Terms and conditions

1. Applicability, assignment and order of precedence

1.1 Amsterdam Special Effects B.V. (hereinafter: Amsterdam SFX) primarily provides SFX services for film, television, commercial and other audiovisual shoots. These terms apply to assignments from clients acting in the course of a business or profession. They cover preparation, advice, tests, execution and dismantling and, where agreed, hire, supply and custom work. A separate agreement is concluded with consumers, with due regard for their statutory rights.

1.2 The assignment is defined by the accepted quotation, the agreed brief and the arrangements agreed between the parties. Amsterdam SFX performs the agreed services with care and professional competence. A specific result, technical performance or deliverable constitutes an obligation where it has been agreed. The obligations also depend on the nature of the assignment; these terms do not make every assignment exclusively an obligation to use reasonable efforts.

1.3 Specific arrangements agreed between the parties and the accepted quotation take precedence over these terms. A later amendment that can be shown to have been agreed takes precedence over an earlier arrangement on the same subject. Mandatory law continues to take precedence. These terms take precedence over industry terms made applicable on a supplementary basis, unless the parties agree otherwise. Amsterdam SFX expressly rejects the applicability of purchasing terms unless it accepts them separately. Where different sets of terms are proposed, the parties establish which terms apply before the assignment.

1.4 Amsterdam SFX makes these terms available before or when the agreement is concluded, in a form the client can retain. An oral assignment may be binding; the parties record its content and the applicable terms in writing as soon as possible. Merely starting work does not automatically make terms that have not been provided applicable.

1.5 In writing includes email and a digital message that can be retained. The parties designate a contact person authorised to make arrangements about execution, changes and costs. The version date of this document does not retrospectively amend existing agreements.

2. Quotation basis and billing on actual costs

2.1 Unless a fixed price or another pricing arrangement has been agreed, work is billed on the basis of actual hours, crew, materials, resources, transport, purchasing, preparation and other agreed project costs. Rates, mark-ups, definitions of a working day and any budget limits are agreed in advance through consultation. Business prices exclude VAT unless stated otherwise.

2.2 The parties distinguish between a fixed price, a guide price, a cost estimate and a maximum budget. Describing the work as billed on actual costs does not give unlimited authority to exceed the agreed budget. Amsterdam SFX gives timely notice of a foreseeable overrun and discusses its consequences and possible reductions in the work. Statutory rules on guide prices and price increases remain applicable.

2.3 The validity period of a quotation and the availability of crew and equipment are stated in the quotation or agreed separately. A cost estimate does not in itself constitute a reservation.

3. Working days, overtime and rest periods

3.1 Unless agreed otherwise, a standard working, preparation, test or shooting day is invoiced on a ten-hour basis. The definition of the day, breaks, travel, night work and special days is governed by the FijnWeekend version made applicable to the production type under article 19, together with the specific arrangements in the quotation and article 4.

3.2 For a standard ten-hour day, the hourly rate is one tenth of the basic day rate. The 11th through 14th hours are charged at 150%, the 15th and 16th hours at 200%, and the 17th hour onwards at 300% of the basic hourly rate. For differently structured days and combinations of supplements, the FijnWeekend provisions made applicable or a specific arrangement between the parties apply. Overtime is calculated per day.

3.3 The FijnWeekend turnaround of at least ten hours is a contractual starting point. Where longer rest, shorter working periods or other statutory working, driving or rest-time rules apply to the people or activities concerned, those rules are followed. A supplement is solely a pricing arrangement and does not authorise unsafe or legally prohibited work.

3.4 Work after 00:00, including dismantling and relevant travel time, is discussed in advance or immediately if an unexpected overrun occurs. Night work, additional transport, accommodation and restoration of rest periods are charged in accordance with the applicable arrangements. Amsterdam SFX may refuse an unsafe continuation, even if the client is willing to pay supplements.

