Think about that movie you love, that scene that moves you every time you watch it… It wouldn’t be the same without the music, would it?
Soundtracks play a fundamental role in the cinematic experience, not only from a creative standpoint but also in terms of licensing, rights, and commercial strategies. Selecting music for a film is a complex process that involves various players in the music industry, including composers, publishers, record labels, and music supervisors.
What Is a Soundtrack?
A film’s soundtrack is much more than just the music that accompanies scenes. There is often confusion about what it actually is, especially when mixed with other terms like “score.“
It is important to understand that in the film industry, “soundtrack” and “score” are not the same, although both are part of a film’s musical experience.
Soundtrack: The soundtrack includes all the music used in the movie, whether pre-existing songs or original compositions created specifically for the production.
Licensed songs are those that already exist and are chosen for inclusion in the movie to enhance the emotional or narrative impact of key scenes.
In addition to these, the soundtrack may also include music created specifically for the film, designed to match the atmosphere and tone of the story.
Score: The score, on the other hand, refers to the background music that, unlike the soundtrack, is not prominently featured. It is the music that plays in the background and helps create the atmosphere and emotional tone of the film without drawing too much attention. The score is usually composed specifically for the movie, although library music can also be used.
It is essential for artists, composers, and rights holders to understand this distinction and how it connects with the audience, serving as a guide to create specific compositions for different audiovisual formats.
The Role of the Music Supervisor
The Music Supervisor is a key figure in audiovisual production. Their work spans both the creative and administrative/legal aspects of music in film, television, advertising, and video games.
In other words, the music supervisor acts as a bridge between audiovisual producers and the copyright holders of the music they wish to use.
Their main responsibilities include:
Rights research: Identifying who owns the rights to a song (songwriters, publishers, record labels) and managing the necessary permissions for its use.
Negotiating licenses: Securing synchronization rights at an appropriate cost while ensuring all legal aspects are covered.
Legal documentation: Completing synchronization documents, known as Cue Sheets, which detail every piece of music used in the production and its respective rights.
The presence of a music supervisor can extend from pre-production, when the film’s sound identity is designed, to post-production, when music is synchronized with the final visuals.
This is because the music supervisor also has significant creative responsibilities, sometimes needing to find musical alternatives or select pieces from libraries or music catalogs that best complement the visuals and narrative.
How to Secure Synchronization Licensing Deals
If you are an artist or composer interested in having your music featured in films, series, commercials, or video games, there are several steps you can take to ensure your music is available for synchronization and considered for such projects:
1. Register Your Music and Clarify Rights
Before your music can be licensed, it is crucial to have all copyrights properly established. Register your songs with the relevant organizations, such as collective rights management societies (e.g., SGAE in Spain or ASCAP/BMI in the U.S.), to ensure you are recognized as the rights holder.
2. License Your Music Through Publishers or Music Libraries
Music publishers help manage music licensing and find opportunities for composers. If you don’t have a publisher, you can work with music libraries or digital synchronization platforms that allow content creators to access a catalog of pre-cleared music for audiovisual projects. Some of these libraries let artists upload their music directly, streamlining the licensing process.
3. Network with Music Supervisors and Industry Professionals
Networking is key in the music industry. As mentioned earlier, music supervisors are responsible for selecting music for films, series, and commercials. Building relationships with these professionals, attending industry events, and collaborating with media producers can open doors to new opportunities. Having an active presence in the industry can increase the chances of your music being heard and considered for projects.
4. Use Online Music Licensing Platforms
There are specialized digital platforms that connect musicians with producers and content creators looking for music for their projects. Some of these platforms allow you to upload your music and make it available for synchronization licensing in films, series, commercials, and more. Examples include Artlist, Musicbed, and Audiojungle.
5. Promote Your Music Effectively
Make your music known in the audiovisual world by creating an accessible and professional portfolio. In addition to licensing platforms, consider promoting your music through social media, creating content that highlights the emotions and atmospheres your music can bring to a production. Having a website where interested parties can listen to your music and contact you is also essential.
6. Be Flexible with Licensing Agreements
To be considered for a license, you must be willing to negotiate flexibly, especially if you are an independent or emerging artist. Synchronization licenses can vary in price depending on the type of project, the duration of the music on screen, and the distribution scope. Being adaptable to different terms can open many doors.
Benefits of Synchronizing Music in Audiovisual Formats
For artists and composers, having their music synchronized in films, series, and commercials represents a key source of income and exposure. Some of the main benefits include:
Revenue from licensing: Synchronization allows rights holders to receive payments for their music’s inclusion in audiovisual productions.
Exposure to new audiences: A widely distributed film or series can boost the popularity of a song or artist.
Increase in streaming royalties and sales: Many songs see a rise in streams and downloads after being featured in a successful audiovisual project.
Prestige and collaboration opportunities: Inclusion in a soundtrack can generate interest in the artist’s music for future projects.
In summary, for artists and composers, music synchronization in audiovisual projects is an excellent way to gain visibility, generate revenue, and expand their audience. Being well-prepared, proactive in promoting your music, and understanding the licensing process can open up numerous opportunities and, most importantly, create a new revenue stream.
