Answers
to Frequently Asked Questions
- How
much does an animated reconstruction cost ?
- How
long does it take to produce an animation?
- Is
an animation admissible ?
- What
is the animation based on ?
- What
is the process for producing an animation ?
- What
does the typical animation consist of ?
The
vast majority of our animation productions typically range in cost
from $5,500 to $7,500. An
animation production can, however, cost anywhere from as little
as $2,000 to as much as $25,000 or more depending upon several factors:
Complexity of the event and scene, level of required detail, length
of production and inclusion of special effects, i.e. rain, snow,
fog, fire etc.
Production
time usually runs from 4 to 8 weeks depending upon the complexity
and length of the animation. This allows enough time to provide
our clients with an animation proof and to make any necessary changes
or modifications before final production begins. Depending
on our production schedule shorter turn times may be possible.
When it comes to commissioning an animation production... "THE
SOONER THE BETTER". An animated reconstruction
is a process, not a product and requires adequate time for development,
modification and refinement. In order to provide the most
compelling and effective production possible allow sufficient time.
Keep in mind that often the most effective use of an animation
can be in negotiations and mediation, long before
trial.
Normally,
yes. Having said that, as we all know every judge is different
and may have his or her own opinions on issues of admissibility.
The important thing to understand is that these animations are usually
demonstrative exhibits and as long as they represent a fair and
accurate description of an expert's opinion or findings they should
be admissible. They should be considered to be nothing more
than a visualization of your expert's opinion, not unlike any other
drawing or illustration.
These
productions are generally based on information, data, observations
and findings of your experts or eyewitnesses. The virtual
scenes and objects are modeled from the drawings, charts and photographs
provided by your experts in a case, ie. accident reconstructionists,
engineers, physicians, etc.
- First,
a phone conference or meeting with one of our representatives
to discuss a case, and the issues involved. We can generally give
you a rough estimate of cost at that time.
- Send
us a package containing, for example, any police reports, scene
drawings or diagrams produced by your experts, photographs of
the scene, event or failure, and any reports prepared by your
experts. Conference calls with the experts normally are
sufficient. The necessity of actual meetings is unlikely.
At that time we will provide you with a firm estimate of production
costs.
- As
the scene or equipment are modeled proofs will be provided to
you and your experts for approval and any required changes.
- Upon
completion of the modeling, the animation will be programmed,
animated and rendered onto video tape and sent to you and your
experts once again for review and approval.
- Upon
your approval of the proof, the final production is rendered on
the media of your choice, ie. VHS, Super VHS, Hi-8, Beta
SP, DV, Laser Disk or CD ROM.
The
following list is just a sampling of the possible segments or scenarios
which could be included in an animated production:
- Reconstruction
of the actual accident, event or failure.
- Depiction
of how the accident or failure might have been prevented.
- Views
from the drivers involved or eyewitnesses.
- In
the case of Eminent Domain litigation, the "before",
"after" and possible "cure" scenarios.
- "See-through"
or "exploded" depiction of product design, construction
and operation.
- Animated
medical illustrations and procedures.
- In
aviation cases the reconstruction of an event or accident from
Flight Data Recorder information including synched audio from
the cockpit voice recorder and radio communications with the ground.
|