4. Travel time, transport and base location

4.1 Unless agreed otherwise, Wijk bij Duurstede is the base location of Amsterdam SFX for the assignment. Before work begins, the parties establish which travel time will be invoiced, where a working day starts and ends, and which transport and mileage charges apply. A distinction is made between crew travel and the transport of equipment.

4.2 In the absence of a specific departure, the travel rules in the FijnWeekend version made applicable govern. Loading, unloading and commissioned equipment transport are treated as work in accordance with the agreed definition of a working day. Additional journeys, waiting times and logistical changes are discussed in advance or as soon as they become foreseeable; the same time is not charged twice.

5. Payment, advances and suspension

5.1 Invoices are payable within thirty days of the invoice date unless agreed otherwise or a mandatory statutory period applies. Advances and interim invoices are agreed in advance.

5.2 If an agreed final payment deadline is exceeded, default arises to the extent provided by law. Amsterdam SFX may then claim statutory commercial interest and reasonable collection costs permitted by law, without recovering the same costs twice.

5.3 If amounts due remain unpaid or there are concrete indications that the client cannot fulfil its obligations, Amsterdam SFX may, within the limits of the law, request security or suspend related work. Amsterdam SFX states the reason and, where required, allows a reasonable period for payment or provision of security. Suspension is carried out safely.

5.4 A dispute supported by reasons is discussed as soon as possible. The undisputed portion of the invoice remains payable. Statutory rights to suspend performance are not categorically excluded.

6. Options, cancellation, postponement and rescheduling

6.1 An option is a provisional reservation with an agreed decision deadline. A definitive booking is created by confirmation that can be evidenced. An option does not become a booking solely through silence unless the parties have expressly agreed this. Reservation and cancellation arrangements for long-term film and fiction assignments are recorded separately.

6.2 In the event of cancellation, postponement or rescheduling, the parties first discuss replanning and limiting costs. Settlement is based on the specific assignment and cancellation arrangements and the applicable law. Work already performed and reasonable, demonstrable project commitments that can no longer be avoided may be charged as part of that settlement.

6.3 Compensation for reserved capacity or lost work is determined in accordance with a previously agreed arrangement or the applicable statutory standard. Savings, replacement work and reusability are taken into account to the extent relevant to the calculation. A cancellation fee is not added to standby, day rates or other amounts for the same work or availability without appropriate adjustment.

6.4 For individual commercial days, in the absence of a specific contrary arrangement, the cancellation provisions in the commercial version referred to in article 19 apply. They do not automatically apply to drama or fiction productions. Rescheduling does not, without consultation, result in both a full cancellation and a full new booking.

6.5 Termination due to a failure by Amsterdam SFX to fulfil its obligations is not automatically treated as voluntary cancellation by the client. Statutory rights to performance, remedy, termination for breach and compensation remain applicable within the legally valid arrangements.

7. Changes and additional work during preparation and shooting

7.1 Requests for a different effect, greater scope, additional takes, a different location or technique, additional crew or a change in deployment are always discussed with the client. A request from the director, cast or another person on set does not automatically constitute a change approved by the authorised client representative.

7.2 Before execution, Amsterdam SFX assesses the implications of the change for safety, technical feasibility, testing and preparation time, permits, crew, equipment, scheduling and costs. The parties agree on what will be carried out and how additional costs will be calculated. Any estimate or rate arrangement is made as specific as possible. Statutory duties to warn about additional work remain applicable.

7.3 Oral approval on set is confirmed as soon as possible in a message that can be retained or in a daily report, stating the name of the authorised contact person. The absence of a response does not in itself constitute agreement. Without agreement, Amsterdam SFX is not required to carry out the changed work.

7.4 A last-minute request need not be carried out if insufficient preparation, time, expertise, equipment or permission is available. Amsterdam SFX may propose a safe alternative, postpone the changed execution or refuse it. Additional payment does not make unsafe or prohibited work permissible to carry out.

