The CLVS Is… In!

Depo International Videographer, Scott Breckheimer receives CLVS certification.

On September 9, 2016, Scott Breckheimer received an exciting announcement from the NCRA that he had successfully passed the CLVS certification.  It was only one month earlier, Scott arrived in Chicago, Illinois for the NCRA Convention and a bit nervous to take the final portion of the CLVS Certification – the Production Test.  Upon his arrival to Chicago, Scott spent the evening studying and preparing for the exam.  In the morning nervousness remained but Scott hoped for the best as he entered the testing room around 10:00 am that Saturday.  Despite a few curve balls during the exam, Scott was able to breathe a ‘sigh of relief’ on September 9th upon receiving the news that he had passed the exam.

How Hard Is It… Really?

Obtaining a CLVS Certification is more difficult than you might imagine.  The certification is administered and awarded by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) and involves many steps.  The first of which is attending a three day legal environment seminar where the Rules of Civil Procedure are the primary topic (for experienced videographers only one day may be mandatory).  Following the seminar, applicants must pass both the CLVS Written Knowledge Test and the Production Examination.  The CLVS Written Knowledge Test, tests applicants on their knowledge of video recording production, post production, legal and judicial procedures and more.  The Production Examination, is not just about setting up a camera, but adjusting lighting, color, ensuring quality audio is captured, back ups are rolling, views, height and eye level of the deponent are appropriate, adjusting camera position relevant to the deponent, recording and shooting styles, camera movement, knowledge of case exhibits, microphones, etc.  There are a ‘mere’ 62 standards that must be adhered to for a legal video deposition.  To find out more about the CLVS certification, click here: http://www.ncra.org/content.cfm?ItemNumber=8593

Benefits of Video?

The benefits of adding video to a deposition are growing.  Video provides a way for witness who would otherwise be unable to attend trial to be present and helps save on travel expenses with expert witnesses.  In addition to saving dollars, video provides something that cannot always be accurately described on paper – a visual representation of a witness – everything is in full view – eye movement, mannerisms, facial expressions, gestures.  It is these subtle but powerful elements that are captured and allows a judge, jury to make an informed decision on the case at hand.  If a picture itself is worth a thousand words, then a video must be worth….?  Read our most recent blog ‘Reasons To Hire a Legal Videographer‘.