We Prepare Two Types of Witness Videos...
Clips for impeachment during cross-examination are the most common type of witness video. We might prepare dozens of short clips with one or two Q&A sequences. This preparation pays off big when a witness decides to fight on the stand in the trial. After watching a clip of themselves on multiple screens in the courtroom, they begin to anticipate that you have a clip for every topic!
In the days leading up to examining the witness, we will take your list of designations from the transcript and create a clip report for your review. This clip report will show how long each clip runs, useful indeed!
A long-playing clip designed to mimic a direct examination is the second common type of witness video. When a witness is unable to attend trial, you can rely on portions of the video from the deposition as a substitute. Or perhaps, the deposition was so strong that you may decide not to call that witness live and simply use the video in your case in chief.
This process involves a more collaborative approach. Each party gets to contribute a set of designations from the transcript, and we edit one single clip that seamlessly contains each set. We expect attorneys from both sides to meet and confer to resolve any remaining objections. Otherwise, the court decides, and we do a quick edit to adjust the final version according to any rulings.