1. Contracting Party & Scope of Hire
These Terms & Conditions govern all studio hire bookings, modular equipment upgrades, technical assistance, and product locker storage provided by The Exeter Studio (operated by Paul Foster) at Unit 6c, Bakers Yard, Alphin Brook Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter, Devon, EX2 8RG (“the Studio”).
By confirming a booking or paying a studio hire invoice, the booking client (“the Hirer”) agrees to these Terms on behalf of themselves and all attending crew, talent, stylists, and guests. The Exeter Studio is hired strictly as a private creative space for photo and video recording by advance appointment only (Monday to Saturday, 9:00am–5:00pm; closed Sundays).
2. Bookings, Pricing, VAT & Invoices
- Provisional Enquiries: Submitting a date request via our online calculator, email, or phone does not lock a slot until availability is confirmed in writing and payment is received in accordance with the issued invoice.
- Inclusive Pricing (Non-VAT Registered): The Exeter Studio is not VAT registered. All published rates—including Half Day base hire (£180, up to 4 hours), Full Day base hire (£300, up to 8 hours), modular crew/lighting upgrades, gear hire, Colorama usage, and monthly locker storage—include VAT, with no additional VAT charged on top.
- Commercial Invoices: Standard commercial invoices with bank transfer payment details are issued upon booking confirmation. Full payment is required prior to the session start (or by the due date stated on the invoice) to guarantee exclusive studio access.
3. Session Windows, Setup & Overtime
Booked hire durations (up to 4 hours for Half Day; up to 8 hours for Full Day) include all arrival, unloading, lighting setup, styling, shooting, pack-down, and studio tidy-up time. The Hirer and crew must vacate the studio in a clean, tidy state by the end of the agreed slot so subsequent sessions are never delayed.
Where schedule availability permits, agreed extensions or unapproved overruns beyond the booked finish time are billed at £45 per hour (or part thereof). Early-morning or after-hours access outside 9:00am–5:00pm must be agreed in writing prior to shoot day.
4. Cancellations & Rescheduling Policy
Because studio dates are held exclusively for a single client and declined to other bookings, the following notice periods apply to all cancellations or date transfers requested in writing to info@studioprogresson.com:
- 48 hours or more before session start: Free rescheduling to an alternative available date within 3 months, or a 100% refund of the hire fee paid.
- Between 24 and 48 hours before session start: 50% of the total booking fee is retained; the remaining 50% is refunded or credited toward a rescheduled session.
- Under 24 hours before session start or no-show: 100% of the total booking fee is retained and non-refundable.
In the unlikely event that The Exeter Studio must cancel a confirmed booking due to unforeseen facility failure or emergency, 100% of any fees paid will be refunded immediately (or transferred to a priority date at the Hirer’s choice), which shall represent the full extent of the Studio’s liability for cancellation.
5. Infinity Cove, Backdrops & Studio Care
- 8m × 4m White Cyclorama Care: The curved infinity cove floor and transition curve are finished in matt studio white and reset during Sunday maintenance. Only clean indoor footwear, shoe covers, or gaffer-taped soles may step onto the cove floor. Dragging C-stands, flight cases, or unpadded furniture across the curve is strictly prohibited.
- Repainting & Excessive Wear: Normal light footmarks from clean shoots are covered within base hire. Heavy black scuffing, spilled drinks/cosmetics, paint, dye, or structural gouges requiring an emergency full-cove repaint or surface repair will be invoiced at reasonable remediation cost.
- Backdrops: Use of the 3 seamless vinyl rolls (Arctic White, Jet Black, Chroma Green) is included in base hire provided they are not cut or creased. Optional 2.72m Colorama paper rolls are charged at £15 per linear metre walked on, taped, or soiled.
- Restricted Substances: Smoke/haze machines, open flames, pyrotechnics, glitter, loose confetti, body oils, wet paint, or water effects are not permitted without prior written approval.
6. Equipment Hire, Client Property & Storage Lockers
Dry-hire clients bringing their own cameras, lighting, computers, props, or wardrobe remain solely responsible for insuring and safeguarding their property while on-site and in the Bakers Yard car park. All mains equipment brought into the studio must be electrically safe and compatible with standard UK 13A sockets.
Where the Hirer adds the Pro Lighting Package or Premium Gear Hire (Sony Alpha bodies, G-Master lenses, DJI mics/gimbals), equipment is checked prior to handover and must be operated with due care. The Hirer is liable for repair or replacement costs arising from misuse, drops, liquid ingress, or theft during the hire window. Recurring brand merchandise stored in Product Storage Lockers (from £36/month) is kept in clean, dry, locked conditions inside the studio; brands should maintain commercial stock insurance for high-value inventory.
7. Accessibility, Safety, Acoustic Environment & Governing Law
- First-Floor Access: Hirers acknowledge prior to booking that The Exeter Studio is a first-floor space accessed via stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
- Acoustic Environment: While Bakers Yard is generally quiet and well-suited to interviews, pieces-to-camera, and brand video recording with directional or lavalier microphones, the venue is a commercial business-estate unit and is not hired as a guaranteed soundproofed acoustic stage.
- Conduct & Clearances: The Hirer is responsible for workplace health and safety compliance for their crew/talent during the shoot, ensuring minors are accompanied by a parent or licensed chaperone, and obtaining all talent, copyright, or brand clearances for recorded content.
- Governing Law: These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.