Privacy-first Stack Setup | Nomadic Filmworks
Privacy-first · Server Stack

Privacy-first stack setup – your own space for files, automations & content.

This is not full managed hosting and not a 24/7 emergency hotline. It is a guided entry into a small, self-hosted server stack that you actually understand.

Together we set up a lean environment – for example with Nextcloud for files and n8n for automations – so that sensitive projects do not live only on random US-based SaaS tools.

Typical projects start at around 2,200 € (one-time, plus server costs) with a clearly limited scope. You get a working base stack, documentation and the freedom to continue on your own or later bring in another admin if needed.

I especially support digital nomads, NGOs and small self-employed teams who want more control over their data and infrastructure – without pretending to become a full-time sysadmin.

Talk about your stack setup See where this makes sense
What this is

A guided start into your own, privacy-oriented stack

On this page, we are not talking about replacing your entire IT department or building a giant, hyper-automated system. We focus on something smaller and more realistic: a solid base stack that you can maintain and grow step by step.

Instead of storing files, contacts and workflows across ten different services with unclear data protection, we concentrate key pieces on a self-hosted, EU-based server – with as little complexity as possible. No promise of perfect legal compliance, but a privacy-first mindset and clear awareness of where your data lives.

  • A concrete, working combination of tools (for example Nextcloud + n8n)
  • Basic automations that support your existing work instead of creating new overhead
  • Documentation that allows you to hand over to future admins or collaborators
  • Clear boundaries: what is included in the project – and what is consciously out of scope
Use cases

When a privacy-first stack is worth the effort

A few typical scenarios where a small, self-hosted stack pays off – without trying to replace big enterprise infrastructure.

Solo & small teams
One place for your files and core workflows

You run your work from different locations and devices, but want your important files and basic automations under your own control. A lean Nextcloud + n8n setup can replace a patchwork of random tools.

NGOs · Initiatives
More control over sensitive data

You work with vulnerable groups, political contexts or personal stories. A self-hosted stack does not magically solve everything, but it gives you more say in where data is stored and who can access it.

Content & automation
Workflows on your own infrastructure

You already use automations or AI-assisted workflows. We move selected pieces onto your own server – for example file-based pipelines, simple webhooks or privacy-friendlier integrations – instead of pushing everything through third-party tools.

From SaaS chaos
Less tool chaos, more clarity

You are tired of juggling many logins and copying data between services. A small, well-documented stack will not remove every external tool, but it can give you a stable center that everything else connects to.

Process

How we build your privacy-first stack together

We do not start with Docker commands or provider offers, but with your reality: what you do, how much responsibility you want to take on and which risks are acceptable – and which are not.

  • 1. Needs, risks & expectations
    We clarify what the stack should enable (for example file sync, simple automations, collaboration) and what you explicitly do not want. We talk about budget, risk tolerance and who will take care of the system afterwards.
  • 2. Drafting a realistic architecture
    Based on that, I propose a simple architecture: preferred EU-based hosting providers, core services (for example Nextcloud, n8n) and basic security practices – without pretending to cover every possible edge case.
  • 3. Setup & first workflows
    We set up the core services, connect them to each other and build a small number of concrete workflows that support your daily work instead of just looking good in diagrams.
  • 4. Handover & next steps
    You receive clear documentation, access information and suggestions for how to maintain and extend the stack. This is an add-on, not a lifetime support contract: ongoing maintenance, legal evaluation and complex scaling stay explicitly outside the scope.
Fit

Where this offer fits – and where it clearly does not

A good fit if…

  • You want to understand the basics of your own stack instead of outsourcing everything blindly.
  • You prefer EU-based hosting, fewer US tools and a transparent view of where your data actually lives.
  • You are ready to take some responsibility for updates, backups and access control – with a clear starting point and documentation.
  • You see privacy-first as an attitude and ongoing practice, not as a box to tick once and forget.

Not a good fit if…

  • You expect 24/7 monitoring, incident response or full managed hosting.
  • You want a complete enterprise environment with complex networks, multiple locations and strict uptime guarantees.
  • You are looking for binding legal advice or a guarantee that your setup will be “100% GDPR-compliant” forever.
  • You prefer to stay entirely in big SaaS ecosystems and do not want to touch self-hosted tools at all.

I am not your full-time DevOps or lawyer. I am a filmmaker and automation specialist who built his own stack and now helps a small number of people do something similar – with clear limits and honesty.

Tools & stack

Typical building blocks in a privacy-first setup

The exact setup depends on your situation, but most projects use a small combination of proven tools instead of dozens of moving parts.

  • Nextcloud
    As a central place for files, basic collaboration and, if needed, calendar and contacts – hosted on an EU-based server.
  • n8n
    As an automation backbone that connects your stack and selected external services without sending every detail through third-party platforms.
  • Monitoring & backups
    For example Uptime Kuma for simple monitoring and regular backups so that a hardware failure does not become a full reset.
  • Privacy-conscious AI services
    Where AI is useful (for example transcription or draft generation), we choose services and setups that match your privacy expectations.
  • Honest constraints
    No promise to cover every possible security scenario. We aim for a significant improvement over “everything in random US SaaS” with a realistic level of complexity that you can live with.
Next step

Let’s see if a privacy-first stack makes sense for you right now.

You do not need a technical concept. A short description of what you do, which tools you currently use and what worries you about them is enough for a first assessment.

We start with a straightforward, honest conversation.

If you feel stuck between “we should move away from some SaaS tools” and “I have no idea where to start with a server”, this offer is built for that gap. Tell me where you are right now and what a better setup would change for you.

Email or a short video call – whatever is easier for you.

You can send me an email about you, your work and your current tool landscape – in English, German or Greek.

Send your situation by email

Emails can be in English, German or Greek. If you prefer talking over writing, we can schedule a short video call – in English or German, for example via Zoom or in a private Rocket.Chat room.