How to License Your Music for Use in TV and Film

Licensing music for use in TV shows, commercials, and movies can be an extremely lucrative opportunity for bands and solo artist. Gary Jules has made a nice career for himself off of the success of his cover of "Mad World" that was featured in the film Donnie Darko. The Shins can certainly thank Garden State for their incredible success over the last three years. Lets not forget Moby, either, who turned the use of his music in car commercials into a platinum selling career. Many artists over the years have achieved great success by licensing their music, but how did they do it?

A music supervisor , also know as a music director, is the person who decides what music will be used in a film, TV show, or commercial, and how it will be used. Typically, the music supervisor will compile a list of songs he wants to use in the production and then have those songs approved by the director and/or producers. Once the songs have been given the "Okay" by the producers, the music supervisor will begin contacting the artists and making them offers, or, bids on their music.

Needless to say, the music supervisor is the person you want to get your music to. The easiest way to compile a list of music supervisors is by actually watching TV and movies. Usually, their name will be right in the opening and closing credits of a movie or TV show. Now comes the hard part. You need to figure out how to get your music to these directors. Once you have your list assembled, you'll have to get on Google and do some research. Most supervisors work for a production studio or through a management/talent agency. You will need to figure out which production company/agency each supervisor works for, and then find the mailing address to the company.

When you mail your CD to the companies, make sure it is clearly marked to the attention of the supervisor's name. Keep your package as simple as possible. On the outside of the package write "Music CD" so it is clear what's in the package. Include a simple cover letter that explains you would like your music to be considered for use in one of their productions. Also, clearly identify the track(s) on the album you would like them to listen to. Don't just send them a full CD and expect them to sit down and listen to the whole thing until they hear something they like. Make sure you write your contact information directly one the CD, too. This way, if the music director looses your cover letter, they will still know how to contact you.

If you get a call from a music supervisor, director, or their assistant making you an offer, you basically have three options; accept their offer, decline their offer, or try to negotiate with them. Securing an offer to license your music can be a tricky and messy situation. There are many variables that encompass an offer, such as; exclusive or non-exclusive rights, royalties, territories, perpetuity, etc. It can be exhausting and dangerous if you don't know what you're getting into. You may want to consider hiring a lawyer to help you through the process.

For independent films, you can send your music directly to the director. For example, if you really want your music to be in a Kevin Smith movie, just send it to Kevin Smith or to his assistant. Often times, you can do the same for television. If there is a particular TV show you want to license your music to, but you can't find out how to get it to the music supervisor, just send a copy to the director, the producers, and the creators.

I hope this article was able to clear up some of the mystery involved in licensing your music. Good luck!