Being a court videographer is unlike any other type of video-centric career, and it's much more than just pressing the record button.
The videographer is in charge of capturing all courtroom and deposition proceedings and ensuring the quality of each recording.
Ultimately, the videographer must have mastered all the skills and tools of videography, but also know an impressive amount about the legal system, courtroom proceedings in their particular jurisdiction and the law.
Legal video recordings must pass a battery of tests and quality inspections in order to meet certain standards set by the legal system.
If a video isn't considered acceptable, everything captured within it may be moot.
Depending on where court videographers live and work, they may be mandated to belong to a professional organization.
Certification also may be required, but in some regions and court systems this isn't a necessity.
Generally, a court videographer doesn't need a license, but it is helpful to have a degree in a related field, along with extensive experience.
Not only does this help prove their knowledge and skills, but it's also a great help in securing jobs.
A One-Man (or Woman) Show Most of the time, videographers are also in charge of editing - which comes with stringent legal guidelines.
Of course, any manipulation, distortion or removal of key information or the like is illegal.
However, editing may be required in order to fix a shaky camera or other technical issues.
Sometimes court videographers are asked to add extra features like title cards or a table of contents for easier viewing.
If an attorney is using part of a video in court, he or she needs to be able to quickly find the right moment within what is sometimes a lengthy video.
Videographers are charged with knowing what a court will consider acceptable evidence because attorneys are counting on them to provide this evidence.
Court video experts are an unbiased third party, supplying visual evidence to any of the attorneys involved in a case as well as the court in general.
Sometimes attorneys like to look at videos from previous days as a refresher or when planning upcoming depositions.
In some cases, courts may allow for real-time video as testimony, should a witness not be able to attend in person.
In this case, the videographer must manage the system, work with the witness for quality testimony, record and then edit the video.
Visually Stimulating Evidence Some videographers are freelancers, others are hired by the courts and others are part of a reputable agency offering a variety of services.
Agencies usually also offer transcripts, comprehensive add-on features and other similar services.
However, in a courtroom or during a deposition, it's best to have the videographer focusing on one mission.
Transcripts and other details are usually handled by other professionals during this time.
For example, a sound tech might be working in tandem with the videographer as an assistant to boost quality.
Many court videographers are specially trained not just in videography, but in legal services.
Extensive education is required so these experts know how to setup/break down within a legal atmosphere, have general knowledge of the law and the ability to apply their skills in such a setting.
It can be an exciting, rewarding and stable career for those who straddle the fence between being passionate about videography and the law.
Are you in need of a legally minded videographer? Contact DepomaxMerit Litigation Services for full court videography experts and services today.