About us
West Coast Legal Video was founded by Richard Spanswick, MA, to provide the legal profession with the highest possible standard of videography. Trained by the American Guild of Court Videographers in every aspect of video evidence, Richard is ready to use his almost three decades of professional production experience to serve your needs, whether it's recording the deposition of a key witness or creating a hard-hitting settlement documentary.
"It's so professional - looks like a major film studio produced it!"
Accolade from the CEO of Serenity Lane
Company location and background
From its studio in Eugene, Oregon, West Coast Legal Video is ideally located to serve the western region of Oregon. The company is frequently called upon to serve clients in Portland and coastal communities, as well as its home base.
The company builds upon the vast production experience of its founder. Over the years, Richard has produced literally hundreds of programs for blue-chip companies, non-profits and government agencies, as well as broadcast and sell-through documentaries. Much of his earlier work was completed in the UK and Europe, including a very successful historical documentary on the life of the Brontë sisters, which was screened by the BBC and other networks around the world.
Richard's approach to production is meticulous and detailed, ideal attributes for legal videography. Not content with "average", he strives for the best in every job, however small. He is also a trained and experienced
mediator, who regularly works as court-appointed mediator to the Lane County Court. His Master's degree from Keele University is in Visual Arts in Contemporary Culture, and in his younger days he attended a British law school.
Company policy
This stuff is boring but important!
Rates. When you schedule a deposition or the recording of evidence under oath, we will give you a clear indication of our rates and other charges, both verbally and in writing. For documentaries etc., we will provide a written quotation/proposal that clearly sets out the charges and terms (which usually provide for staged payments).
Minimum fees. Our minimum fee includes setup and up to two hours recording from the scheduled start time.
Travel expenses. We do not normally charge travel expenses for depositions or similar legal events which take place either within the Portland metropolitan area or within Lane County. All others are subject to an hourly charge plus mileage at IRS rates.
Cancellations. We understand that cancellations are sometimes unavoidable. As long as we receive notice of cancellation prior to the day of the recording, we will make no charge, unless we have had to rent additional equipment at the request of the client.
No-shows. In the event of a no-show or cancellation on the day of the recording, we will charge our minimum fee plus any additional charges and/or expenses incurred.
Time calculations. The time begins at the scheduled start time and ends when the deposition is over, regardless of late starts or breaks. Time is billed in 15-minute increments.
Overtime. Events that run over 8 hours from the scheduled start time are billed at 1½ times normal hourly rate for the overtime period.
Copyright. The copyright of all recorded material is vested in the videographer, unless and until those rights are released or waived. In the event that another copyright holder's work is incorporated into productions, written permission must be obtained prior to its use.
Delivery. The original DVD and/or VHS plus any requested copies will be delivered to the court reporter or deposing attorney within ten business days, unless otherwise requested. Courier/shipping fees will be charged at cost.
Release of originals and duplicates. All fees and expenses must be paid prior to the release of media, unless other arrangements have been made.Payment is required by business check within 30 days or when you receive the media, whichever occurs first. We can also receive payment via PayPal, and will supply the necessary information on request.
Storage of in-camera originals. The original in-camera recordings will be stored by West Coast Legal Video LLC unless other arrangements have been made.