of course, the never-ending supply of snacks!

So, what did our clients list as the most important amenities to making an awesome deposition suite? In our Greenbelt, Maryland office, the most popular responses were:

  1. The free conference room
  2. Professional and courteous service
  3. The snacks

Modern Conference Rooms

A complimentary conference room is already a plus, as it saves the client an additional expense. The capabilities and amenities of the conference room should further elevate its value. Videoconferencing capabilities, for example, are an asset, as remote parties can attend the deposition without incurring any additional travel expenses. It is possible the reporter can stream realtime to remote parties, as well. Check with your agency’s scheduling department about this option. Another option, which is a bit lighter on the budget, is the use of mobile videoconferencing, and the videographer can double as a technician to monitor the connection.

Professional and Courteous Service

A professional and courteous host (and/or videographer) is an essential advantage during your depositions. He or she should be available to help with any troubleshooting, copy or printing needs, and even ordering lunch for your group. Your host should ensure that everything is handled quickly and conveniently for you, so all you need to focus on is your case.

The Snacks

What is a deposition without snacks? With depositions potentially consuming a significant portion of your day, it is important to know that you and your clients won’t go hungry. Your agency should ensure that a sufficient a supply of snacks is available.

There you have it, the top three most important items that make our Greenbelt, Maryland office awesome, according to you, our clients. And be on the lookout for additional parts of this series where we examine the most important amenities at our other locations!

For more information, or to schedule with Planet Depos, call 888.433.3767 or email us at scheduling@planetdepos.com.

By Suzanne Quinson and Julia Alicandri At Planet Depos, our employees constantly strive to improve themselves and our company. To better the PD experience for our clients, we recently inserted tablets throughout our offices to get quick and reliable feedback directly from clients. The requested feedback includes topics such as the professionalism and friendliness of … Read more

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Court Reporting: An Unfamiliar Industry

By Julia Alicandri

The College of Court Reporting recently tweeted a comedic photo of a man with a huge smile, standing in front of a whiteboard with a senseless algorithm of letters and numbers on it, and the caption was “Trying to explain court reporting to pretty much anyone.” Similarly, I was talking to a friend about my position here at Planet Depos, and he was trying to understand the concept of the court reporting industry. He asked about seven or eight questions in a row, and it became quite difficult to explain it all. Some of the questions included:

Why do you need court reporters at all?

You need a professionally trained court reporter to record legal proceedings so that the verbatim record is preserved accurately and impartially. If someone isn’t there to document the proceeding, each side will present their own take on what was said.

Do court reporters work only in the courtroom?

In addition to official court reporters who are employed by the courts and work inside the courtroom, there are freelance court reporters who provide services through the discovery phase of litigation for depositions.

Why would an attorney schedule a videographer?

While the court reporter prepares a written record, the videographer will capture body language, intonation, facial expressions, and gestures that cannot be conveyed through the written record.

Why do attorneys need to hire freelance court reporters?

Can’t they just keep a reporter on their payroll? No. The court reporter is bound by a Code of Professional Ethics to serve as an impartial officer of the court who has no bias, financial or otherwise, in the outcome of the proceedings.

To learn more about court reporting, or to schedule a Planet Depos reporter or videographer, call us at 888.433.3767, or email us at scheduling@planetdepos.com.

By Julia Alicandri The College of Court Reporting recently tweeted a comedic photo of a man with a huge smile, standing in front of a whiteboard with a senseless algorithm of letters and numbers on it, and the caption was “Trying to explain court reporting to pretty much anyone.” Similarly, I was talking to a … Read more

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Presenting and Recording Evidence During a Deposition

By Zack Arnson-Serotta

Lawyers and their support staff are usually familiar with basic trial technology. However, they don’t always consider the possibilities offered by using these technologies earlier — in the deposition setting. With some advance preparation, it is possible to present documents, pictures, videos and other evidence to impeach a witness and capture his or her reactions. These recordings can be an extremely valuable tool during trial or settlement negotiations.

