What is a deposition?
A deposition is sworn, out‑of‑court testimony given by a witness or party during the discovery stage of a lawsuit. The person who answers questions is the deponent. A court reporter usually records everything and produces a transcript. Because testimony is under oath, false statements can lead to sanctions or criminal charges (e.g., perjury).
Key points (short)
– Purpose: let both sides learn the facts, preserve witness statements, and reduce surprises at trial.
– Setting: commonly an attorney’s office; all parties and counsel may attend.
– Who: witnesses, plaintiffs, defendants, experts.
– Record: stenographic transcript and often video.
– Scope: questions can be broader than what a judge would allow at trial.
– Consequences: failing to obey a subpoena can carry penalties; lying under oath can lead to perjury charges.
How depositions fit into discovery
Discovery is the pretrial process where parties exchange information. Depositions serve two main roles:
1) Fact-finding — letting lawyers test testimony and fill gaps.
2) Preservation — capturing testimony soon after events so recollections are not lost.
When attorneys choose to depose someone
Common reasons to take a deposition:
– The person has direct knowledge of key facts (accident witness, contract signer).
– Parties want to evaluate credibility before trial or settlement.
– Counsel needs testimony to lock in positions or impeach a witness at trial.
Timing and number depend on case complexity and court rules.
Who attends and who records
– Attendees typically include attorneys for both sides, the deponent, and a court reporter.
– Sometimes a videographer records the session.
– All parties may be present unless a court orders otherwise.
Typical deposition questions (what to expect)
Questions aim to establish facts and chronology. Examples in a personal-injury matter might include:
– Where were you at the time of the incident?
– What did you see, hear, or do?
– Did you speak with anyone about the event? When and what was said?
– Have you ever made a written or recorded statement about this matter?
Attorneys may ask follow-up or background questions (education, employment, prior injuries) if relevant.
How long does a deposition take?
– Length varies widely: some last 30–60 minutes; others run several hours.
– Federal practice: Rule 30(d)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure caps a deposition at seven hours of total testimony for a deponent in a single day, absent court approval or stipulation to extend. (
Breaks, extensions, and time limits
– Breaks: Depositions normally include short breaks for comfort and a longer break for lunch. The presiding rules require “reasonable” breaks; what’s reasonable depends on circumstances (health, travel, complexity).
– Extensions: Parties can agree to extend beyond the time limit, or a party may seek court approval. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 30(d)(1), the seven‑hour cap applies unless the court orders otherwise or the parties stipulate to more time.
– Multiple days: If testimony cannot be completed in one day, counsel may schedule a continuation on another day. The same deponent may be re‑noticed for another session.
Who attends a deposition
– Deponent: the person giving sworn testimony.
– Attorneys: counsel for both sides typically attend. Each may ask questions, object, and confer outside the presence of the deponent if necessary.
– Court reporter: records the testimony and produces the transcript.
– Videographer: may record video and audio of the deposition when allowed.
– Parties, insurers, and corporate representatives: may attend depending on notice and local rules.
– Interpreters or accommodations: provided when needed for language or disability.
Objections and instructing not to answer
– Objection defined: a formal statement by an attorney during an exam that a question is improper for a stated legal reason (e.g., privileged, irrelevant, unduly burdensome).
– Preserving the record: most objections are “preserved” by stating them on the record but do not stop the witness from answering (common in federal practice). Typical objections that do not justify non‑answering include relevance, foundation, and form of the question.
– Privilege and instructions not to answer: if a question calls for privileged information (attorney‑client, spousal, etc.), counsel may instruct the deponent not to answer. Such instructions should be stated on the record with the specific privilege asserted.
– Speaking objections: attorneys should avoid argumentative or coaching objections on the record; most courts disfavor them.
Transcript, certification, and errata
– Court reporter’s role: produces a verbatim written transcript and usually certifies that the transcript is a true record of the proceedings.
– Reviewing the transcript: the deponent typically gets a copy to review and may be allowed to correct typographical or transcription errors via an errata sheet. Corrections that materially change testimony can be contested.
– Certification/reading: some states allow or require a read and sign; federal practice permits the deponent to review and sign the transcript but does not require it.
– Cost and delivery: reporters set fees for originals, copies, and expedited delivery. Videotapes are ancillary and may incur separate costs.
