BACKSTORY STUDIOS, LLC

TERMS & CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: September 30, 2026
Last Updated: September 30, 2026

These Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy (“Terms”) govern your use of the Backstory Studios, LLC (“Backstory Studios,” “Backstory,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) website and describe certain policies applicable to inquiries, reservations, rental transactions, communications, and information collected by Backstory Studios.

By accessing our website, submitting a rental inquiry or reservation, communicating with us, or otherwise using our services, you acknowledge these Terms.

Specific rental transactions may also be governed by a quotation, invoice, credit card authorization, insurance requirement, equipment list, rental agreement, or other agreement provided by Backstory Studios. If these Terms conflict with a separately executed rental agreement, the executed rental agreement will control with respect to that rental transaction.

PART I — TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. ABOUT BACKSTORY STUDIOS

Backstory Studios, LLC is a Los Angeles-based professional camera, lighting, production equipment, and related equipment rental business.

Information displayed on our website, including equipment descriptions, photographs, specifications, pricing, availability, and other content, is provided for general informational purposes and may be changed without notice.

2. RENTAL RESERVATIONS AND AVAILABILITY

Submission of an inquiry, equipment request, shopping cart, quote request, or other communication does not by itself guarantee a reservation.

Rental equipment remains subject to availability and a reservation may not be considered confirmed until Backstory Studios has completed any required customer verification and has expressly confirmed the reservation.

Backstory Studios reserves the right to decline or cancel a rental request when reasonably necessary due to equipment availability, inability to verify customer information, insurance requirements, payment issues, suspected fraud, safety concerns, prior rental history, or other legitimate business considerations.

Equipment substitutions may occasionally be necessary because of equipment damage, maintenance, delayed returns, manufacturer service, or circumstances outside our reasonable control. When practicable, we will attempt to provide comparable equipment or another reasonable solution.

3. QUOTES AND PRICING

Quotes are based on the equipment, rental period, quantities, services, and other information specified at the time the quote is prepared.

Unless otherwise stated, a quote does not constitute a guarantee of equipment availability.

Pricing may change when a rental request is modified, including changes to equipment, quantities, rental dates, delivery requirements, insurance requirements, or other services.

Applicable sales, use, rental, or other taxes may be added where required by law.

4. CUSTOMER AND IDENTITY VERIFICATION

To protect our customers, equipment, and business against fraud, theft, identity misuse, and unauthorized transactions, Backstory Studios may require identity and/or business verification before approving or releasing rental equipment.

Verification may include requesting or reviewing:

Government-issued photo identification;
Name, address, telephone number, and email address;
Business or production company information;
Billing information;
Proof of address;
Payment verification;
Insurance documentation;
References or prior rental information; and
Other information reasonably necessary to verify the renter, company, or authorized representative.

Backstory Studios may decline, delay, or cancel a rental when information cannot reasonably be verified, appears materially inconsistent, or presents an unacceptable risk of fraud, theft, loss, or unauthorized use.

Providing false, altered, fraudulent, or misleading documentation may result in cancellation of a reservation and refusal of future rental services.

5. PAYMENT AND CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION

Backstory Studios may require payment, a valid credit or debit card, a security deposit, or an authorization hold as a condition of a rental.

By providing payment information, the renter represents that they are authorized to use the payment method provided.

Where separately authorized by the renter or permitted under an applicable rental agreement, Backstory Studios may charge an authorized payment method for amounts properly due in connection with a rental, including rental charges, approved extensions, late charges, missing items, replacement costs, damage, cleaning, repair, shipping, delivery, or other amounts for which the renter is responsible.

Payment obligations and authorization procedures applicable to a specific rental may be further described in the applicable rental agreement or credit card authorization.

6. SECURITY DEPOSITS AND AUTHORIZATION HOLDS

Backstory Studios may require a refundable security deposit or place an authorization hold on a payment card as a condition of releasing equipment.

An authorization hold is not necessarily a completed charge. It may temporarily reduce the amount of credit or funds available on the cardholder's account.

The time required for a released authorization to disappear from an account is determined by the card issuer, financial institution, and payment network and is outside Backstory Studios' control.

The amount of any required deposit or authorization may vary based on factors including the value of the equipment, rental history, insurance coverage, payment method, duration of the rental, destination of use, and other risk considerations.

7. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Certain rentals may require evidence of valid insurance acceptable to Backstory Studios before equipment is released.

