By Daryl Black, Jr., Communication Specialist • Office of Communication, Education & Outreach
More than a smartphone shoot
In the era of TikTok and YouTube, making a video sounds easy, but developing a quality, long-lasting, and fresh update to Indiana’s jury orientation video was no point-and-shoot endeavor. What began as a newly revised script—developed by the Indiana Judicial Conference Jury Committee and approved by its Board of Directors—resulted in a professionally-produced, high-quality video shot in three counties with a local crew. After years of planning, the Indiana Office of Judicial Administration teamed with Bowersock Media, an Indianapolis-based film production company, to reimagine the introduction to the jury experience.
This new video, filmed over the course of four days in July 2025 and intended to orient prospective jurors before starting their jury service, replaces the previous version, which was originally produced in December 2003. In place of the low-resolution footage is an engaging, high-definition video with high-fidelity audio and graphics that convey the importance and honor of serving on a jury.
Years of preparing, four days of action
While the cameras rolled for only four days, this project was the result of years of preparation. The Jury Committee, which is responsible for assisting courts with implementing Indiana’s Jury Rules, initiated the project to update the orientation video. They edited and updated the script and presented the revised script to the Board of Directors, which approved the revisions in April 2024.
Judge Marla Clark, chair of the committee explained: “This was a tremendous undertaking. The Jury Committee spent significant time crafting the language of the script so the video will provide accurate, complete, and clear information in a professional, engaging manner to potential jurors about the jury rules and what to expect from service.”
By April 2025—after development and execution of a formal Request for Proposals—Indianapolis-based production company Bowersock Media was chosen from a list of eight potential vendors. By May, the search for filming locations was underway. The team ultimately landed on two locations: the Shelby County Circuit courtroom, with its ideal combination of traditional woodwork and brilliant white walls, and the Johnson County Superior Court 4 jury room, for its natural lighting and clean, modern look.
Some people may perceive video production as a straightforward camera setup and a few lines of dialogue—this was anything but. The production team at Bowersock Media, led by director Kurtis Bowersock and producer Victoria Britton, assembled a full crew of Indiana-based experts, including camera operators, a script supervisor, audio engineers, and lighting technicians. Everything from the actors’ clothing to the way the light is manipulated across the courtroom was thoroughly planned to guarantee that this video has an extended shelf life, and an even longer impact on audiences. This orientation video doesn’t just provide information; it will keep people’s attention and help Hoosiers understand their role as jurors in a way that respects their time and experiences.
Filming started on July 21 in the Indiana Supreme Court courtroom with an introduction by Chief Justice Loretta Rush. The next three days took the crew to Shelby and Johnson counties. Each day had an extensive production schedule, starting at 8 a.m. and ending about 6 p.m. Between takes, the cast and crew spent time coordinating shots in various areas of the courtroom, framing scenes, correcting lighting, and recording clean audio, all of which are essential to the viewer’s experience but sometimes go unnoticed in the finished product.
The video features two experienced, enthusiastic actors as the jury’s guides to orientation, as well as supporting actors playing the roles of judge, bailiff, attorneys, defendant, plaintiff, and witness. Background extras filled the courtroom gallery to bring the scenes to life.
From crafting the visual elements to location scouting and casting, the entire process was highly collaborative. OJA staff worked in close cooperation with Bowersock Media throughout, providing feedback on tone, visual accuracy, and style. Production concluded in late July, but the work did not end there. Editing began quickly, with Bowersock’s post-production team selecting the best takes, adding music and graphics, fine-tuning audio, and going through multiple approvals.
Raising the bar, not just the resolution
By now, courts across the state have already received their preferred copy of the new Indiana jury orientation video, having been given the option to receive a DVD or download link. The video is also available online at youtube.com/incourts.
The goal of the project was to produce another long-lasting, engaging, and informative orientation with a presentation that is equal to the dignity of serving jury duty—it’s an investment in the process which takes place across the state more than 1,000 times a year.
“We are proud of the video,” said Judge Clark, “and we encourage our colleagues to use it to educate and relieve some of the stress experienced by potential jurors. The video is a great resource for trial courts today and in the future.”