Use of depositions at trial
– Impeachment: the most common trial use is to impeach (challenge) a witness whose in‑court testimony differs from deposition testimony.
– Substantive use: Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 32 and evidentiary rules permit deposition testimony to be used substantively in certain circumstances (deponent is unavailable, a party to the action, or for convenience when the witness is beyond reach), subject to rules on hearsay and confrontation.
– Exhibits: deposition exhibits may be admitted at trial if authenticated and relevant.
Video depositions
– When used: helpful when a witness cannot attend trial, to capture demeanor, or for convenience in complex matters.
– Preservation: video generally supplements the transcript; both should be preserved and properly labeled.
– Authentication and editing: any edits must preserve context; courts may scrutinize altered tapes.
Sanctions and failure to appear
– Failure to appear: a subpoenaed witness who fails to attend may be subject to motion to compel, contempt, or monetary sanctions.
– Sanctions: under Federal Rule 37, courts can award fees, strike pleadings, dismiss claims, or enter default judgment for discovery abuses, including refusals to answer or willful noncompliance.
– Protective orders: parties can seek a protective order to limit questions, prevent disclosure of privileged or trade‑secret information, or to protect privacy.
Practical checklist for preparing a deposition (for counsel and deponents)
1. Confirm logistics: date, time, location, expected duration, and breaks.
2. Review the notice/subpoena: verify scope and requested documents or exhibits.
3. Prepare documents: collect, organize, and mark exhibits; create an index.
4. Pre‑deposition meeting (for deponent): discuss likely topics, permissible testimony, and privilege boundaries.
5. Practice concise answers: provide responsive answers without volunteering extra detail.
6. Clarify objections: counsel should know which objections preserve rights but still allow testimony to proceed.
7. Plan for irreplaceable testimony: arrange for video if the witness may be unavailable at trial.
8. Post‑deposition: request transcript, review for errata, and decide on corrections.
Worked example: scheduling under the seven‑hour federal cap
– Suppose a deposition is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. and the parties agree to two 15‑minute short breaks and a 60‑minute lunch.
– Seven hours of testimony means the clock counts only the time the deponent is testifying (not necessarily breaks, but local practice varies). If testimony equals seven hours, and breaks total 1.5 hours, the session could span 9:00–5:30 with briefing to strictly track cumulative testimony time.
– If testimony runs out at 4:00 p.m., counsel should either agree to continue the next day or seek court approval to extend beyond seven hours.
Typical costs (illustrative ranges)
– Court reporter: $0.50–$4.00 per page for standard transcripts; expedited or certified copies cost more. (Rates vary by region and provider.)
– Videographer: $300–$1,200 per day plus editing and copies.
– Witness fees and travel: statutory witness fees are modest (often governed by state statute) but travel and lodging vary.
– Court motions: filing fees and attorney time for motions to compel or for protective orders add to costs.
State variations and local rules
– State courts have their own discovery rules and time limits. Always check local rules or consult counsel licensed in the jurisdiction.
– Some states allow broader objections or different procedures for instructing a witness not to answer.
Common pitfalls to avoid
– Coaching the witness on the record.
– Failing to assert privilege timely.
– Letting the deponent
drift off-topic or volunteer harmful information. A deponent who speaks without control can create new lines of attack or inadvertently waive privilege.
– Failing to refresh recollection properly. Refreshing a witness’s memory (using a document) must be done carefully to avoid converting the document into an exhibit or creating hearsay issues; follow the governing rules and local practice.
– Overreliance on objections that won’t preserve issues for trial. Many objections are preserved only if made on the record in a certain way; generic or late objections may be ineffective.
– Not marking and handling exhibits clearly. Unmarked or poorly described exhibits complicate transcription and playback; identify, mark, and list exhibits on the record as they are used.
– Ignoring nonverbal cues on video. When depositions are recorded on video, body language, pauses, and tone can be important—both for crafting follow-up questions and for later use at trial.
Practical checklist for attorneys (before, during, after)
– Before the deposition
1. Confirm date, time, place, and method (in person, remote, hybrid) with opposing counsel, the deponent, and the court reporter.
