Let’s face it: very few deposition locations are conducive to videography. White walls, windows, mirrors, and tasteless art plague many hospitals, conference rooms, and doctor’s offices where depositions take place. The result is video footage that is less-than optimum. The only option for the Deposition Videographer is to correct these issues with the use of a backdrop.

Backdrops are standard tools for professional videographers and photographers. Over the years their use has spilled over into the Litigation Videography market. Backdrops are much more than mere material draped behind a subject.

Backdrops are lighting control devices necessary to correct backlighting, reflections, and unwanted backgrounds. If chosen correctly backdrops can help separate the subject from the background.  Few things are more important to a professional Litigation Videographer than a quality backdrop.  Those that do not use a backdrop will once they try one.

For many, the image of a backdrop is a roll of material slung over a pole suspended on a couple of tripods. However, backdrops actually come in a variety of materials, sizes, shapes and configurations. But what is best for the deposition arena?Because Legal Videographers are often faced with the unknown, it is in their best interest to look for flexibility (foreshadowed pun) in a prospective backdrop. Below is a list of things to consider when shopping around.

• When should a backdrop be used? The answer is simply whenever practical. Consistent use of a backdrop will provide the Legal Videographer with consistent results.
  Backlit situations always require backdrops. Backlighting causes the deponent in the foreground to be darkened. Mirrors, windows, and light colored walls can create backlit situations. In extreme situations, the subject may be reduced to a silhouette.
  Sometimes it is not the brightness of the background, but its darkness that creates issues for the quality conscious videographer. Once again, a proper backdrop can fix things.
• Quality: Like every component in your deposition rig, your backdrop needs to be of professional quality. Your backdrop should not only look good, but it must also do its job well. While it seems backdrops just hang around (no pun intended), repeated folding and stretching will create havoc over time. Because a backdrop may be in use daily, durability is important. A backdrop’s construction and design should reflect the needs of the situation. When necessary, professionals use professional equipment. Depositions require professional equipment.
• Materials: Backdrops are constructed from a variety of materials. Paper, muslin, canvas, and synthetic materials are among the choices. Paper backdrops are not as durable as the above listed textiles. Cloth backdrops are fold-able, roll-able, and often disposable. Unfortunately, repeated use can also mean wrinkles that multiply. Look for backdrops whose materials resist wrinkles and stretching. Look for materials with the ability to blackout light. That is to say, they do not allow bright light to penetrate. In most cases, quality, heavy muslin will do the job.
• Colors and Textures: While backdrops come in a variety of colors not all fit the bill when it comes to Deposition Videography.  There are about as many colors and textures as there are sample swatches in a paint store.  When it comes to depositions, the function of a backdrop is not to create an interesting background. Its primary function is to correct lighting.
  Backdrops for depositions should be neutral in color. Earth tones are usually best. Grays, light browns, and tans are usually preferred by Litigation Videographers. However, other colors have provided similar success. The best choices are those that do not obscure the subject. They should not clash with the deponent’s attire.  In short, they should not distract the viewer from the delivery of the testimony.
  In general, patterns and textures should follow suit, (no pun intended). While a softly modeled texture can be helpful in separating the subject from the background, the heavy use of patterns is over doing it. No storm clouds or lightning bolts, please!
  Many videographers own backdrops with gray tones on one side and brown tones on the other. This helps in situations in which the subject’s clothing is similar to the backdrop color.
• Size and Shape: In the deposition setting your backdrop must be large enough to fill the entire video screen, yet small enough to fit in the confines of the tightest locations. In order for a backdrop to perform its function it must be at least 5’x 6’. Some Legal Videographers will have a 6’x 7’ backdrop in their arsenal. Anything larger is simply not practical.
  Considering witnesses vary in size and shape the backdrop must be large enough to fall outside the viewing area while keeping the subject’s framing in check. It also must be large enough to accommodate the moving, twisting, leaning, and creeping deponent. Then again, it must be small enough to fit into your rig.
• Setup and Breakdown: Litigation Videographers quite often must prepare quickly. Therefore, a backdrop should not be cumbersome in its setup. A backdrop should never require more than a couple of minutes to get ready for use. In many situations leaning or hanging the backdrop against the wall is the best solution. However there are times when there is too much room between the subject and the wall to lean a backdrop. Here a support system may be required. While many backdrops have stands available, many deposition locations do not provide ample room to place such accessories.
• Portability: Portability is a must if you provide deposition video services. With many video-rigs bursting at the seams, videographers cringe at the thought of carrying a six-foot roll of material around. Things have indeed changed over the last decade or so. Today’s flexible, folding backdrops have eliminated the portability issue.
  There are many options that will allow a 5’x 6’ backdrop to be folded into a 2’ diameter disk. These nifty little devices can be setup and taken down in seconds.  Really!
  Today’s flexible-folding backdrops can be used in a variety of situations. Below are examples of situations every Litigation Videographer will be faced with.
  Sometimes it is the shot composition that creates the need for a backdrop. While certificates and awards behind a medical expert may be appealing to some, deer horns in the wrong location could spike a doctor’s popularity (no pun intended).
  Many videographers have developed some pretty ingenious methods of propping up backdrops.  To shorten the distance between the deponent and the background videographers will often use spare chairs to lean the backdrop up against. They will turn the chair backwards to support the backdrop. Of course, a dedicated support system often works best. Situations where there is not enough room to lean a backdrop properly for fear it will fall on the witness, commonly will necessitate a little gaff tape.
• Leaning Angle SIDE BAR (no pun intended):  Did you know the angle in which your backdrop leans actually could cause a backlit situation?  Though intentionally muted, backdrops are reflective surfaces. As a professional Legal Videographer, you should pay close attention to the way ambient lighting bounces off your backdrop. Use the “leaning angle” to your advantage, not to your detriment. You should recheck your iris setting if your leaning angle has been changed significantly during the deposition.

Because a backdrop’s primary purpose is to control light, there may be times when a backdrop might not be used as a background at all.  Sometimes the window to the right or the left of the deponent requires sunlight to be blacked out. Here a backdrop may be used to eliminate or decrease light.

Most flexible backdrops will last for upwards of 10 years depending on use and care. Occasional steaming and wrinkle removal might be necessary to keep it looking good.  Over time all material will stretch. Unless you are handy with a needle and thread your backdrop may lose its snap (no pun intended). Usually a little tension and a couple of binder clips can fix a sagging backdrop. However, after a hundred or so binder clips it’s probably time to buy a new one.

Backdrops can be found at most photo and video retailers for very reasonable rates. A backdrop need not be expensive, only effective.  There area variety of flexible, portable backdrops available. The cost for a flexible backdrop and stand is often below $200. Even those with dual colors, one for each side, can be found for that price. If you do not mind buying used, internet-auction sites are great options.

In the beginning of this article, it was expressed backdrops are used by professional videographers.  That is where this article ends. Professional is as professional does.  If you are having trouble controlling lighting conditions get yourself a backdrop.  It will do wonders for your image (pun intended)!