How to Get Your Music Placed in Advertisements, Movies, and Video Games
Photo Credit: Negative Space
In an era where streaming platforms dominate music consumption, finding new avenues for exposure and revenue is crucial for artists, songwriters and producers. One such avenue is sync licensing, where music is paired with visual media like advertisements, commercials, movies, and video games.
This article will guide you through the process of getting your music placed in these high-impact areas, offering practical advice and a list of reputable sync agencies to contact.
Understanding Sync Licensing
Sync Licensing: Refers to the legal synchronization of music with moving images. It requires two primary licenses:
Sync License: Permission to use the musical composition with visual media, granted by the music publisher.
Master Use License: Permission to use a specific recording, granted by the owner of the recording.
These licenses ensure that artists, songwriters, and producers are fairly compensated for their work. Sync placements can not only provide significant upfront fees but also ongoing royalties from performances and broadcasts.
Getting Music Placed in Advertisements
1. Tailor Your Music:
- Advertisers seek songs that align with their brand's mood, message, or target demographic. Create or have variations of your music that fit various commercial needs, including instrumentals or different tempos.
2. Research Brands:
- Use platforms like iSpot.tv to see which songs have been used in past commercials. Identify brands that might resonate with your music style.
3. Network with Music Supervisors:
- Music supervisors for ads are key decision-makers. Attend industry events, use LinkedIn, or leverage existing contacts to build relationships.
4. Submission Platforms:
- Utilize platforms like Playlist Push or Songtradr, where you can submit your music directly to potential advertisers.
5. Professional Representation:
- Consider working with a sync agent who specializes in advertising. They'll pitch your music and handle negotiations.
Placing Music in Movies
1. Quality and Versatility:
- Ensure your recordings are of broadcast quality. Movies require versatile tracks that can fit various scenes, often needing instrumental versions.
2. Study Music Cues:
- Analyze how music is used in films by watching movies and checking credits for music supervisors. Websites like IMDb can be invaluable.
3. Direct Pitching:
- If you know a film is in production, you might pitch directly to the music department or supervisors. Use your network or social media to find connections.
4. Sync Agencies and Music Libraries:
- These entities often have established relationships with film production companies. They manage the pitching and licensing process.
5. Festivals and Showcases:
- Attend film festivals or industry showcases where you can meet filmmakers and music supervisors face-to-face.
Video Game Music Placement
1. Understand Game Genres:
- Different games require different musical styles. From indie games needing unique sounds to AAA titles working with major labels, tailor your approach.
2. Music Libraries for Games:
- Many game developers source music from libraries. Ensure your music is available in libraries like AudioSparx or Musicbed.
3. Networking at Game Cons:
- Events like GDC (Game Developers Conference) are perfect for networking. Engage with developers and audio directors.
4. Sync Agents Specializing in Games:
- Some agencies focus specifically on game placements. Their industry knowledge can be crucial.
5. Bespoke Composition:
- For indie games, offering to compose music tailored to the game's narrative can be a winning strategy.
General Strategies for Sync Placements
Build Relationships: Music supervisors and industry insiders are more likely to work with people they know and trust.
Keep Music Accessible: Use platforms like Spotify or Bandcamp with easy access to your music for supervisors.
Professional Presentation: Have a well-prepared pitch, including bios, photos, and clear metadata for your tracks.
Stay Updated: Follow industry news via resources like The Sync Report to know about new projects and supervisors.
List of Music Sync Agencies to Contact
Here's a curated list of sync agencies known for their work in placing music in various media:
1. Pond5
2. AudioSocket
3. Songtradr
9. Tunecore
10. TAXI
Revenue and Exposure
Sync licensing can be lucrative:
Upfront Fees: These can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars based on the project's budget and your music's profile.
Royalties: Performance royalties from TV broadcasts, reruns, or use in public spaces add to the income over time.
Exposure: A successful placement can lead to increased streaming, sales, and a broader fanbase.
Conclusion
Getting your music into advertisements, movies, and video games isn't just about financial gain; it's about expanding your audience and giving your music a life beyond traditional platforms.
By following these strategies, networking effectively, and leveraging the right agencies, you can significantly enhance your music career trajectory. Remember, persistence, quality, and strategic partnerships are key. Whether you're an indie music creator or signed to a label, the sync world offers unique opportunities to showcase your talent on a much grander scale!