UNDERGROUND FILMS
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: June 12, 2026
1. Introduction
Underground Films ("we," "us," or "our") is a platform operated by The Roots Marketing LLC that connects independent filmmakers (Directors) with viewers and talent (Actors). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use our platform at rootinglocals.com/underground-films and related services.
By using Underground Films, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
2. Information We Collect
We collect the following types of information:
• Account information: name, email address, date of birth, account type (Director, Actor, or Viewer)
• Profile information: bio, location, headshot URL, social media links, IMDb profile link, reel URL
• Film submission data: film titles, descriptions, genres, runtime, video URLs, poster images, pricing settings
• Payment information: processed through Stripe. We do not store credit card numbers or banking details on our servers
• Usage data: watch history, viewing progress, thumbs up/down ratings, comments, and reviews
• Role application data: cover notes, age range, contact information submitted when applying for roles
• Communications: messages and notifications sent through the platform
• Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, and cookies
3. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information to:
• Create and manage your account
• Enable Directors to list and monetize their films
• Enable Actors to browse and apply for roles
• Process payments and donations through Stripe Connect
• Send weekly performance digest emails to Directors (opt-in)
• Display public profiles and film listings to other users
• Improve platform features and user experience
• Comply with legal obligations
• Prevent fraud and enforce our Terms of Service
4. Payment Processing
All payments, subscriptions, and donations are processed through Stripe, Inc. When Directors connect their Stripe account through Stripe Connect, payment information flows directly between users and Stripe. Underground Films does not store payment card numbers, bank account details, or Social Security numbers.
Stripe's privacy policy is available at stripe.com/privacy. By using payment features on Underground Films, you agree to Stripe's terms of service and privacy policy.
Film listing subscriptions are billed monthly. Directors receive 100% of donations and film sales directly to their connected Stripe account. The Roots Marketing LLC does not take a commission on filmmaker revenue.
5. Information Sharing
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only in the following circumstances:
• Public profiles: Director and Actor profile information you mark as public is visible to other platform users
• Film listings: film details submitted by Directors are publicly visible on the platform
• Role applications: when an Actor applies for a role, their application information is shared with the Director who posted the role
• Service providers: we use Firebase (Google) for authentication and database services, Airtable for data management, Bunny.net for video hosting, and Stripe for payments
• Legal requirements: we may disclose information if required by law or to protect the rights and safety of our users
• Business transfers: in the event of a merger or acquisition, user information may be transferred as a business asset
6. Data Storage and Security
Your data is stored using Firebase (Google Cloud) infrastructure located in the United States. We implement industry-standard security measures including encrypted data transmission (HTTPS), Firebase Authentication for account security, and Firestore security rules that restrict data access to authorized users only.
Despite these measures, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.
7. Cookies and Tracking
Underground Films uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to:
• Maintain your login session
• Remember your preferences
• Analyze platform usage and performance
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the platform.
8. Children's Privacy
Underground Films is not intended for users under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. Users must be at least 13 years old to create an account. If we discover that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will delete it immediately.
9. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:
• Access: request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: request correction of inaccurate personal information
• Deletion: request deletion of your account and associated data
• Opt-out: unsubscribe from marketing emails and weekly digest emails at any time through your account settings
• Data portability: request your data in a portable format
To exercise these rights, contact us at rootsmarketing.llc2026@gmail.com.
10. Third-Party Services
Underground Films integrates with the following third-party services, each with their own privacy policies:
• Google Firebase: authentication and database — firebase.google.com/support/privacy
• Stripe: payment processing — stripe.com/privacy
• Airtable: data management — airtable.com/privacy
• Bunny.net: video hosting — bunny.net/privacy
11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to delete your personal information, the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information), and the right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights.
To submit a California privacy request, contact us at rootsmarketing.llc2026@gmail.com.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify registered users of significant changes by email and update the effective date at the top of this document. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us:
The Roots Marketing LLC
Operating: Underground Films
Email: rootsmarketing.llc2026@gmail.com
Website: rootinglocals.com/underground-films