7.5 If an immediate danger arises, Amsterdam SFX may take the necessary measures to protect people and property without prior approval. It informs the client as soon as possible. The allocation of costs is then discussed on the basis of the cause, reasonableness and the applicable agreement and law; this is not a general authorisation for unapproved additional work.

8. Safety, feasibility and the right to stop work

8.1 Amsterdam SFX executes the agreed effects within the assessed conditions and safety limits. It may decline to start, interrupt, limit or stop work if, in its reasonable and professionally competent judgement, there is danger, a lack of permission or insufficient technical feasibility.

8.2 The client provides accurate information in good time about the script, desired effects, location, people and property present, vulnerable equipment, desired takes and relevant changes. The parties coordinate safety zones, barriers, communication, authority and the start signal. No one may change a safeguard, setup or safety limit without consultation.

8.3 Amsterdam SFX remains responsible for its own professional competence, warnings and statutory safety obligations. Within its area of responsibility, the client ensures a safe production environment and compliance by the production with the instructions given.

8.4 If work is stopped, the cause, possibilities for remedy and scheduling are discussed and recorded as soon as possible. Reasonable costs may be charged if, under the agreement or the law, the cause is at the client's risk. A failure by Amsterdam SFX to fulfil its obligations is not automatically charged to the client under this article.

9. Permits, location and facilities

9.1 The parties record who will arrange each permit, notification, location consent or owner's consent and when it must be available. Unless agreed otherwise, the client arranges production and location consents and access to the location.

9.2 Permits, certificates and authorisations that must legally be held by the executing party or specialist company remain that party's responsibility. Amsterdam SFX and any engaged specialist check the authorisations required for their work before execution. A general arrangement with the client does not replace these obligations.

9.3 The client provides the agreed facilities, including suitable electricity and water supplies, safe working space, accessibility, loading and unloading facilities, barriers, storage and location supervision. Where necessary, suitability is assessed jointly in advance.

9.4 Delays caused by missing information, permission, access or facilities are reported immediately. Additional deployment and costs are agreed through consultation, taking account of the cause and whether they could have been avoided.

10. Weather conditions and force majeure

10.1 If performance becomes impossible or irresponsible due to circumstances outside the sphere of risk attributable to a party, that party reports this as soon as possible. The parties discuss safe adjustments, temporary suspension, rescheduling or termination. Bad weather or a supply problem does not in itself automatically constitute force majeure.

10.2 Agreed weather limits and known location risks form part of the assignment. The parties limit adverse consequences where reasonably possible. Work already performed, necessary standby and unavoidable costs are assessed separately and settled without double counting, in accordance with the agreement and the law.

10.3 If performance becomes permanently impossible or rescheduling within a period meaningful for the production proves impossible, the affected part may be terminated in accordance with the applicable law. Advances are accounted for in the settlement; amounts received for performances for which payment is not due are refunded. This article does not give an unlimited right to pass all costs on to the other party.

11. Standby, waiting time and hold days

11.1 Standby or retaining crew and equipment is payable where that deployment or reservation has been agreed. The duration, rate, release time and distinction from a non-binding option are recorded in advance.

11.2 If a scheduled effect is not filmed or is only partly used during a booking, the agreed availability and preparation actually performed remain payable in principle. Overruns or additional hold days are discussed. The same hours are not charged both as full deployment and as separate standby.

12. Purchasing, custom work and project-specific costs

12.1 Project-specific purchasing, drawing work, test setups and custom work are carried out within the agreed assignment and budget arrangements. Amsterdam SFX discusses in advance which orders cannot be cancelled and which costs will remain in the event of a change or cancellation.

12.2 In the event of a change or termination, costs actually incurred and unavoidable costs are settled, taking account of relevant returns, credits, savings or other proceeds. Costs arising from defective performance by Amsterdam SFX are not automatically made non-refundable by this article.