A lawyer recently called with a special request for his video deposition. He wanted to record video of the witness with certain exhibits on screen at the same time using picture-in-picture technology. Of course, we offered our Interactive Media Display Package and explained how it works. In this instance, the attorney wanted to show excerpts from a set of hundreds of documents and videos, do highlights and call-outs, and play videos. For this, we recommended sending a videographer who was also a certified hot seat trial technician and could use TrialDirector to present these materials on multiple screens throughout the conference room.

I flew out to the job site and, using the Interactive Media Display Package and TrialDirector, was able to Make It Happen for our client, who commended me and the Planet Depos team behind me for our diligent work. At the end, the client received a high-quality synchronized video deliverable with picture-in-picture, and opposing counsel even expressed interest in using the same technologies at another time. Given adequate preparation time, such video depositions are extremely effective tools for combining evidence and deposition testimony in a compelling package that highlights a witness’ live reactions.

A subsequent deposition in the same case not only used these same technologies, but video and realtime streaming were added as well. No sweat for the Planet Depos team!

For more information on trial technology, contact Planet Depos at 888.433.3767 or video@planetdepos.com.

By Zack Arnson-Serotta Lawyers and their support staff are usually familiar with basic trial technology. However, they don’t always consider the possibilities offered by using these technologies earlier — in the deposition setting. With some advance preparation, it is possible to present documents, pictures, videos and other evidence to impeach a witness and capture his … Read more

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The Power of Visuals in the Courtroom

By Brittany Davies

As humans, we are innately prone to believe in what we see. Words can sway our opinions, but tangibility provides a certainty and faith that words at times cannot meet. As I was reading through a recent blog by Angie Ballman Punton, an affiliate at Paradigm Reporting, she brought to my attention how important visuals are in a majority of professions. Coming from a marketing background, I’ve been taught that visuals stick, have a higher influence on purchasing decisions, and can increase a consumer’s interest in reading/learning about a topic by almost 80%. The statistics are powerful, but how does this apply to the litigation support field?

With a qualified and experienced team of trial consultants, visuals can make your case stronger. They can help the jury understand otherwise complex situations. They capture attention and help gain interest in the case, rather than put everyone to sleep. Keeping a person’s attention is already hard in a world where we are inundated with messages and data. Finding a way to make your case interesting and captivating can strengthen your argument and keep everyone in the courtroom mentally present.

As Angie mentioned in her blog, people respond better to visuals, especially videos. Hubspot says that 40% of people respond to visuals better than plain text. In this case, our plain text would be transcripts. Take text messages for example. I’ve been texting for over half of my life and, while it is convenient, it drives me nuts that texts don’t convey tone or allow us to see how the other person feels when receiving/sending a text. Text can be misinterpreted. Videos, on the other hand, show body language and demeanor. Using a videographer during a deposition can add power and impact to testimony. Using features such as video-in-video aids in capturing exactly how your witness feels when seeing an exhibit in your case or a reaction to a piece of information.

And lastly, visuals make things easier to remember and worthwhile to share. Netflix’s “Making a Murderer” is a perfect example of this. Until this last month, Steven Avery’s story was something most people only read about. As soon as the documentary aired, the buzz spread. My roommate Meredith and I watched the entire ten episodes in one sitting. No shame.  The power this show has had on the general public is mesmerizing – enough so that people were trying to get the President to pardon Avery and Dassey.

Seeing is believing. To learn more about Planet Depos or Legal Videography, email us at video@planetdepos.com or call 888.433.3767.

By Brittany Davies As humans, we are innately prone to believe in what we see. Words can sway our opinions, but tangibility provides a certainty and faith that words at times cannot meet. As I was reading through a recent blog by Angie Ballman Punton, an affiliate at Paradigm Reporting, she brought to my attention … Read more

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The 411 on Standing Orders

By Brittany Davies

When it comes to service, providing our clients with the best experience is our top priority. One way we achieve this is through catering to our clients’ needs. From booking hotel conference rooms for depositions across the globe, to final billing, making the process as seamless as possible is essential to our success and, we realize, the client’s success. One very important way we cater to these needs is through standing orders.