2. Serve appropriate notices/subpoenas and arrange a court reporter and, if desired, a videographer.
3. Prepare a focused outline: core themes, key documents, admissions sought, and impeachment material.
4. Meet with your client/witness to review testimony, documents, and common pitfalls. Clarify privileges and limits on testimony.
5. Assemble and tab exhibits; create an exhibit list for the record.
– During the deposition
1. Put the foundational context on the record (identities, stipulations, exhibits).
2. Control the pace: ask short, clear questions; avoid talking over objections that are expressly permitted by local rules.
3. Protect privileged information: if a privilege is implicated, state the privilege on the record and, if required, provide a privilege log later.
4. If the witness is coached or evasive, raise the issue on the record and consider motions to compel later.
5. Mark exhibits sequentially and confirm receipt and review by the deponent.
– After the deposition
1. Review the transcript promptly for errors; decide whether to use errata (allowed corrections to form of testimony).
2. Preserve the original exhibits and obtain copies as needed.
3. Follow up with motions if discovery was obstructed or if sanctions are warranted.
4. Incorporate deposition testimony into trial preparation: witness lists, impeachment plans, and demonstratives.
Quick checklist for deponents (what to do and not do)
– Do: listen carefully, answer only the question asked, pause before answering, ask for clarification if you do not understand a question, and correct any mistakes on the record promptly.
– Don’t: guess, volunteer extra facts, argue with counsel, read from prepared statements unless instructed, or destroy/alter documents.
Worked numeric example: estimating a one-day deposition cost
Assumptions:
– Lead attorney hourly billing: $400/hr; preparation 3 hours, attendance 8 hours, post-deposition review 2 hours = 13 hours.
– Local associate attorney: $200/hr; attendance 8 hours = 8 hours.
– Court reporter: flat appearance + per-page transcription; $150 appearance + $5/page; assume 200 pages = $1,000.
– Videographer (optional): $600/day.
– Travel and witness fees: $300.
– Misc (exhibit copies, overnight delivery): $100.
Calculation:
– Lead attorney: 13 hrs × $400 = $5,200
– Associate: 8 hrs × $200 = $1,600
– Court reporter: $150 + $1,000 = $1,150
– Videographer: $600
– Travel/witness/misc: $300 + $100 = $400
Total estimated one-day cost = $5,200 + $1,600 + $1,150 + $600 + $400 = $8,950
Note: Rates vary widely by market and provider; videography and transcript turnaround (expedited copies cost more) change totals significantly.
Rules and technical pointers (definitions and sources)
– Deponent: the person who gives sworn testimony during a deposition.
– Objection: a formal statement by counsel that a question or procedure is improper under the rules; some objections are “preserved” for trial only if timely and specific.
– Privilege: a legal right (e.g., attorney-client privilege) to refuse disclosure of certain communications. Privilege assertions should generally be made on the record and supported by a privilege log when required.
– Leading question
– Leading question: a question that suggests the answer or puts words in the deponent’s mouth. Leading questions are generally allowed on cross‑examination but may be objectionable on direct examination unless permitted by the judge or by stipulation.
– Foundation: the preliminary factual support a question needs (e.g., custody of a document, witness’s personal knowledge) before a witness may properly answer. Lack of foundation is a common objection.
– Form of the question: an objection that the way a question is posed is improper (vague, ambiguous, compound, argumentative, assumes facts not in evidence). Counsel should state the specific defect when required by local rules.
– Relevance/Scope: objections that a question exceeds the permissible scope of discovery—or is not relevant to any party’s claim or defense. Relevance in depositions is broader than at trial; many otherwise irrelevant matters are discoverable if they might lead to admissible evidence.
– Privilege log: when documents or communications are withheld on privilege grounds, many rules require a written log describing the withheld items and the basis for privilege without revealing the privileged content.
– Hearsay during deposition: testimony repeating out‑of‑court statements may be hearsay at trial. During a deposition, hearsay answers are typically allowed but may be objected to and later barred at trial unless an exception applies.
– Nonresponsive answer: when a deponent’s answer does not address the question. Counsel may note the nonresponsive nature on the record; the remedy at the time of deposition varies by jurisdiction.
– Errata and transcript corrections: most courts permit a deponent to submit an errata sheet within a specified time to correct transcription errors or clarify testimony. Corrections that materially change testimony can be used for impeachment at trial.
