Cookies Policy

Last updated: 13 September 2026

This Cookies Policy explains how spotlumix uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. The site provides professional resources for studio production in motion, including equipment setup, camera operation, lighting, sound, and workflows for television news and live shows. We operate as a commercial website based in the United Kingdom and comply with the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

What Cookies and Similar Technologies Are

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They can store information such as your preferences, login status, or browsing behaviour. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels, and local storage. These tools allow websites to recognise returning visitors, remember choices, and collect data about how pages are used. Information stored may include device identifiers, IP addresses, browser type, and interaction timestamps. In practice this means the site can deliver consistent experiences across sessions without requiring you to re-enter details each time.

Why the Site Uses Cookies

We use cookies to keep the website secure, remember user preferences, measure performance, and deliver relevant content. Without them many core functions would fail, such as maintaining a shopping cart for course materials or ensuring forms submit correctly. Analytics cookies help us understand which production topics interest visitors most, allowing improvements to our studio workflow guides. Advertising cookies may support targeted promotion of our professional resources while respecting your choices under PECR.

Cookie Categories We Employ

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies enable basic site functions such as page navigation, form submission, and security features. They do not require consent under PECR because they are essential for the service you request. Examples include session identifiers that keep you logged in during a visit.

Functional Cookies

Functional cookies remember choices such as language settings or display preferences for camera operation tutorials. They improve usability but are not strictly essential. We obtain consent before placing them.

Analytics or Performance Cookies

These cookies collect aggregated information about visitor behaviour, such as which lighting and sound articles are viewed most often. Data helps refine our professional resource content. Consent is required and can be withdrawn at any time.

Advertising or Targeting Cookies

Advertising cookies track browsing patterns to show relevant promotions for studio production courses. Third parties may use them to limit repeated ads. Consent is mandatory under UK rules.

Social Media Cookies

If social sharing buttons appear, these cookies allow platforms to track your interaction. We do not embed active social features without clear notice and consent.

First-Party Versus Third-Party Cookies

First-party cookies are set directly by spotlumix and relate only to our domain. Third-party cookies come from external providers such as analytics services or content delivery networks. Both types appear on our site, yet third-party cookies are always subject to the same consent controls as first-party ones. You can review and adjust settings for either category through our consent manager.

Session Versus Persistent Cookies

Session cookies exist only while your browser is open and delete automatically when you close it. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a defined period or until manually removed. Retention periods vary: necessary session cookies last minutes, while some analytics persistent cookies may remain for up to twenty-four months. We review expiry dates regularly to ensure they stay proportionate to the purpose.

Data Handled and Purpose of Each Category

Necessary cookies process minimal data such as session tokens to maintain security and functionality. Functional cookies store preference flags to personalise navigation. Analytics cookies capture page views and device information to generate performance reports. Advertising cookies record interest signals to support targeted messaging about live-show production resources. Each category is limited to the data strictly needed for its stated purpose and never sold to unrelated parties.

Legal Basis and Consent Requirements

Under PECR, strictly necessary cookies rely on the legitimate interests or contractual necessity basis and do not need prior consent. All other categories require opt-in consent, which must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous. We record consent choices and provide an easy withdrawal mechanism. If consent is refused or withdrawn, non-essential cookies are not placed and related features may be limited.

Cookie Provider Table

Name: session_id – Provider: spotlumix – Category: Strictly necessary – Duration: Session
Name: pref_lang – Provider: spotlumix – Category: Functional – Duration: 12 months
Name: _ga – Provider: Google Analytics – Category: Analytics – Duration: 24 months
Name: _fbp – Provider: Meta – Category: Advertising – Duration: 3 months

How the Consent Manager Works

A site-wide cookie banner appears on first visit. You may accept all, reject non-essential, or customise choices by category. Selections are stored and respected on future visits. To change preferences later, revisit the banner link in the footer. Withdrawal takes immediate effect and does not affect previously processed data where lawful bases other than consent apply.

Browser-Level Controls

Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through settings menus. Disabling necessary cookies may prevent core functions such as form submission or secure access to member resources. Blocking analytics cookies reduces our ability to improve content but does not stop the site from operating. Instructions for common browsers are available on their support sites; results vary by device and version.

International Transfers

Some third-party providers may process data outside the United Kingdom. Where transfers occur we rely on appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses or adequacy decisions. Full details appear in our Privacy Policy, which you can request via the contact form on the Contacts page.

Policy Changes and Contact

We may update this policy to reflect legal or operational changes. The current version always displays the last-updated date above. For questions about cookies or to exercise rights, please use the contact form on our Contacts page or email [email protected]. Our address is Beaconsfield Studios, Station Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LG and telephone is 01494 671234.