Where required, insurance must remain effective for the entire period during which the renter has possession, custody, or control of the equipment and must provide coverage sufficient for the applicable replacement value of the rented equipment.

Depending on the rental, Backstory Studios may require appropriate Inland Marine and/or Equipment Rental coverage and may require Backstory Studios, LLC to be named as Loss Payee and/or Additional Insured, as applicable.

Backstory Studios may request a Certificate of Insurance, policy endorsement, equipment schedule, confirmation from an insurance broker or carrier, or other documentation reasonably necessary to verify coverage.

If an insurer requires rented equipment to be individually scheduled or identified by description, replacement value, or serial number, the renter is responsible for ensuring that all required equipment is properly reported to and covered by the renter's insurer.

Acceptance of a Certificate of Insurance or other insurance documentation by Backstory Studios does not constitute a representation or warranty that the renter's policy provides adequate coverage and does not relieve the renter of responsibilities imposed by the applicable rental agreement.

8. EQUIPMENT OWNERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY

All rented equipment remains the property of Backstory Studios, LLC or its applicable owner at all times.

Responsibility for rented equipment transfers to the renter upon pickup, delivery, shipment, or other transfer of possession as specified in the applicable rental agreement and continues until the equipment has been returned to and accepted by Backstory Studios.

During this period, the renter is responsible for safeguarding equipment against loss, theft, disappearance, unauthorized use, misuse, and damage, subject to the applicable rental agreement.

The renter may not sell, pledge, encumber, abandon, permanently alter, or otherwise dispose of rented equipment.

9. EQUIPMENT INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Customers are encouraged to inspect and, where appropriate, test rental equipment before accepting possession.

The renter should promptly notify Backstory Studios of any apparent missing item, pre-existing damage, or malfunction discovered upon receipt or during reasonable initial testing.

Failure to promptly report an apparent condition may affect our ability to determine when or how damage or loss occurred.

Normal cosmetic wear consistent with ordinary professional rental use will not ordinarily be considered renter-caused damage.

10. EQUIPMENT USE AND CARE

Equipment must be used in a reasonable manner consistent with its intended professional purpose and manufacturer instructions.

The renter is responsible for ensuring that equipment is operated by persons with appropriate knowledge and experience.

Unless expressly approved, equipment may not be used in circumstances presenting an unreasonable likelihood of damage or loss, including exposure to water, excessive moisture, sand, smoke, hazardous substances, extreme environmental conditions, unsafe rigging, or other unusually hazardous environments.

The renter is responsible for obtaining any permits, licenses, permissions, or operator qualifications required for the renter's intended use.

11. LOSS, THEFT, AND DAMAGE

The renter must notify Backstory Studios as soon as reasonably practicable after discovering that equipment has been lost, stolen, materially damaged, or destroyed.

In cases of suspected theft, burglary, robbery, or other criminal activity, Backstory Studios may require a police report or other documentation.

Responsibility for repair costs, replacement costs, loss of use, or other amounts associated with lost or damaged equipment will be determined under the applicable rental agreement and applicable law.

Replacement value may differ from an item's depreciated, used-market, or original purchase value where replacing the equipment reasonably requires acquisition of a new, equivalent, or functionally comparable item.

The renter should not arrange or perform repairs without prior authorization from Backstory Studios.

12. LATE RETURNS AND RENTAL EXTENSIONS

Equipment must be returned by the agreed date and time.

Rental extensions require approval from Backstory Studios and may be subject to additional rental charges and equipment availability.

Keeping equipment beyond the agreed rental period without authorization may interfere with subsequent customer reservations and may result in additional charges as provided by the applicable rental agreement.

Customers should contact Backstory Studios as soon as possible when they anticipate a delayed return.

13. CLEANING AND REPAIR

Equipment must be returned in substantially the same condition in which it was provided, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

Excessive dirt, residue, adhesives, tape, paint, sand, moisture, smoke contamination, or other conditions requiring cleaning beyond normal rental preparation may result in cleaning charges.

Equipment requiring repair as a result of damage occurring during the renter's period of responsibility may be subject to parts, labor, shipping, manufacturer service, third-party repair, or other reasonable repair expenses as provided in the applicable rental agreement.

14. EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION

Professional production equipment can occasionally malfunction despite reasonable inspection and maintenance.