12.3 Purchasing or passing on costs does not automatically transfer ownership of tools, prototypes or materials. The parties record which items are sold, hired out, consumed, taken back or disposed of.

13. Crew and independent specialist companies

13.1 Amsterdam SFX may engage crew, freelancers, suppliers and subcontractors. The usual contractual and statutory responsibilities apply to people working on its instructions and under its direction. The special provisions below do not apply to every freelancer or supplier. Amsterdam SFX requires every independent company it engages to hold valid liability insurance appropriate to the agreed work and requests evidence of this before execution. Separate insurance does not automatically change the contractual and statutory responsibilities of Amsterdam SFX and the engaged company.

13.2 Amsterdam SFX may engage an independent specialist company for a clearly defined specialist service performed entirely by that company. Before execution, the parties record in writing which company it is, what it provides, who the contracting party is, and how technical direction, permits, safety coordination and insurance are arranged.

13.3 The specialist company bears its own professional responsibility for its agreed specialism and must hold the required authorisations and insurance that actually covers that work. Amsterdam SFX requests evidence of this in advance. The agreed limits, relevant exclusions and any deductibles are assessed; the existence of a policy does not in itself guarantee a payment.

13.4 If the client contracts directly with the specialist company, that company is the contracting party for its service. Amsterdam SFX remains responsible for its own separately agreed work, including any selection or coordination. Merely identifying a specialist does not create a direct agreement with the client.

13.5 If Amsterdam SFX itself contracts with the specialist company, the client may, under the applicable law, hold Amsterdam SFX accountable for performance of its own assignment. Any different allocation of risk for that defined specialism is expressly agreed with the client in advance, to the extent legally valid. Insurance and any arrangements for recovery from the specialist do not automatically constitute an exclusion of liability towards the client. Article 17 remains applicable.

14. Hire, equipment risk and damage

14.1 When equipment is hired out or made available, the equipment, its condition, handover, return time, operators and intended use are recorded. For risk and damage, a distinction is made between equipment in the client's actual care and equipment that remains under the operation and supervision of Amsterdam SFX.

14.2 The client is responsible for the careful use and safekeeping of items entrusted to it and for the actions of its personnel and third parties it engages. It reports damage, loss or theft immediately and takes reasonable measures to limit further damage. A broader risk or insurance arrangement applies only if expressly agreed.

14.3 Normal wear and tear, pre-existing defects and damage attributable to Amsterdam SFX are not automatically passed on to the client. Damage to equipment operated exclusively by Amsterdam SFX is not payable by the client solely because the equipment is present on set.

14.4 Compensation is based on reasonable repair costs or, where repair is not reasonable, the appropriate replacement value taking account of age and condition. Reasonable additional costs are substantiated. Repair, replacement, depreciation and insurance payments are accounted for so that the same damage is not compensated twice.

14.5 Hired items remain the property of Amsterdam SFX or the relevant lessor. Return, cleaning and any continued hire following late return are arranged in advance. For sold items, retention of title may be agreed in the quotation.

15. Complaints, on-set execution and remedy

15.1 A problem with the agreed service that is apparent during preparation or shooting is reported as soon as possible on set to the responsible person at Amsterdam SFX. This enables the parties to make safe adjustments, test or remedy the problem while it is practically possible. A desired creative change is not automatically a defect; article 7 applies in that case.

15.2 A complaint is subsequently described in writing within a reasonable time. For a defect that only becomes apparent later, the assessment of timeliness starts upon discovery or when discovery could reasonably have been expected. There is no automatic expiry of all rights seven days after performance.

15.3 Invoice objections are reported with reasons as soon as possible. The absence of an objection does not automatically make a demonstrably incorrect invoice correct. The undisputed part remains payable in accordance with article 5.

15.4 Amsterdam SFX is given a reasonable opportunity to investigate and, where possible and appropriate, remedy the problem. Account is taken of the one-off nature of filming and necessary immediate measures. If remedy is impossible or cannot be provided in time, the consequences are assessed under the agreement and the applicable law, with due regard for article 17.

