CLVS cheat sheet

Confirm the recording method stated in the deposition notice; under FRCP 30(b)(3) a deposition may be recorded by audio, audiovisual, or stenographic means unless the court orders otherwise.

If a party disputes the recording method or seeks remote recording, verify whether a court order under FRCP 30(b)(4) is required before setup.

Check venue rules for time-date stamp requirements, camera placement limits, and whether the video operator may be visible during the proceeding.

Run a pre-flight test that verifies camera, recorder, microphones, media, power, time-date settings, and playback before the witness is sworn.

Confirm recording media free space exceeds the expected deposition duration plus a safety margin; label each card or drive with case, date, operator, and sequence.

Set the camera to record continuously and avoid automatic settings that can change exposure, white balance, or focus mid-testimony.

Label original media at acquisition and document every transfer, duplication, or delivery with time, recipient, and signature to begin the chain of custody.

Verify participant names, case caption, location, and start time for the slate or announcement required by stipulation or local practice.

Frame the witness in a consistent head-and-shoulders composition with the eyes near the upper third of the frame and the background neutral.

Place the camera lens at witness eye level; avoid low or high angles that distort appearance or imply bias.

Use manual focus and lock it on the witness; refocus only when the witness changes position or the framing changes.

Lock exposure and white balance before testimony; auto exposure can shift when a witness moves or a background changes.

Record continuously from before examination through conclusion; do not pause during testimony, and document breaks with timecodes.

Use smooth, slow zooms only when needed for exhibits or identification; avoid distracting camera movement during answers.

Record a beginning slate with case caption, date, location, operator, and participants when required; record an ending slate documenting conclusion.

Maintain a straight horizon and level tripod; check framing monitors for headroom, cut-off hands, and obstructions before recording.

Clip the primary lavalier 6 to 8 inches below the chin, dress the cable to prevent rubbing, and use a windscreen to reduce breath pops.

Record a backup audio track from a second microphone or camera-mounted mic; monitor both channels with headphones during the proceeding.

Set digital audio so average speech is around -18 to -12 dBFS and peaks stay below -6 dBFS; avoid clipping at 0 dBFS.

Use a key light at roughly 45 degrees, softer fill opposite the key, and a backlight to separate the witness from the background.

Match color temperature: tungsten is about 3200 K and daylight is about 5600 K; mixed sources cause color casts and inconsistent skin tones.

Set shutter speed to 1/60 second for 60 Hz power or 1/50 second for 50 Hz power to reduce banding from fluorescent and LED sources.

Test all lighting for flicker and glare before recording; reposition fixtures rather than allowing the witness to be backlit or squinting.

Check audio and lighting after breaks or room changes, because moved microphones, new seating, or changed sunlight can alter levels and exposure.

Log start and end timecodes for each speaker, exhibit, objection, break, and recess; note any sync offset between audio and video.

Preserve the original recording unedited and separate from working copies; document labels, hash values, or checksums when used.

Follow a backup rule of at least three copies on two media types with one copy off-site, and verify copies by playback or checksum.

Confirm the required deliverable format before the job: codec, resolution, frame rate, media type, labeling, and whether synchronized transcript video is required.

Document each exhibit by number, description, first appearance timecode, and sponsoring witness for later transcript-video synchronization.

Redact only by court order or party stipulation; preserve the unredacted original and document the redaction method and affected timecodes.

Record any technical interruption, media swap, or equipment failure with timecodes and notify counsel so the record can reflect the event.

Maintain impartiality: record all parties equally, avoid coaching or prompting, and make no off-record comments that could affect the proceeding.

Do not cut, rearrange, or substantively alter testimony; technical corrections require stipulation or court order and must be documented.

Stop recording only when all parties stipulate or the judge orders it; announce resumption and document the stop and start timecodes.

Do not record private attorney-client conversations; leave the room or stop recording when privileged discussions occur as directed.

Protect confidentiality by securing media, limiting access to authorized persons, and following protective orders and local rules.

Disclose prior relationships with parties, counsel, or witnesses that could affect impartiality, and decline the assignment if a conflict cannot be waived.

Be prepared to authenticate the recording by testifying that the equipment worked, the recording accurately depicts the proceeding, and the chain of custody was maintained.

Follow the NCRA CLVS code and applicable court rules; maintain competence, accurate documentation, and professional conduct throughout the assignment.