(a) Audiovisual Recording of Depositions. A deposition may be recorded
audiovisually as a matter of course in accordance with FED. R. CIV. P. 30(b)(2).
(1) Written Transcript Required. The recorded deposition must also be taken in
the usual manner by a qualified shorthand or machine reporter and a
written transcript prepared for use in subsequent court proceedings.
(2) Scope of Scene Viewed. During the deposition the witness must be recorded
in as near to courtroom atmosphere and standards as possible. There will
not be any zoom-in procedures to unduly emphasize any portion of the
testimony, but zoom-in will be allowed for exhibits and charts to make
them visible to a jury. The camera must focus as much as possible on the
witness. The attorneys may be shown on introduction, the beginning of
examination, and during objections.
(3) Witness’s Approval Not Required. A witness need not view or approve the
recording of a deposition.
(4) Availability to Parties. Any party may purchase a duplicate original or
edited recording from the video operator technician at any time.
(5) Editing. Audiovisually recorded depositions must be edited before the trial
as required by the pretrial order.
(6) Expenses Recoverable as Cost. A prevailing party may claim in its bill of
costs the court reporter’s expenses for audiovisually recorded depositions
necessarily obtained for use in the case.
(b) Depositions of Experts. The court encourages audiovisual recording of the
testimony of expert witnesses.
