Everyone knows in retail it’s location, location, location. Legal Video isn’t that far off.

Legal Videographers face a number of location issues.... 

The actual physical address of a deposition location. (Not always a slam dunk as for some reason certain office parks make it a challenge in itself to not only find the driveway, and in the case of multiple buildings in one area, the correct structure.) As a side note here I am equipped with a standalone GPS unit (don’t always use it) but have taken a liking to WAZE (owned by Google) that I use on my Iphone. It’s great but NOT always accurate. I’ve made a habit of using Google Maps to check out the location and photo of my destination before leaving the home office. Scrolling around on the street view also helps me find parking garages or lots.

The location of the building entrance. Two issues here. Sometimes it’s difficult to find an entrance, not always a problem unless it’s pouring rain. This doesn’t seem like a real issue but it’s just one of those things that can slow me down. Some buildings have separate handicap entrances which is what 's needed we needed to move the equipment cart along. And once it’s found……… 

The words a Legal Videographer never wants to hear. “you can’t come through the lobby; you need to use the loading dock.” Another place to find and navigate and hope there is no delivery of copier paper or furniture holding up the freight elevator. Lost time here can add up quickly. I’ve also lost a considerable amount of time in loading areas when enhanced security procedures are enforced.

The location of the office suite I’m headed too. I’ve been duped one or two times when firms change physical suites and building signage isn’t updated. Certainly not a big issue, but a time challenge for sure Then there is of course, the roaming of a large building to find the correct office. I use this time to note the location of the men’s restroom as I’ll be dashing there at some point during a short break or tape change.

Finally, when the office suite is located it’s time to land. (Sometimes). It’s here when a number of situations present themselves. Everything from a pleasant greeting, to, “what are you doing here, the deposition was cancelled?” to “I am not sure what room you need to setup in. Do you have the name of the Attorney who works here?” The point being even when the lobby is entered, the final location may still be a mystery.

With success on my side, and finally in place there are more locations that need to be navigated. The location of the witness, the location of power outlets and one that will inevitably cause issue if not given its proper attention, where the refreshments will be served. The refreshment issue seems inconsequential however, I’m not shy in suggesting that territorial issues in large organizations do exist and the placement of coffee, soda and snacks has teeth. When push comes to shove, I work around the requirements. Always.

The location of the witness seems straightforward but it’s not. I usually setup the witness at the far end of the table, I’m at the rear with tripod, camera and gear. I do however, look for guidance when the backdrop is going to block a wall mounted television monitor. Inevitably, when I don’t ask if the equipment will be used, it’s a requirement of the deposition. Grrrr. When the backdrop is finally in place, in my mind it indicates where to seat the witness. I’m always amazed when clients enter the room see the backdrop and ask where to place the deponent. Back to location, I’ve been asked several times (of course after I have set up), to move the witness to the side of the table and set up what I’ve heard it referred to a “California Style.” This isn’t the norm here in Houston but I can see the benefits. It’s a matter of preference I suppose.

By this time all is pretty much set but there are two additional location related activities to navigate. The first, where the Court Reporter will sit and secondly. where the Taking Party will reside. I always submit to the Court Reporter’s request, am equipped with ample audio cable should they request a feed. When the Taking Party finally arrives I watch as the Court Reporter works out the seating arrangements. On more than one occasion I’ve moved microphone cables and even furniture to accommodate specific seating preferences. All part of the job.

One last location issue; Storage of the equipment cart and cases. I prefer to place them out of view of the attendees, either in the back of the room, under the table or if available in an empty office or closet. I do believe keeping things as neat and orderly as possible, respects the overall deposition process which at the end of the day is paying the bills.

ARG Legal Video provides video deposition services in Houston, Texas. Please visit our website for more information. We are eager to be of help to you. www.arg-legalvideo.com