REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY
ARE FILM — Swiss Media Production
Effective Date: 19 October 2026
Last Updated: 19 October 2026
Version: 1.0
01 — Introduction
At ARE FILM, every production involves careful planning, dedicated creative work, and the reservation of valuable production resources.
This Refund & Cancellation Policy outlines the conditions governing cancellations, postponements, refunds, and changes to confirmed film productions, photography assignments, and other creative services.
These conditions are intended to protect both parties by establishing clear expectations regarding production commitments, costs, and responsibilities.
ARE FILM is operated by Andri Reiser as a Swiss sole proprietorship.
This policy applies to production services where it has been validly incorporated into the relevant agreement. Individual contractual arrangements take precedence, subject to mandatory Swiss law.
02 — Company Information
Andri Reiser
ARE FILM — Swiss Media Production
Zimmelstrasse 25
6314 Unterägeri
Switzerland
Email: contact@arefilm.ch
Website: arefilm.ch
03 — Confirmed Bookings and Production Commitments
A production booking becomes binding when the parties have agreed on the essential contractual terms and intend to be legally bound.
Once a booking is confirmed, ARE FILM may reserve production dates, allocate personnel, commence pre-production, and enter into commitments with third-party providers.
Confirmed production dates are allocated specifically to the relevant project.
Changes, cancellations, or postponements may therefore result in financial consequences, even where filming has not yet commenced.
04 — Cancellation by the Client
If a client cancels a confirmed production, cancellation charges may apply according to the agreed contractual terms and applicable Swiss law.
Where expressly agreed in the relevant quotation or production agreement, the following cancellation schedule applies.
More than 30 calendar days before the first scheduled filming day: 20% of the agreed production fee.
15–30 calendar days before the first scheduled filming day: 40% of the agreed production fee.
8–14 calendar days before the first scheduled filming day: 60% of the agreed production fee.
3–7 calendar days before the first scheduled filming day: 80% of the agreed production fee.
Less than 72 hours before the first scheduled filming day: 100% of the agreed production fee.
Cancellation charges are intended to account for reserved production capacity, preparation, scheduling commitments, and losses associated with cancellation.
The applicable charge is calculated on the agreed production fee, excluding separately identified third-party expenses unless otherwise agreed.
Any additional claims for completed work, non-refundable expenses, or other losses must be supported by the applicable agreement and Swiss law.
The same costs or losses will not be recovered twice.
Mandatory statutory rights remain unaffected.
05 — Cancellation After Production Has Started
Where a project is cancelled after pre-production, filming, or post-production has commenced, ARE FILM may claim compensation for work already performed and other amounts recoverable under the applicable agreement and Swiss law.
This may include creative development, concept work, research, pre-production planning, production management, coordination, location scouting, filming, photography, editing, post-production, and agreed third-party commitments.
The applicable cancellation charge and compensation for completed work will be assessed together to prevent double recovery.
Any advance payments will be credited against amounts lawfully owed.
06 — Postponements and Rescheduling
Confirmed production dates are reserved for the agreed project.
A request to postpone a production does not automatically release the client from existing contractual commitments.
ARE FILM will make reasonable efforts to accommodate alternative dates, subject to availability.
Additional costs may arise from rebooking crew or equipment, changes to travel and accommodation, location reservations, additional production planning, non-refundable third-party commitments, and other losses recoverable under the agreement and applicable law.
Such costs may be charged where contractually agreed or legally recoverable.
If no alternative date can be agreed, the consequences will be determined by the applicable contract and Swiss law.
07 — Short-Notice Cancellations and No-Shows
Cancellations shortly before a scheduled production may result in substantial financial losses.
Where the agreed cancellation schedule applies, cancellations made less than 72 hours before the first scheduled filming day are subject to the corresponding cancellation charge, to the extent enforceable under applicable law.
If a client fails to provide agreed access, personnel, locations, or other essential cooperation on the scheduled production date, ARE FILM will seek a reasonable solution where possible.
Any resulting costs, delays, or compensation claims are governed by the applicable agreement and Swiss law.
08 — Weather-Dependent Productions
Outdoor filming may depend on suitable weather, safety conditions, and location accessibility.
Where weather conditions make production unsafe or materially prevent the agreed work, the parties will discuss reasonable alternatives.
These may include rescheduling, adapting the production plan, or agreeing on substitute arrangements.
Weather-related postponements are not automatically treated as cancellations.
Any associated costs are governed by the project agreement and applicable law.
09 — Third-Party Costs and Commitments
Productions may require external services and resources, including freelance crew, specialists, equipment rentals, locations, permits, travel, accommodation, catering, transport, music licences, stock-content licences, and other production-related services.
Where these costs have been approved, contractually committed, or otherwise become recoverable under applicable law, the client may remain responsible for them following cancellation or postponement.
