By understanding the daily challenges music supervisors face, you can help streamline their work and make their lives easier.
Budget constraints:
Limited budgets often restrict access to hit songs or famous vintage tracks, forcing music supervisors to make compromises in their music selections. This is where one-stop, under-the-radar songs find homes. Music supervisors also work with composers or independent artists to create custom music or find affordable alternatives.
Rights clearance:
Tracking down rights holders, especially for songs with multiple master owners, writers, and multiple publishers, can be time-consuming and complex. This is where having the correct metadata can make or break a sync license. One-stop songs (where both master and publishing clearance are controlled by one person or organization) are always appealing to music supervisors, as TV and Film productions usually request songs for All Media, Worldwide, and in Perpetuity. A streamlined clearance process is always preferred.
Deadlines:
Project timelines are often compressed, leaving little room for in-depth research or prolonged negotiations. This is when music supervisors start looking for easy-to-clear one-stop songs with established relationships.
Too many decision-makers:
Music supervisors must navigate differing opinions from directors, creatives, producers, and other stakeholders. This process is even more complex when songs are being chosen for commercials.
Metadata issues:
As much as correct metadata (rights owners, PROs, and ISRC codes) is key for clearance paperwork, it's even more important to have songs optimized for searchability. Music supervisors often start by searching their own databases, and if you have included lyrics, genres, and themes, your songs are more likely to appear in their keyword searches.
Clearance red flags:
Uncleared samples, conflicting ownership claims, or unknown co-writers who haven't approved sync licensing can immediately create obstacles to licensing a track. Risk management ensures that all necessary rights are secured and contracts are properly executed to avoid legal issues or additional costs later.
Technological changes:
Keeping up with new technologies and understanding how they affect music usage presents ongoing challenges. This has been evident when streaming services like Netflix have wanted to include a show or film from the '90s, but the soundtrack hasn't been cleared for the medium. Many shows have been re-edited with new songs due to the costs involved in retaining the original music.
Increase your chances of getting sync placements by:
Being Clear and Organized – Make sure your songs are correctly registered with your PRO, have accurate and detailed metadata, and are easy to clear (e.g., one-stop, easy clear or pre-cleared rights).
Being Flexible in Negotiations – Music supervisors may have budget constraints, so be open to negotiations while understanding the song's intended usage.
Understanding The Needs of Music Supervisors – Study their projects and pitch songs that align with their creative needs.
Making It Easy to License – Have high-quality audio files ready (including instrumental versions and stems) and be responsive when music supervisors reach out.
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