– Transcript certification and exhibits: stenographers or court reporters certify transcripts. Exhibits should be marked, retained, and referenced consistently (e.g., Exhibit 1, Exhibit 2). Produce and handle originals according to the rules and notice.
– Remote depositions (video/Zoom): many jurisdictions now have local rules or standing orders about remote testimony, identity verification, control of exhibits, and recording. Counsel should stipulate procedures in advance (screen sharing, exhibit handling, break protocol).
Practical checklists and step‑by‑step guidance
Checklist for counsel serving/defending a deposition
1. Confirm notice/subpoena is valid under the applicable rule (e.g., proper service, place, time).
2. Identify scope: which claims/defenses and custodians are targeted.
3. Prepare a list of topics and specific questions; include foundational questions for exhibits and custody of records.
4. Assemble and Bates‑stamp exhibits; prepare an exhibit list and copies for court reporter and opposing counsel.
5. Confirm logistics: court reporter, videographer (if any), room, technology, and any vendor costs.
6. Meet and prepare your witness (see deponent checklist).
7. On the day: make record of appearances, stipulations, and any objections or protective order issues.
8. After deposition: obtain transcript, review errata deadlines, and file necessary motions (e.g., motion for protective order if required).
Checklist for deponents (witnesses)
1. Meet with counsel for a preparation session; review documents beforehand.
2. Bring only permitted documents; do not bring unauthorized files or personal notes unless agreed.
3. Pause before answering; listen to the full question. Ask for clarification if a question is unclear.
4. Answer only the question asked. Do not volunteer extra information.
5. If you do not know, say “I don’t know” rather than guessing. If you don’t recall, say “I don’t recall.”
6. Speak clearly; avoid nods as a substitute for verbal answers on the record.
7. If you need a break, request one; note breaks on the record.
8. After the transcript is prepared, review errata rules with counsel before submitting corrections.
Worked numeric example — transcript and videography cost (illustrative)
Assume: 250 transcript pages at $3.50/page regular, expedited same‑day surcharge 100%, and videographer flat $600 for a day.
– Base transcript cost = 250 × $3.50 = $875
– Same‑day surcharge = $875 × 100% = $875
– Videographer = $600
– Court reporter appearance fee (example) = $200
– Per‑page exhibit scanning (10 exhibits @ $25 ea) = $250
Total one‑day cost = $875 + $875 + $600 + $200 + $250 = $2,800
Notes: rates and scheduling surcharges vary widely by market and provider; this example is for illustration only.
Common procedural traps and how to avoid them
– Missing an objection deadline for protective orders: act immediately if a notice is overbroad; file for a protective order promptly.
– Allowing uncontrolled exhibits in remote sessions: agree on exhibit handling (e.g., exchange PDFs in advance, label them, use a shared link).
– Forgetting to preserve privilege: if asserting privilege over documents, prepare a privilege log and consider a clawback agreement for inadvertently produced privileged materials.
– Overcorrecting transcript errata: use errata to fix transcription errors or minor clarifications; avoid using errata to rewrite testimony substantively without discussing impeachment risk.
Variations by jurisdiction and case type
– Federal court depositions are governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (especially Rule 30 and Rule 45). State courts have their own rules and timelines. Administrative proceedings and arbitration may have different procedures. Always check the controlling rules and any local standing orders or judge’s chambers rules.
Quick decision checklist for counsel during a deposition
– Is the question privileged? If yes, instruct not to answer and state the basis.
– Is the question outside scope? Note objection on the record; depending on local practice, you may or may not instruct not to answer.
– Is the question argumentative, compound, or vague? Object to form; ask for clarification.
– Is the deponent nonresponsive? Ask for a responsive answer and, if persistent, consider noting it on the record.
Further reading and official resources
– Investopedia — Deposition: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/deposition.asp
– Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Rules 26, 30, 45): https://www.uscourts.gov/rules‑policies/current‑rules‑practice‑procedure/federal‑rules‑civil‑procedure
– Cornell Legal Information Institute — Depositions: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex
– American Bar Association — Depositions overview and practice pointers: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/litigation/resources/
– Nolo — Guide to depositions for lay witnesses and lawyers: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/depositions
(These join the previously listed Investopedia, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Cornell LII links.)