ARE FILM will take reasonable steps to avoid unnecessary additional costs.
Non-refundable expenses and relevant commitments will be documented where appropriate.
10 — Advance Payments and Deposits
ARE FILM may require an advance payment or production deposit where agreed in the quotation or production contract.
Advance payments may be used to secure production resources and cover preparation costs.
A deposit is not automatically non-refundable merely because it is described as a deposit.
In the event of cancellation, payments already received will be credited against the amounts owed under the applicable agreement and Swiss law.
Any remaining balance will be settled accordingly.
11 — Changes to the Project Scope
Changes requested after project confirmation may affect production costs, schedules, and deliverables.
These may include additional filming days, changes to locations or production requirements, new creative concepts, additional deliverables, additional editing or post-production, and substantial changes to previously approved work.
Work outside the agreed scope may require an additional quotation and approval.
ARE FILM is not obliged to provide additional services without an appropriate agreement.
12 — Revisions and Creative Approval
The number of included revision rounds is determined by the relevant quotation or production agreement.
Unless otherwise agreed, one consolidated revision round is included in the agreed production fee.
Additional revisions or changes beyond the original scope may be charged separately.
Clients are expected to review deliverables and provide feedback within the agreed timeframe.
Where expressly agreed, a review period of five working days may apply.
Any contractual acceptance procedure remains subject to applicable statutory rights.
13 — Refunds for Completed Productions
Refunds are not automatically available merely because a client changes their creative preferences after a production has been completed in accordance with the agreed brief.
Where ARE FILM has fulfilled its contractual obligations, payment remains due according to the applicable agreement.
Claims relating to defective performance, non-performance, or other contractual issues are assessed under the relevant agreement and Swiss law.
Nothing in this policy excludes remedies required by mandatory law.
14 — Ongoing Production Agreements
Some clients engage ARE FILM for recurring production services, including monthly film, photography, or social media content.
These arrangements may include separately agreed billing schedules and termination periods.
Where agreed, ongoing production contracts may provide for a written notice period of one month.
Any notice period must be expressly included in the relevant agreement.
The financial consequences of termination are governed by the contract and applicable Swiss law.
15 — Cancellation by ARE FILM
In exceptional circumstances, ARE FILM may need to postpone or cancel a confirmed production.
Where this occurs, we will notify the client as soon as reasonably possible.
The parties will discuss suitable alternatives, which may include rescheduling, adjusting the production scope, or other appropriate arrangements.
Any refunds, compensation, or other remedies will be determined according to the applicable agreement and Swiss law.
16 — Force Majeure
Extraordinary circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the parties may affect production schedules or contractual performance.
These may include natural disasters, severe weather, government restrictions, major transport disruptions, or other unforeseen events.
The affected party shall inform the other party within a reasonable period.
The parties will seek a practical solution, taking into account the applicable agreement and Swiss law.
17 — Digital Products
ARE FILM may offer digital products in the future, including LUTs, presets, templates, and other downloadable creative assets.
Digital products are generally delivered electronically.
Product-specific terms, compatibility requirements, and licensing conditions will be communicated before purchase.
18 — Refunds for Digital Products
Refunds for digital products are governed by the applicable purchase agreement and Swiss law.
Once a digital product has been successfully delivered or downloaded, a refund is not automatically available solely because the customer changes their mind.
However, customers may be entitled to appropriate remedies where a product is not delivered as agreed, the files are defective, the product materially differs from its description, or applicable law requires a refund or another remedy.
Customers experiencing technical issues should contact ARE FILM for assistance.
19 — Refund Processing
Where a refund is agreed or legally required, ARE FILM will communicate the relevant amount and processing arrangements.
Refunds will generally be issued through the original payment method where reasonably possible.
Processing times may vary depending on the payment provider and financial institution.
20 — Statutory Rights
Nothing in this policy excludes or restricts rights that cannot legally be waived under applicable Swiss law.
Depending on the nature of the contractual relationship, provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations concerning contracts for work or mandates may apply.
Any contractual cancellation fees, compensation claims, or limitations remain subject to applicable legal requirements.
21 — Governing Law
This policy is governed by Swiss law.
Any disputes are subject to the applicable contractual arrangements and mandatory jurisdiction rules.
22 — Changes to This Policy
ARE FILM may update this policy to reflect changes in its services, business practices, or applicable legal requirements.
The current version will be published on our website.
Changes do not automatically modify existing agreements.
23 — Contact
For questions regarding cancellations, postponements, refunds, or production bookings, please contact:
ARE FILM — Andri Reiser
Zimmelstrasse 25
6314 Unterägeri
Switzerland
Email: contact@arefilm.ch
Website: arefilm.ch