16. Intellectual property, confidentiality and publication

16.1 Rights in its own designs, technical developments and project documentation remain with Amsterdam SFX or the relevant rights holder, unless validly agreed otherwise. This applies only to rights that actually exist and belong to that party; rights supplied by the client or third parties are not appropriated.

16.2 The client may use and film the supplied service, effects, props or set pieces for the agreed production and exploit that production and its associated promotion within the agreed usage rights. Technical documents may be shared for execution with involved parties who observe appropriate confidentiality. Third-party rights are arranged separately in advance where necessary.

16.3 Beyond this use, protected designs and technical documentation may not be reused for new productions, transferred to third parties for exploitation or used for replication without permission. Separate arrangements are made for reuse or transfer. Legally required operating and safety information is not withheld.

16.4 The parties use confidential information only to perform the assignment and share it only with people who need access for that purpose and are bound by confidentiality. This includes scripts, scenes not yet public, effect techniques, budgets and production information. Information already lawfully public and disclosure required by law are excepted; where disclosure is required, the other party is informed in advance where permitted.

16.5 Amsterdam SFX publishes project names, on-set imagery, photographs, videos, credits or technical details only with prior consent that can be evidenced from the client or the authorised rights holder and in compliance with agreed embargoes. Release of the production does not in itself constitute permission to publish confidential information or protected imagery. The rights of creators, depicted individuals and other third parties remain applicable.

17. Liability and insurance arrangements

17.1 Within the limits of the law and the agreement, Amsterdam SFX is liable for damage caused by a breach of obligation or unlawful act attributable to it. Where required, it is first given a reasonable opportunity to perform or remedy the breach. Urgent safety measures and cases where remedy is permanently impossible are assessed in light of their circumstances.

17.2 To the extent legally valid, the total liability of Amsterdam SFX for all events connected with a single assignment is limited to the total amounts actually paid out under its business liability insurance for the loss arising from those events, plus the applicable deductibles. If no insurance payment at all is made for that loss, this liability is limited to the total amount agreed for that assignment, excluding VAT. For work charged on an actual-cost basis, this is the total remuneration actually due for the agreed assignment, excluding VAT. A separate, lower-value part of an assignment is used only if the parties expressly recorded it in advance as a separate assignment. The maximum sum insured stated in the policy does not, by itself, determine the liability limit.

17.3 To the extent legally valid, liability for indirect loss is excluded, including lost profit, missed savings, business and production interruption, lost exploitation income and reputational damage. Whether loss is direct or indirect is assessed by its nature and the agreement; merely labelling a loss item is not decisive. The costs of proper remedy or performance following its own breach are not classified as indirect loss solely by this list.

17.4 All limitations and exclusions in these terms do not apply in the event of intent or deliberate recklessness by Amsterdam SFX or persons entrusted with the management of its business, nor to the extent that mandatory law or the standards of reasonableness and fairness prevent their application. Product liability that cannot be excluded and liability for its own deliberately concealed hidden defects remain unaffected. These terms do not automatically bind injured third parties.

17.5 Amsterdam SFX has business liability insurance. Whether a particular activity or loss is covered is determined by the policy, applicable conditions, exclusions, insured amounts and deductible. These terms provide no independent guarantee of coverage or payment. The liability limits in article 17.2 apply subject to the exceptions in article 17.4 and do not extend the insurance coverage. Article 13 applies to engaged companies.

17.6 For assignments involving particular risks, the parties discuss before definitive booking whether appropriate production or project insurance is necessary and available, who will arrange it, which activities and parties are actually co-insured, and who bears the deductible. Sufficient coverage is assumed only following written confirmation from the insurer. This arrangement does not automatically oblige the client to assume all liability of Amsterdam SFX.