What is a standing order?

A standing order is a set of rules, guidelines, preferences, and regulations for our scheduling, video, production, and billing departments to follow on specific cases. Standing orders can cover simple things such as requesting in advance the name of the court reporter who will be covering your depositions, to more complex details such as how you would like to receive your transcript and what special services you will require at each deposition (synched video, realtime, expedited final transcript, etc…).

I just used Planet Depos for the first time. Can I have a standing order?

Whether you are new to PD or a longtime client, standing orders are available to everyone!

How do I make my own standing order?

You will need to fill out a standing order form. When scheduling, just ask our Scheduling team for one! Feel free to also let your court reporter know and they can relay the information back to our office.

If I don’t have a standing order, what will I receive when my transcript is finished?

If you do not have a standing order, Production team will send a conveniently bundled PDF portfolio. Inside the portfolio, you will have a full-size transcript, a condensed transcript, an ASCII file, as well as exhibits.

Can I change my standing order?

Of course! Just let us know when you make changes so we can better accommodate you!

Making your job as easy as possible is our job at Planet Depos. If you have any questions regarding standing orders, please feel free to contact our Production Department at transcripts@planetdepos.com, our Scheduling Department at scheduling@planetdepos.com, or by phone at 888.433.3767.

By Brittany Davies When it comes to service, providing our clients with the best experience is our top priority. One way we achieve this is through catering to our clients’ needs. From booking hotel conference rooms for depositions across the globe, to final billing, making the process as seamless as possible is essential to our … Read more

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Videography and International Depositions

Legal videographers provide many services, in addition to recording your depositions, meetings, or site inspections.  They assist in framing a deposition to keep it proceeding in a timely, orderly manner, with breaks as needed for the witness and counsel.  They act as technicians to quickly resolve any issues which can arise during the proceedings.  They often double as videographer and technician to keep a mobile videoconference running smoothly with a steady connection, eliminating interruptions.  They coordinate with the reporter to ensure the timestamps on the video match the transcripts.

During international depositions, videographers can assume several other roles as well, to ease the burden on your legal team.  For example, a videographer living in Taipei can work directly with the hotel to make certain all your conference room needs are met.  A videographer can recommend the most conveniently located restaurants for you to try while in Taipei for your depositions, as well as convenient tourist attractions you may be able to visit before returning to the States.  Should you need to dispose of exhibits after your depositions have finished, your videographer can take care of having the documents shredded and see that a certificate of destruction is delivered to you (in English).

Text, audio and video streaming is another service provided by videographers, so your team members can follow the proceedings even if they are not present for the deposition.  This can be provided to you without having to install any new software on your computer.  This service helps keep remote team members in the loop as the proceedings unfold, ultimately saving your legal team time and money.

When scheduling a site inspection, providing detailed information to your videographer guarantees that your site inspection captures the audio and video you need, whether for discovery, mediation, or an insurance investigation.  Your videographer will use this information to prepare for the inspection, taking into account any unusual technical challenges or special instructions/considerations.

Quality videographers are adept technicians more than capable of tackling unusual challenges and quick on their feet to master any unforeseen difficulties which can surface onsite.  They are experienced professionals who can calmly and quickly navigate such issues and keep your proceedings on track with little or no delay.

Planet Depos has been covering depositions, meetings, and site inspections worldwide for over 10 years, and has skilled legal videographers living throughout Asia, as well as Europe.  These videographers are not only experienced in their craft, but have traveled extensively and can provide valuable tips on where to eat, stay, and the best modes of transportation.  For more information on videography or court reporting for your international case, contact International Scheduling at 888.433.3767, or via email at international@planetdepos.com.

Legal videographers provide many services, in addition to recording your depositions, meetings, or site inspections.  They assist in framing a deposition to keep it proceeding in a timely, orderly manner, with breaks as needed for the witness and counsel.  They act as technicians to quickly resolve any issues which can arise during the proceedings.  They … Read more

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