Unlocking the Secrets of Sync Licensing: A Beginner’s Guide to Placing Your Music in Film and Television

Sync licensing is the process of obtaining permission to use a piece of music in a visual media production, such as a film, television show, video game, or commercial. When a music composition is synced with a visual element, it enhances the overall viewing experience and can add to the emotion of the scene.

A sync license is a legal agreement between the copyright holder of the music (usually the songwriter or publisher) and the person or company using the music in their production. The license grants the user the right to use the music in the specified production in exchange for a fee or other compensation. The fee and terms of the license can vary depending on the specific use of the music and the agreement between the parties.

Sync licensing is different from a master use license, which grants the right to use a recorded version of a song, or a mechanical license, which grants the right to reproduce and distribute a song on a recording.

To get sync licensing for your music, you will need to do the following steps:

Create a catalog of your music that can be easily accessed by music supervisors and other industry professionals. This catalog should include information such as song title, length, genre, and lyrics.
Research and find music supervisors, production companies, and other industry professionals that are looking for music for film, television, and other media.
Reach out to them and introduce yourself, your music, and your catalog. Be sure to include links to your music so they can easily listen to it.
Follow up with them and continue to promote your music to them.
Sign up with music licensing companies or aggregators who can help you to get your music in front of more music supervisors and other industry professionals.
Be prepared to negotiate the terms of the sync license, including the fee and the rights granted.

It’s important to keep in mind that getting sync licensing is a process and it takes time and persistence to get your music placed in film and television projects.

Written by Karim Landry at GWOP University Media Dept.