If equipment appears to malfunction, the renter should discontinue any use that could cause further damage and contact Backstory Studios as soon as reasonably practicable so that troubleshooting, replacement, substitution, or another solution may be considered.

Any remedy for equipment malfunction is subject to the applicable rental agreement.

Backstory Studios does not guarantee that any particular piece of equipment will be suitable for every production, workflow, camera system, software environment, location, or intended result. Customers are responsible for confirming equipment suitability and compatibility for their intended use.

15. CANCELLATIONS

Cancellation policies may vary depending on the equipment, rental value, reservation dates, special-order items, third-party subrentals, delivery arrangements, or other circumstances.

The cancellation policy communicated in connection with a particular reservation or contained in the applicable rental agreement will govern that reservation.

16. SHIPPING, DELIVERY, AND THIRD-PARTY COURIERS

When equipment is shipped, delivered, or transported through a courier or other third party, additional charges and requirements may apply.

Risk and responsibility during transportation will be determined by the applicable rental agreement and shipping or delivery arrangement.

Customers are responsible for providing accurate delivery information and ensuring that an authorized recipient is available where required.

17. INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND USE

Equipment may not be taken outside the United States without prior written approval from Backstory Studios.

International rentals or travel may be subject to additional insurance, documentation, security deposit, transportation, customs, or geographic restrictions.

Approval may be denied or conditioned based on destination, travel advisories, insurance limitations, transportation methods, intended use, or other reasonable risk considerations.

The renter is responsible for complying with customs requirements, carnet requirements, import/export restrictions, permits, local laws, and other requirements associated with international transportation or use.

Unless expressly approved in writing, equipment may not be transported to destinations prohibited by Backstory Studios or by applicable insurance requirements.

18. DRONES AND OTHER RESTRICTED USES

Unless specifically authorized in writing, rented equipment may not be mounted to, transported by, or operated in connection with an unmanned aircraft or drone where doing so would create insurance, regulatory, or equipment-loss concerns.

Certain equipment or uses may be subject to additional restrictions communicated at the time of rental.

19. THIRD-PARTY EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE, AND SERVICES

Certain products rented by Backstory Studios may rely on third-party software, firmware, applications, subscriptions, wireless services, accessories, or other technology.

Backstory Studios is not responsible for changes, interruptions, incompatibilities, account restrictions, or service failures caused by third-party products or services outside our reasonable control.

The renter is responsible for obtaining any personal accounts, licenses, subscriptions, or credentials required for the renter's intended workflow unless expressly included with the rental.

20. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, BACKSTORY STUDIOS, LLC WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE USE, INABILITY TO USE, DELAY, FAILURE, OR MALFUNCTION OF RENTAL EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOST PRODUCTION TIME, LOST DATA, MISSED OPPORTUNITIES, OR OTHER CONSEQUENTIAL PRODUCTION LOSSES.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude or limit liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

Specific remedies and limitations applicable to rental equipment may be further established in the applicable rental agreement.

21. INDEMNIFICATION

To the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the applicable rental agreement, the renter agrees to be responsible for claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising from the renter's possession, operation, misuse, or unauthorized use of rental equipment, except to the extent caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of Backstory Studios.

Additional indemnification obligations may be established by the applicable rental agreement.

22. WEBSITE INFORMATION AND AVAILABILITY

We make reasonable efforts to keep website information accurate but do not warrant that all descriptions, photographs, specifications, prices, availability information, or other website content will always be complete, current, or error-free.

Backstory Studios may correct errors or update website information without prior notice.

Temporary interruption of website availability does not alter an existing rental agreement or relieve either party of obligations under an existing transaction.

23. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Unless otherwise indicated, the Backstory Studios name, logos, branding, website design, original photographs, graphics, text, and other original website content are owned by or licensed to Backstory Studios, LLC and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws.

Website content may not be reproduced, distributed, republished, or commercially exploited without prior permission, except as permitted by law.

Product names, manufacturer names, trademarks, and logos belonging to third parties remain the property of their respective owners. Their appearance on our website does not imply sponsorship or endorsement unless expressly stated.

24. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

By communicating with Backstory Studios electronically, you consent to receiving transaction-related communications electronically, including communications concerning inquiries, quotes, reservations, invoices, rental documentation, equipment availability, pickup and return instructions, and customer service.

