BASIC PRACTICES • It is best to film the entire location continuously. However, if the incident is too large, complex or dangerous to do so you can start and stop the recording. In this case, try recording each new clip by pointing the camera at the same location you were filming when you stopped. In other words, overlap the shots. • Include the following shots: • A very slow 360-degree pan to provide context and show what is happening behind the scene. • Wide establishing shots to provide an easily understandable layout of the crime scene and to assist in verifying time, date and location. • Medium shots to establish the location of the evidence in the crime scene and the relationship of one piece of evidence to another. • Close-up shots to show key details and identify people at the scene. • If possible, film the shots listed above from multiple sides of the incident scene. • Hold all your shots for 10 seconds or more. Move the camera slowly when you change your position or when you zoom in or out. Avoid fast or jerky movements. When possible, use a tripod, monopod or even surface to stabilize the camera. STEP 4 Written Documentation If you were unable to add basic information to the video recording itself, then you should create a separate document that summarizes the key information about your footage. Be sure to do this while the details are fresh in your mind. Even though this can be time consuming, providing thorough written documentation can significantly increase the chances that your video will be used as evidence. The summary information, often referred to as a “Camera Report”, can be handwritten or done on a computer and saved in a folder with the video. Always include: • Date and time you wrote the summary; • Date, time and location of the filming; • Names and contact information for the: • Person filming; • People being filmed; • Other people on scene who may have information about the events that took place. • A short, factual summary of what is shown in the video. Leave out unsupported opinions, misinformation and exaggerations; • Any safety information or security restrictions. For more information Learn more about Camera Reports at: bit.ly/WITNESS Library_VaE KEY POINT WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION MATTERS! Even if you include basic information in the video recording, a separate written summary can be helpful. This additional documentation will make your video stand out among the thousands of videos captured and shared every day by citizens and activists, and it will help human rights researchers and investigators as they review the content and determine whether or not your footage will help them. In short, the easier you make it for the reviewers, the more likely they are to watch your video. 65 VIDEO AS EVIDENCE: BASIC PRACTICES V 1.0