Cookies Policy

Last updated: 22 September 2026

This Cookies Policy explains how starquivo uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. As a commercial entertainment media resource based in the United Kingdom, we operate in accordance with the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). The policy provides clear information about the types of cookies we employ, the purposes they serve, and the choices available to visitors.

What Cookies and Similar Technologies Are

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They store information that helps websites recognise returning visitors, remember preferences, and support essential functions. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels, and local storage objects. These tools can collect data such as device identifiers, browsing patterns, and interaction details without storing personal information directly in every case. On our site focused on stage and spotlight coverage, including interviews, camera planning, lighting design, and production workflows, cookies enable a reliable experience for users exploring media resources.

Why the Site Uses Cookies

We deploy cookies to maintain website functionality, improve performance, analyse usage patterns, and deliver relevant content. Necessary cookies ensure the site loads correctly and forms operate without errors. Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors navigate content about entertainment production. Without these technologies, features such as session continuity and personalised settings would not function properly. All usage aligns with legal requirements for transparency and user control under UK regulations.

Categories of Cookies We Employ

Our cookies fall into five main categories. Strictly necessary cookies support core operations including navigation and form submissions. Functional cookies remember user choices such as language or display preferences. Analytics or performance cookies gather aggregated data on page views and session duration. Advertising or targeting cookies, when present, assist in measuring campaign effectiveness. Social-media cookies may facilitate sharing of content related to stage coverage interviews and lighting design workflows.

First-Party Versus Third-Party Cookies

First-party cookies originate directly from starquivo and are used to manage sessions and preferences on our domain. Third-party cookies come from external providers such as analytics platforms or content delivery networks. These may track activity across multiple sites to support performance reporting. We limit third-party involvement to essential service providers and ensure they adhere to equivalent data protection standards.

Session Versus Persistent Cookies

Session cookies exist only while your browser remains open and are deleted automatically when you close it. They support temporary functions like maintaining login status during a visit. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a defined period, ranging from a few days to two years depending on purpose. For example, analytics cookies may persist for 13 months to allow year-over-year comparison of content engagement with production workflow resources. Retention periods are reviewed regularly to minimise data storage.

Data Handled and Purpose of Each Category

Strictly necessary cookies handle technical identifiers such as session IDs to prevent site errors. Functional cookies store settings like video player preferences for lighting design tutorials. Analytics cookies process aggregated metrics including page load times and click paths without identifying individuals. Advertising cookies record interaction data to evaluate content relevance. Each category serves a distinct operational or improvement goal tied to delivering reliable access to interviews and camera planning materials.

Consent or Exemption Basis for Each Category

Under PECR and UK GDPR, strictly necessary cookies operate on the basis of legitimate interests as they are essential for site delivery. All other categories require explicit consent obtained through our site-wide cookie banner. Consent is recorded and can be withdrawn at any time. We maintain records of consent decisions to demonstrate compliance. Users receive clear options to accept or reject non-essential cookies before any data processing begins.

Cookie Provider Table

Name: _session – Purpose: Maintains active browsing session – Provider: starquivo – Category: Strictly necessary – Duration: Session
Name: _pref – Purpose: Stores display and navigation preferences – Provider: starquivo – Category: Functional – Duration: 6 months
Name: _ga – Purpose: Measures aggregate usage statistics – Provider: Google Analytics – Category: Analytics – Duration: 13 months
Name: _fbp – Purpose: Supports content performance measurement – Provider: Meta – Category: Advertising – Duration: 90 days

How the Consent Manager Works

Our cookie banner appears on first visit and allows granular selection of categories. Visitors may accept all, reject non-essential, or customise choices. Selections are stored for 12 months unless altered. To change preferences later, return to the banner via the footer link or clear browser data. Withdrawal of consent takes immediate effect for future visits and does not affect prior legitimate processing.

Browser-Level Controls and Consequences

Most browsers permit users to block or delete cookies through settings menus. Disabling necessary cookies may prevent core features such as form submissions on our contact page from operating. Blocking analytics cookies reduces our ability to refine content about spotlight coverage and production workflows. We recommend reviewing browser help sections for instructions specific to each platform.

International Transfers

Some third-party providers may process data outside the United Kingdom. Where transfers occur, appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses are applied. Full details appear in our separate Privacy Policy, which users should consult for comprehensive information on data handling practices.

Policy Changes

We review this Cookies Policy periodically and update it to reflect regulatory developments or service changes. The date at the top indicates the most recent revision. Continued use of the site after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

Contact Route

For questions about this policy or data practices, please use the contact form on our Contacts page or write to [email protected]. Our postal address is 16 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9BA, United Kingdom. We aim to respond within one month of receiving a request.