Where electronic signatures are used, additional electronic-signature disclosures or consent provisions may be presented as part of the applicable transaction.

25. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

Subject to any different dispute-resolution provision contained in an applicable rental agreement and to the extent permitted by law, disputes relating to these Terms will be governed by applicable California law.

26. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Terms is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect to the extent permitted by law.

27. NO WAIVER

Failure by Backstory Studios to enforce a provision of these Terms on one occasion does not constitute a waiver of that provision or of the right to enforce it on another occasion.

28. CHANGES TO THESE TERMS

Backstory Studios may revise these Terms periodically to reflect changes in our business practices, services, technology, or legal requirements.

The current version will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. Changes will apply prospectively unless otherwise required by law.

Terms applicable to an existing rental transaction will remain subject to any separately executed agreement governing that transaction.

PART II — PRIVACY POLICY

1. SCOPE OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY

This Privacy Policy explains how Backstory Studios, LLC collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal information in connection with our website, rental inquiries, customer communications, and rental transactions.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect information including:

Contact Information
Name, telephone number, email address, mailing address, billing address, and business or production company information.

Rental and Transaction Information
Rental inquiries, equipment selections, rental dates, quotations, invoices, rental history, delivery information, communications, and transaction records.

Identity Verification Information
Government-issued identification information, proof of address, business information, and other information reasonably necessary to verify a customer or authorized representative.

Insurance Information
Certificates of Insurance, insurer and broker information, policy information, coverage information, endorsements, claims-related information, and equipment schedules.

Payment and Billing Information
Billing details, payment status, transaction identifiers, card type, limited payment-card information made available to us by our payment processor, and authorization information.

Communications
Emails, text messages, telephone communications, website inquiries, and other communications you send to us.

Technical and Website Information
Depending on our website configuration and service providers, information may be collected automatically when you visit our website, such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, referring website, approximate location derived from IP address, and similar usage information.

3. HOW WE COLLECT INFORMATION

We may collect information:

Directly from you;
From a company, production, employee, or representative acting on your behalf;
From insurance brokers, insurers, or other parties involved in verifying rental coverage;
From payment processors and financial-service providers involved in a transaction;
From fraud-prevention, identity-verification, or business-verification services where used;
Automatically through our website and related technologies; and
From publicly available sources when reasonably necessary to verify a rental transaction or protect against fraud.

4. HOW WE USE PERSONAL INFORMATION

We may use personal information to:

Respond to inquiries and provide customer service;
Prepare quotes and rental orders;
Process and administer reservations;
Verify customers, businesses, insurance, and payment information;
Prepare rental agreements, invoices, and transaction records;
Process or facilitate payments and authorization holds;
Coordinate equipment pickup, delivery, shipping, and returns;
Communicate regarding active and past rentals;
Prevent and investigate fraud, theft, loss, unauthorized transactions, or misuse;
Maintain accounting, tax, insurance, and business records;
Maintain and improve our website and services;
Protect our equipment, customers, business, and legal rights;
Establish, exercise, or defend legal claims;
Comply with applicable laws and lawful requests; and
Send marketing communications where permitted and consistent with your communication preferences.

5. PAYMENT INFORMATION

Payment transactions may be processed through third-party payment processors.

Backstory Studios may receive transaction-related information such as payment status, billing information, card type, expiration information, transaction identifiers, and limited card details.

Complete payment-card credentials may be collected and processed directly by payment service providers rather than stored directly by Backstory Studios, depending on the payment method and transaction.

Payment processors maintain their own privacy and security practices, which may be governed by their respective policies and agreements.

6. HOW WE DISCLOSE INFORMATION

We do not sell customer information as part of our ordinary business operations.

We may disclose information when reasonably necessary to service providers or other parties assisting with our operations, including:

Payment processors;
Website hosting and website service providers;
Rental-management and business-software providers;
Electronic-signature providers;
Email, telephone, and messaging providers;
Shipping, delivery, and courier providers;
Insurance companies, brokers, and insurance-verification parties;
Identity-verification and fraud-prevention providers;
Accounting, bookkeeping, tax, legal, and other professional advisors;
Equipment manufacturers and repair facilities where necessary in connection with equipment service or a claim; and
Law enforcement, courts, governmental authorities, insurers, or other parties when reasonably necessary to comply with law, investigate suspected criminal activity, protect our property or rights, or establish or defend a legal claim.

