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.