Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

At Filmed by Friends, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our website and services.

We are committed to protecting your data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When you use our services, you may provide us with:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, delivery address
• Wedding/Event Details: Wedding date, venue, couple names, special requests
• Payment Information: Credit/debit card details (processed securely via Stripe)
• Footage Content: Video footage you capture using our cameras
• Communications: Messages, inquiries, testimonials, and feedback

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, click patterns, referral sources
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type, IP address
• Cookies: See our Cookie Policy section below

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: Processing bookings, shipping cameras, editing footage, and providing customer support
• Communication: Sending booking confirmations, dispatch notifications, editing updates, and responding to inquiries
• Payment Processing: Processing payments and preventing fraud
• Marketing: Sending promotional emails, special offers, and tips (only with your consent)
• Website Improvement: Analyzing website usage to improve user experience and functionality
• Legal Compliance: Fulfilling legal obligations and protecting our rights

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on:

• Contract Performance: Processing necessary to fulfill our service agreement with you
• Consent: Marketing communications and non-essential cookies
• Legitimate Interests: Fraud prevention, website analytics, and business operations
• Legal Obligation: Compliance with tax, accounting, and legal requirements

5. Data Storage and Security

• Your personal data is stored securely on servers within the UK and EU
• We use industry-standard encryption and security measures to protect your information
• Raw footage is stored for 90 days after final delivery, then permanently deleted
• Booking and payment data is retained for 7 years for accounting and legal purposes
• Marketing data is retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion

6. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We may share your data with trusted third-party service providers:

• Payment Processing: Stripe (for secure payment processing)
• Email Services: Resend (for transactional and marketing emails)
• Shipping: Royal Mail, courier services (for camera delivery)
• Analytics: Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel (for website analytics and advertising)
• Cloud Storage: Secure cloud providers (for footage and data storage)

We ensure all third parties comply with GDPR and have appropriate data protection measures in place. We never sell your personal information to third parties.

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations)
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for marketing purposes
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at hello@filmedbyfriends.com

8. Marketing and Communications

• We only send marketing emails to those who have opted in
• You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails
• Transactional emails (booking confirmations, dispatch notifications) are sent regardless of marketing preferences
• We may send you helpful tips and reminders related to your booking

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us improve your experience and analyze website performance.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function (session management, security)
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager (to understand how visitors use our site)
• Marketing Cookies: Facebook Pixel (for advertising and remarketing)
• Preference Cookies: Remember your choices and settings

Managing Cookies:

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality. Most browsers allow you to:

• View what cookies are stored and delete them individually
• Block third-party cookies
• Block cookies from specific sites
• Block all cookies
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser

Third-Party Tracking:

• Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand website traffic and user behavior
• Facebook Pixel: We use Facebook Pixel to measure advertising effectiveness and show relevant ads
• You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

11. International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored within the UK and EU. Where we use third-party services located outside the UK/EU, we ensure they provide adequate protection through approved mechanisms such as Standard Contractual Clauses.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

13. Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact us first at hello@filmedbyfriends.com

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK's supervisory authority:

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Website: www.ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us:

📧 Email: hello@filmedbyfriends.com
📍 Address: 2 Freeford Bridge, Tamworth Road, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9JB
🌐 Website: www.filmedbyfriends.com