We may also disclose information in connection with a merger, acquisition, financing, sale of assets, reorganization, or similar business transaction, subject to applicable law.

7. IDENTITY DOCUMENTS AND FRAUD PREVENTION

Because Backstory Studios rents professional equipment of significant value, we may collect information beyond what is ordinarily required for a retail purchase.

Identity documentation and related information may be used to verify renters and authorized representatives, prevent fraud and theft, investigate suspected unauthorized activity, document rental transactions, protect equipment, and pursue or defend legal and insurance claims where necessary.

Access to such information is limited to legitimate business purposes and service providers or authorities with a legitimate need for the information.

8. COOKIES AND WEBSITE TECHNOLOGIES

Our website and third-party website providers may use cookies and similar technologies necessary to operate the website, remember preferences, understand website traffic, maintain security, and provide website functionality.

Some third-party services incorporated into our website may collect information through their own cookies or similar technologies.

Browser settings may allow you to block or delete certain cookies. Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.

9. CALIFORNIA DO NOT TRACK DISCLOSURE

Some web browsers offer a “Do Not Track” (“DNT”) setting.

There is not a single universally adopted technical standard governing DNT signals. Accordingly, our website may not respond to all browser DNT signals.

Third-party services used on our website may collect information about website activity in accordance with their own privacy practices.

Where legally required and technically supported, other legally recognized privacy preference mechanisms may be honored as applicable.

10. DATA RETENTION

We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected and for legitimate business purposes, which may include maintaining rental and transaction records, accounting and tax obligations, insurance requirements, fraud prevention, dispute resolution, equipment-loss investigations, and establishing or defending legal claims.

Retention periods may vary depending on the type of information and the nature of the transaction.

When information is no longer reasonably necessary, we may delete, destroy, anonymize, or otherwise dispose of it in accordance with our business practices and applicable law.

11. DATA SECURITY

Backstory Studios takes reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.

We also rely on third-party service providers for services such as website hosting, payment processing, communications, and business software.

No method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security of information.

12. ACCESSING OR CORRECTING YOUR INFORMATION

You may contact Backstory Studios if you would like to request access to or correction of personal information you have provided to us.

We may need to verify your identity before responding to a request, particularly when the request involves rental, identity, payment, or insurance records.

Certain information may need to be retained for legal, accounting, fraud-prevention, insurance, contractual, or legitimate business purposes.

13. THIRD-PARTY LINKS

Our website may contain links to manufacturers, social-media platforms, payment services, or other third-party websites and services.

Backstory Studios is not responsible for the privacy, security, or content practices of third-party websites. Information you provide directly to a third party is governed by that party's policies.

14. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Backstory Studios' services are intended for businesses and adults seeking professional production equipment and are not directed to children under 13.

We do not knowingly seek to collect personal information from children under 13 through our website.

SMS PRIVACY POLICY AND MESSAGING TERMS

15. SMS PRIVACY

Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for their marketing or promotional purposes.

Text-messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with third parties for their marketing or promotional purposes.

Information may be disclosed to service providers as necessary to deliver and support messaging services, or where otherwise required or permitted by law.

16. SMS CONSENT

If you opt in to receive SMS messages from Backstory Studios, LLC, you consent to receive text messages relating to rental inquiries, reservations, rental orders, equipment availability, pickup and return information, customer service, and other communications consistent with the consent you provided.

Where separately authorized, messages may also include promotional communications.

Consent to receive marketing text messages is not a condition of purchasing or renting goods or services.

17. MESSAGE FREQUENCY

Message frequency may vary depending on your interactions with Backstory Studios and the status of your rental or inquiry.

18. MESSAGE AND DATA RATES

Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and service plan.

19. OPTING OUT OF SMS

You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to a message from Backstory Studios.

After an opt-out request is processed, you may receive a confirmation message. You will no longer receive messages covered by that opt-in unless you subsequently provide consent again.

Opting out of SMS does not prevent Backstory Studios from communicating with you through other appropriate methods regarding an active transaction where permitted by law.

20. SMS HELP AND SUPPORT

For assistance with SMS communications, reply HELP to a message from Backstory Studios or contact us using the information below.

Wireless carriers are not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages.

CONTACT US

Questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, this Privacy Policy, a rental transaction, or your personal information may be directed to:

Backstory Studios, LLC
4321 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 818-984-5977