Practical preparation checklist for counsel (detailed)
1. Define objectives. List the discrete facts and admissions you need from this deponent (e.g., three key dates, two contract interpretations, one admission of knowledge). Prioritize by importance.
2. Prepare an outline of topics. Use a topic-by-topic roadmap rather than a word-for-word script. Number topics (1, 2, 3…) and estimate time for each.
3. Draft core questions and follow-ups. For each topic prepare primary questions, likely evasive answers, and pointed follow-ups.
4. Anticipate objections and privileges. Identify documents or communications that may be privileged and plan how you’ll preserve the record if privilege is asserted.
5. Coordinate exhibits. Bates-stamp and tab exhibits; prepare an exhibit list and a sequence for introducing them. Ensure the court reporter and opposing counsel each have copies.
6. Plan logistics. Confirm location, start time, expected duration, videographer (if used), and technology for remote depositions. Reserve a quiet conference room.
7. Pre-deposition witness prep (if representing the witness). Coach the deponent on responsiveness, phrasing, and common traps; review expected exhibits and documents. Rehearse short role-play Q&A.
8. Record preservation. Ensure any objected-to questions, nonresponsive answers, or instructions not to answer are placed on the record for later motion practice.
Practical preparation checklist for the non-party or party deponent
1. Review documents. Read documents you authored or received that will be used. Make notes of dates, people, and facts, but do not memorize scripted answers.
2. Attend counsel prep. If you have counsel, attend a pre-deposition meeting. Counsel will explain privileges and permissible evasions.
3. Practice clear, audible answers. Speak in complete sentences when brief answers may be ambiguous. Pause before answering to think.
4. Do not volunteer extra facts. Answer the question asked; do not fill silences with new information.
5. If you do not remember, say so. Use words like “I don’t recall” rather than guessing. If you can estimate, preface with “I believe” or “to the best of my recollection.”
6. Avoid legal conclusions. Say “I don’t know the legal definition” and offer the factual basis instead.
7. If instructed not to answer, stop. If your counsel instructs you not to answer on the basis of privilege, remain silent and allow counsel to state the basis on the record.
Sample short scripts (neutral, practical)
– Counsel instructing a client witness: “Do not answer this question on the grounds of privilege. I will state the basis on the record.”
– Deponent when unsure: “I don’t remember the exact figure. My best recollection is about $4,000, but I would need to check the file to be sure.”
– Deponent when asked a compound question: “Can you please break that into two questions? I’m not sure which part you want me to answer.”
Time-allocation example for a 2-hour deposition (numeric)
– 0–10 minutes: Introductions, ground rules, oath.
– 10–30 minutes: Background, education, employment history.
– 30–90 minutes: Core substantive topics (split into 3 topics × 20 minutes each).
– 90–110 minutes: Document review and exhibit-driven questioning.
– 110–120 minutes: Corrections to the transcript, final clarifications, and wrap-up.
Objections—practical primer (short)
– Preserve the record. Object briefly on the record (e.g., “Objection: privileged” or “Objection: form”). Many jurisdictions require concise on-the-record objections to preserve issues for later motions.
– Limit speaking objections. Avoid lengthy argument at the deposition. If further argument is needed, ask the court (or judge at a hearing) to resolve it.
– When to instruct not to answer. Generally only for privilege, to protect a witness’s Fifth Amendment rights, or when local rules allow. If you instruct not to answer, state the basis on the record.
Remote/video deposition tech checklist
1. Test platform (Zoom, Webex, etc.), audio, and video 30–60 minutes early.
2. Ensure a stable wired internet connection if possible.
3. Use headphones with microphone to reduce echo.
4. Verify screen-sharing works for exhibits and that all parties can view the same document page.
5. Confirm recording settings and that the court reporter has either local audio or a clean digital feed.
6. Lock the meeting once started and control entry to prevent interruptions.
Common pitfalls and remedies
– Pitfall: Deponent volunteers new facts during a sidebar. Remedy: Pause, mark the statement on the record, and consider supplementing discovery if necessary.
– Pitfall: Exhibits are not properly authenticated. Remedy: Bring foundational witnesses or records custodians
– Pitfall: Opposing counsel objects repeatedly to foundation or form and uses objections to interrupt the flow.
