Life-Change or Day-in-the-Life

Life-Change documentaries (day-in-the-life)
can cost less if editing is not extensive. One
time-saving technique is "in-camera-editing".
This normally takes the place of post pro-
duction editing in the studio. This can keep
the cost of the documentary reasonable.  A
second advantage of in-camera-editing is
that there is less chance of complications
like having to show the judge the portions
of the original video footage that weren't
included in the finished videotape.

Most charges are $60 per hour if specialized
lighting or other equipment is not needed.
Videotaping is done by an award-winning
professional who is certified by the American
Guild of Court Videographers. Recording
is done with a digital 3-chip video camera
and any needed studio editing is done with
a non-linear editor. A smaller project that
takes less than four hours to videotape can
be done for between $750 and $1800.

Settlement Documentaries

Settlement doc. production is in three parts:

     Pre-Production: $60 per hour for
     script writing and shot planning.

     Production: $60-$80/hr: recording
     with digital 3-chip video camera.
     Rates depend on equipment needed.

     Post Production: Editing is usually
     non-linear (completely in computer)
     often with "CG" (video text) and
     possible animation: $60 per hour.
     
Although many settlement documentary
videos can cost between $2000 and $10,000,
a small case could justify a short, simple
video.  A short production could cost less
than $1200.  This would include location
video-taping and travel, some animation,
audio mixing  and  video editing.  Travel
charges are $.75 per mile.  Initial phone
consultations are free.

Most additional legal video services
cost $60 per hour. Call for estimates.
Single duplications of VHS tapes are
$17-$20 depending on length.  DVD
and CDV are available, pricing varies.
Location videotaping with limited
editing is usually $450 - $600 total.