A Journey of Crafting Legal Insights: My Experience at TalksOnLaw
In my journey as a Video Producer and Editor at TalksOnLaw in New York City, I had the incredible opportunity to bring to life the stories of some of the most prominent figures in the legal field. TalksOnLaw is a platform that seeks to demystify complex legal topics, making them accessible and engaging for a broader audience. My role involved filming and editing interviews with judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and law professors, capturing their invaluable insights and experiences. Reporting to a team of three accomplished lawyers—Joel Cohen, Michelle Kim, and Giuseppe Scaravilli—provided a solid foundation of trust and expertise in my work.
Every project taught me something new, from setting up Lav Mics for interviews to capturing stabilized 4K footage with a Panasonic GH4 and DJI Ronin-M stabilization system. My meticulous preparation began with ensuring all equipment, from DSLRs and Micro Four Thirds cameras to audio recorders and Lavalier microphones, was functioning perfectly. I managed multi-camera setups, typically using three cameras: one for a wide shot and two for close-ups on each participant. Camera placement was crucial, with careful attention to framing, headroom, and the rule of thirds. I selected appropriate lenses, such as wide-angle for wide shots and prime lenses for close-ups, to achieve the best visual results.
Lighting was another critical aspect, where I utilized a portable three-point lighting kit. The key light served as the primary light source, positioned at a 45-degree angle to the subject. The fill light reduced shadows, positioned on the opposite side of the key light, and the backlight separated the subject from the background, placed behind the subject. I also used external monitors to preview camera shots, ensuring proper framing and consistency across all feeds. To maintain visual consistency, I ensured all cameras were set to the same frame rate, resolution, and aspect ratio.
In post-production, I utilized Magic Bullet Cosmo to balance skin tones, reduce wrinkles, and remove skin blemishes. I prepared videos for multimedia formats, including web and other digital distribution mediums. Leveraging my background as a sound engineer, I ensured the final mix and mastering were up to industry standards. Audio editing involved cleaning up audio, removing background noise, and balancing levels. I synchronized all camera feeds and audio tracks using timecode or audio waveforms, ensuring a seamless final product. Color grading was performed to ensure a consistent look across all camera angles, using scopes (waveform, vectorscope) to match colors accurately.
One of the standout moments of my tenure was filming the interview with Judge Jenny Rivera. Her story was profoundly inspiring. Judge Rivera’s mother, who didn’t get past the 5th grade and worked in factories her whole life after immigrating to the U.S., had a daughter who rose to become an Associate Judge of the Court of Appeals, the highest court in New York City. This remarkable narrative underscored the resilience and determination that often lay behind the legal careers we documented.
Another memorable project was the behind-the-scenes experience of filming Judge Rajeswari at the Staten Island criminal court. Directing lawyers and a criminal court judge from behind the courtroom bench was surreal and humbling. Judge Rajeswari’s journey from India to the U.S. at 16, losing both parents shortly after, and rising to become the first woman of Indian origin to be a criminal court judge in New York City by the age of 43, was a testament to her perseverance and dedication.
Working with NYU law professor Richard Pildes on the role of political parties in the presidential primaries of Campaign 2016 was another highlight. Conducted by Suraj Patel, who had extensive experience working at The White House and on both Obama campaigns, this interview delved deep into the intricate dynamics of political influence, offering rich content for our viewers.
One particularly impactful interview was with The Honorable Sean D. Reyes, the 21st Attorney General of Utah, who discussed the global fight against human trafficking. This robust interview shed light on a critical issue and underscored the importance of legal frameworks in combating such heinous crimes.
My role at TalksOnLaw allowed me to continually learn and grow. Filming an interview with Columbia Law School Professor William Simon, a leading expert on legal ethics and professional responsibility, was particularly enlightening. Professor Simon’s insights, featured on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” highlighted the ethical challenges within the legal profession.
Another enriching experience was working with I. Glenn Cohen, an Assistant Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and co-director of the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics. His expertise provided a fascinating look into the intersection of law and emerging technologies.
One of the most memorable pieces of advice I received came from Judge Andrew Napolitano, following his two-hour speech on Supreme Court cases and the U.S. Constitution. He advised me to “surround yourself with great mentors because you’re the average of the five people you associate with the most.” This wisdom has stayed with me throughout my career.
Collaborating with Gary Reing, the immediate past chairman for the Lawyers Assistance Program for the New York City Bar Association, and Christine Mott, a commercial law attorney and Chairwoman of the Animal Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association, further broadened my understanding of the diverse areas within legal practice.
Filming at Columbia Law School with Professor Richard Briffault and at the New York City Bar Association with experts Eileen Travis and Meredith Heller, who focus on helping lawyers overcome addiction, were also significant projects. These interviews provided invaluable insights into the support systems available within the legal community.
Reflecting on my time at TalksOnLaw, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such knowledgeable and inspiring individuals. The experience has shaped my professional journey, equipping me with the skills and insights needed to continue crafting narratives that inform and engage. My work at TalksOnLaw was not just about producing videos; it was about telling stories that make a difference, capturing the essence of legal insights, and presenting them in a way that resonates with audiences.