Remedy: Preserve the objection succinctly on the record (state the objection without argument), ask the reporter to note the time and page, then either rephrase the question or move on. If the interruption is tactical (delay or intimidation), seek a narrow ruling later (motion to compel or in limine) rather than litigating every objection mid-deposition.
– Pitfall: Deponent coached off-camera during a remote deposition.
Remedy: Put the deponent on the record and ask nonleading, specific questions about whether anyone is in the room or communicating with them. Request a camera sweep (pan the room slowly). If coaching is suspected, note it on the record and consider pausing the deposition to seek court intervention or agree to a clarification process later.
– Pitfall: Time-zone confusion for remote participants leads to missed attendance or late starts.
Remedy: State and confirm the deposition start time in a single time zone (e.g., “10:00 a.m. ET”) in both the notice and the reminder calendar invite. Send a 24-hour and a 60-minute reminder with the same explicit time zone.
– Pitfall: Chain-of-custody or file-integrity questions for digital exhibits (emails, metadata, video).
Remedy: Preserve original files; obtain records from primary custodians or IT; create a production log showing file hashes or timestamps when possible; have a records custodian or forensic witness authenticate metadata on the record.
Remote/video-specific pitfalls and remedies
– Pitfall: Latency or audio dropouts cause overlapping speech and lost answers.
Remedy: Instruct participants to avoid speaking over each other; pause three seconds after each answer to allow any delayed audio; have the court reporter record any missed portions and the parties stipulate to a readback if necessary.
– Pitfall: Recording settings differ (local recorder vs. cloud) and result in multiple incomplete files.
Remedy: Confirm before starting which device or service will be the official recording; obtain copies from each recording source as backups; require the court reporter to certify their transcript and attach any separate digital audio/video files to the record.
– Pitfall: Confidential exhibits viewable by unauthorized persons in home offices.
Remedy: Require a stipulation that all participants use private spaces, headphones, and screen lock; if sensitive, use secure document-sharing platforms with watermarking and disable participant downloads.
Practical pre-deposition checklists (two short, actionable checklists)
For the examining attorney
1. Notice: Serve in compliance with jurisdictional rules; include time, place (or platform), and specific topics or list of documents for notice under Rule 30(b)(6) or state equivalent.
2. Exhibits: Number and prepare exhibit list and index; produce or exchange exhibits per local rules (set deadlines).
3. Logistics: Confirm court reporter, videographer (if any), interpreter, and remote platform; test tech 30–60 minutes early.
4. Witness prep: Conduct a witness prep session; review core facts, difficult dates, and privileged topics; practice direct questions.
5. Objections strategy: Prepare boilerplate objections (form, foundation, privilege) and decide when to instruct not to answer (privilege only).
6. Day-of: Bring hard and digital copies of exhibits; provide the reporter with exhibits list; record stipulations on the record before substantive questioning.
For the deponent
1. Arrival: Be available 30–60 minutes early (remote or in-person) for tech checks and a final prep.
2. Documents: Have any documents you relied on; but avoid volunteering additional facts—answer the question asked.
3. Communication: No speaking with counsel or others off-camera during the testimony unless a break is taken.
4. Clarify: If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification. Don’t guess.
5. Corrections: Review the transcript when provided and follow the process for corrections (errata), but do not add substantive new testimony in errata.
Step-by-step day-of timeline (example)
– 8:30 a.m.: All counsel, deponent, reporter, and vendor join the platform for tech check (audio, video, exhibits).
– 8:50 a.m.: Stipulations read into the record (time zone, official recording source, exhibit handling).
– 9:00 a.m.: Oath administered; reporter begins official record.
– 9:05–12:00 p.m.: Direct examination (with agreed breaks as needed).
– 12:00–12:45 p.m.: Lunch break (recorded off the record).
– 12:45–4:00 p.m.: Cross and redirect (observe FRCP 30(d)(1) limits — see note).
Assumption note: FRCP 30(d)(1) generally limits a deposition to one day of seven hours absent stipulation or court order; check local rules and agreements.
Worked cost example (illustrative; adjust for your market)
Assumptions:
– Court reporter appearance fee: $200
– Hourly reporter rate: $50/hour
– Videographer (optional) flat fee: $350
–