Cookies Policy

Last updated: 4 October 2026

This Cookies Policy explains how flashstory uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. As a professional resource dedicated to studio production in motion, covering studio equipment setup, dynamic camera operation, lighting and sound waves, and creating smooth high-quality workflows for television news and live shows, we aim to provide clear information about our data practices in line with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.

What cookies and similar technologies are

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They can store or access information such as your preferences, browsing behaviour and device details. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels and local storage that perform comparable functions. These tools allow websites to remember actions and settings over time, improving functionality while also enabling measurement of site performance.

Why the site uses them

We deploy these technologies to ensure the website operates correctly, to remember user choices such as language or region settings, to analyse how visitors interact with content about studio production techniques, and to deliver relevant information. Without them many core features would not function as intended for professionals seeking guidance on camera operation or lighting setups.

Strictly necessary, functional, analytics, advertising and social-media categories

Strictly necessary cookies enable basic site navigation and security features without which the service cannot be provided. Functional cookies remember preferences to enhance usability. Analytics cookies collect aggregated data on page views and session duration to improve content quality. Advertising cookies may track interactions to limit ad repetition though we do not currently serve targeted advertisements. Social-media cookies facilitate sharing but are only active if you choose to engage with external platforms.

First-party versus third-party cookies

First-party cookies are set directly by flashstory and relate to core site functions such as maintaining your session while exploring production workflow resources. Third-party cookies originate from external providers including analytics services or content delivery networks and may be used to gather performance metrics across multiple visits.

Session versus persistent cookies and retention periods

Session cookies exist only while your browser is open and are deleted when you close it. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a defined period, typically between thirty days and two years depending on their purpose. For example analytics cookies often expire after thirteen months while preference cookies may last up to one year to retain settings for returning visitors interested in live show production topics.

The data handled and purpose of each used category

Necessary cookies process minimal identifiers such as session tokens to authenticate users and prevent fraud. Functional cookies store choices like video player settings relevant to dynamic camera operation tutorials. Analytics cookies handle IP addresses, browser type and page interaction data to understand how professionals use resources on sound waves and lighting. No personally identifiable information is collected beyond what is essential for these operational goals.

The consent or exemption basis for each category under UK law

Strictly necessary cookies operate under the strict necessity exemption in PECR and do not require prior consent. All other categories rely on your affirmative consent obtained through our site-wide cookie banner. You may withdraw consent at any time and such withdrawal will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

Cookie or provider table

Session identifier – Provider: flashstory – Category: Strictly necessary – Duration: Session
Preference store – Provider: flashstory – Category: Functional – Duration: 12 months
Analytics tracker – Provider: third-party analytics service – Category: Analytics – Duration: 13 months
Performance monitor – Provider: content delivery network – Category: Analytics – Duration: 30 days

How the consent manager works and user choices

Our consent manager appears as a banner on first visit and allows granular selection of cookie categories. You can accept all, reject non-essential cookies or customise preferences. Changes take effect immediately and previous choices can be reviewed via a link in the site footer. Withdrawing consent stops further collection by those categories while existing data is handled according to our retention schedule.

Browser-level controls and consequences of disabling cookies

Most browsers permit blocking or deleting cookies through settings menus. Disabling necessary cookies may prevent access to protected areas or cause features such as workflow saving tools to malfunction. Disabling analytics cookies limits our ability to refine content on studio equipment setup but does not stop core site operation.

International transfers

Some third-party providers may transfer data outside the United Kingdom. Appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses are employed. Full details appear in our Privacy Policy which can be accessed from the site footer.

Policy changes, contact route and last-updated date

We review this policy periodically and will update the date above when material changes occur. For questions please use the contact form on our Contacts page or email [email protected]. You may also write to Beaconsfield Studios, Station Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LG or call 01494 671234. This document was last revised on 4 October 2026.