CompuServe Messages

Thought I'd give you some insight into this one. I've been doing these kinds of animations for a few years. Once, an attorney requested an animation based on the reconstructionist's data, but did not want the reconstructionist to seen the final reconstruction animation. The reason is, if the animation looks good for the attorny's case it will be used, and the proper people notified (in all my cases I make at least three copies of everything, one for my attorney, one for the the other attorney and one for the judge), if the animation looks bad or doesn't put the client in the best POV, the reconstructionist does not have to testify that one was made or what it looked like. Noboby knows about it, the attorney was simply developing the case. Legally though, all materials can be ordered by the judge to be submitted to all parties involved, including notes on scratch paper, napkins, and little animations. Interestingly, this raises questions about what to save, backups, changes, etc… because everything can be ordered, everything. Don't get too paranoid though, just be as honest and ethical as you can about your work. It is no game out there. Many people use these for selfish gains, others have literally their lives and livelyhood at stake. I've seen lawyers go for the limits of a policy, others go after personal property and part of wages for the better part of a person's life. These animations are extremely powerful tools, especially when a jury is involved. And, like any tool, it can be used to build wounderful things or to destroy. Also, you have to keep in mind, not all animations are made to go to court. I often recommendthat an animation be done in the rough just to figure out what happened and to develop stratagies. An animation for the courtroom may or may not be required. On payment, always get a retainer befor you start work. I require 10 hours @ $100 per hour to start. I have never had a job go sour, but the retainer keeps everyone on their toes and protects you from loosing too much if the job falls through or payment is not made. While I'm on the topic, sometimes it is good to ask for a second payment after the storyboard and rough animation is approved before going to final output. Hope I haven't been too long on this one, I'm late on entering this thread, I'm not sure what has been said already. Let me know how it goes.