What You Need to Know (Terms & Conditions)
Live Streaming vs Recording
Mark will always aim to live stream the service using a professional bonded multi-SIM setup, combining up to five network connections to give the broadcast the best possible chance of a stable connection.
In good conditions, this typically provides just under 8Mbps upload speed. However, live streaming can never be guaranteed, particularly in rural areas, stone-built churches or venues with weak mobile coverage.
If there is no reliable connection available, the service will still be recorded in full and uploaded as soon as possible afterwards, normally later the same day.
Mobile Phones & Signal Interference
Mobile phones inside the venue can affect the available network capacity. Even when guests are not actively using their phones, devices connected to mobile data may still compete for the same limited signal being used for the live stream.
For this reason, Mark normally places a polite notice at the entrance asking guests to switch their phones to airplane mode. Where possible, the officiant will also be asked to make a short announcement before the service begins.
For venues with limited mobile coverage, it is strongly recommended that a request to use airplane mode is also printed in the order of service. This gives the broadcast the best possible chance of maintaining a stable connection.
Satellite Internet (Starlink)
Where there is insufficient mobile coverage, satellite internet via Starlink may be available for an additional fee.
Starlink requires a clear and unobstructed view of the sky. Trees, buildings, the position of the venue and weather conditions can all affect performance. Previous experience has shown that suitability varies considerably from one location to another, so a successful live connection cannot be guaranteed even where testing has been carried out.
Where Starlink is requested, the client accepts that satellite conditions are outside Mark’s control. If a live broadcast is particularly important and the connection proves unsuitable, the service will still be recorded in-camera and can be uploaded afterwards.
Coverage & Special Requests
Coverage is carried out at Mark’s professional discretion. Special requests are always welcome and will be accommodated wherever reasonably possible, but individual shots or moments cannot be guaranteed.
Camera positions, venue restrictions, access, weather, timings and the movement of guests may all affect what can be captured on the day.
Venue Permission
The client, funeral director or organiser is responsible for confirming that filming and/or live streaming is permitted at the venue and for ensuring that attendees are appropriately informed.
If filming is refused or restricted by the venue, officiant or another authorised person, Mark cannot be responsible for any resulting limitation to the coverage.
Parking
Where free or suitable nearby parking is unavailable, any necessary parking charges will be added to the booking or payable by the client.
Access on Arrival
Please ensure that someone is available to provide access to the venue when Mark arrives. He normally arrives well before the service to allow enough time for cameras, audio equipment and the live-stream connection to be set up and tested.
A locked venue or delayed access can significantly reduce the available setup time. Wherever possible, Mark prefers not to contact close family members on the day of the funeral, so arranging access in advance is greatly appreciated.
Delivery & Storage
After the service, the family will receive a downloadable video file which they can keep and share privately as they wish.
The download link will remain available for four weeks. Please download the file and keep your own backup during this period.
Mark may retain an internal archive copy for up to three months after delivery, after which it may be permanently removed.
Extended Archiving
If you would like Mark to retain a copy beyond the standard three-month period, extended archiving is available for £95 per year, renewable annually.
This keeps an additional archive copy of the completed project available beyond the standard storage period.
Emergency Substitution
In the rare event that Mark is unable to attend because of illness or an emergency, every reasonable effort will be made to arrange a trusted replacement.
If a suitable replacement cannot be arranged, all payments for the affected service will be refunded in full.
Additional Time
If the service or associated coverage runs beyond the booked time, Mark may be able to continue filming at the applicable hourly rate, subject to availability on the day.
Payment & Broadcast Link
Payment details will be provided by invoice in advance of the service.
Once full payment has been received, the private broadcast page will be prepared and the viewing link supplied for you to share with family and friends.