17.7 A change to an effect or its execution on set may require a new risk and coverage assessment. Without safe, legally permitted execution and agreement on the relevant consequences, Amsterdam SFX is not required to carry out the change. The absence of insurance does not limit statutory obligations.

18. Applicable law and disputes

18.1 Dutch law applies to the agreement. Mandatory provisions applicable to performance or an involved party remain applicable, including when work is carried out outside the Netherlands.

18.2 The parties first try to resolve a dispute through consultation. If this is unsuccessful, the dispute is submitted to the competent court in the district of the registered office of Amsterdam SFX, unless mandatory law or a specific agreement provides otherwise. Urgent legal measures remain available.

19. FijnWeekend and industry arrangements

19.1 Amsterdam SFX follows the principles of FijnWeekend for reasonable and safe working conditions. For commercials, the FijnWeekend Commercial Producenten Akkoord, version 1.7 of 15 November 2023, is made applicable on a supplementary basis. For film and fiction productions, the FijnWeekend Voorwaarden Fictie, drawn up in April 2026, are made applicable on a supplementary basis. For other productions, the appropriate provisions are agreed in advance.

19.2 These are the versions offered on the official website when checked on 4 November 2026. The fiction terms are terms of FijnWeekend, not an agreement with all producers presented here as a universally binding collective labour agreement. Following these principles does not constitute a statement of formal membership.

19.3 The relevant version is provided before or when the assignment is agreed and is identified in the quotation. The quotation and specific arrangements between the parties take precedence under article 1. Changes to FijnWeekend do not automatically become part of an existing assignment retrospectively. Where statutory working, driving, rest or safety rules apply, they take precedence.

19.4 The official documents are accessible through the links below. The fiction terms do not contain their own guideline for options, bookings and cancellation for drama or fiction; these are governed by the specific assignment and article 6.

• FijnWeekend Voorwaarden Fictie — april 2026 (PDF)
• FijnWeekend Commercial Producenten Akkoord — versie 1.7 (PDF)

20. Occasional completion, handover and aftercare

20.1 This article applies only to separately agreed props, devices or other custom work that are used independently by or on behalf of the client after completion and handover. It is not intended as a general exemption from completion or warranty obligations for SFX services during filming. For combined assignments, the independent supply and the provision of services are defined separately.

20.2 The work is supplied in accordance with the agreed specifications and intended use. Completion and handover are recorded in a handover document stating the date, checks, any outstanding items, responsibilities, operating limits, authorised operators and supplied instructions. The client is given a reasonable opportunity to inspect. Acceptance and its consequences are assessed under the agreement and the law.

20.3 Following acceptance and handover, the client is responsible for operation, supervision, routine maintenance, storage and management in accordance with the instructions provided, unless agreed otherwise. Hire, transport, ownership and transfer of risk are arranged separately where necessary; payment or mere presence at the location does not in itself constitute full handover.

20.4 Amsterdam SFX is not responsible for damage arising solely from misuse, overloading, neglected maintenance or interventions by third parties, to the extent that those causes are not attributable to it. Its own defects in design, execution or instructions are not excluded by this provision.

20.5 Defects attributable to Amsterdam SFX are dealt with under the agreement and the applicable law, with a reasonable opportunity for investigation and remedy. Support for extensions, damage arising from use or routine maintenance is agreed and priced separately. This does not automatically make remedy of its own breach chargeable additional work.

20.6 No general ongoing maintenance, monitoring or breakdown service arises without a separate agreement. However, mandatory safety information, necessary warnings, corrective measures and other statutory manufacturer or product obligations remain applicable.

20.7 Where the product category requires it, risk assessment, a technical file, conformity assessment, marking and operating and maintenance instructions are provided by the responsible party. The parties record who the manufacturer is and which documentation is handed over. Custom work is not automatically exempt from product safety rules.

20.8 The legally valid liability provisions in article 17 also apply to these assignments. Separate completion and handover do not release Amsterdam SFX from obligations that continue to exist under law or contract.