Securing a sync license for your song can be a game-changer as an artist. However, it’s a highly competitive process that often operates under tight deadlines. Before we dive into how to get your music ready for sync licensing, let’s quickly explain what it is…
What is “Sync Licensing”?
A sync (short for “Synchronisation”) license gives someone the permission to use your composition in a moving picture. For example: films, tv series, adverts, video games or other audio-visual productions. Sync offers significant opportunities for independent artists, songwriters, and composers to increase their exposure whilst generating additional income. Gaining access to sync opportunities can be easier when working with music publisher like Horus Music Publishing + or Anara Publishing.
To maximise your chances of getting your music synced in a TV show, film, commercial, or video game, you need to be well-prepared. Here’s our checklist to ensure your music is ‘sync ready’ and stands out in the crowd:
1. Create Instrumental Versions of Your Songs
Instrumental versions of your songs are crucial for sync opportunities, and here’s why:
- Dialogue-Friendly: Sometimes, music supervisors need to edit between the full vocal version and an instrumental to accommodate dialogue in a scene. By having an instrumental ready, you make your music more adaptable.
- Instrumental-Only Briefs: Certain sync briefs specifically call for instrumental tracks. By providing this version, you open up additional opportunities to have your music licensed.
- Preferred by Supervisors: Some music supervisors only accept submissions that include instrumental versions, so it’s essential to have one available.
TIP:
If signed to a music publisher, always provide them with instrumental versions of your songs. If you are already working with us on Horus Music Publishing – make sure to provide instrumental versions when submitting your songs through our platform so that our team can easily access them.
2. Prepare Your Stems
In addition to instrumentals, having stems (the individual audio tracks for each element of your song) ready can be a huge advantage:
- Edit Flexibility: Production teams might need to alter your track slightly to fit the scene, and stems give them the flexibility to do so without compromising the integrity of your song.
- Big Deals: Having stems available can lead to lucrative sync deals. For example, Anara Publishing, our sister company, has secured five-figure sync deals for artists simply by providing stems when requested.
3. Provide Accurate Lyrics
Lyrics play a significant role in the sync process:
- Matching Briefs: Sometimes, sync briefs contain specific lyrical themes that clients are looking for. Providing accurate lyrics ensures that your song is considered for the right opportunities.
- Translations: If your song is in a foreign language, include an English translation. This allows music supervisors to fully understand the content and match it to the right project.
4. Document Ownership with Split Sheets
Collaboration is key in the music industry, but so is clarity around ownership:
- Clear Ownership: If you’re working with other songwriters, document the ownership percentages in a split sheet. Ensure that everyone involved signs it to avoid any disputes if a sync license is secured.
- Fair Payment: This step guarantees that everyone gets paid what they’re owed, without complications.
TIP
Check out our blog “Understanding Songwriting Splits and Split Sheets” to learn more.
5. Clarify Who Owns the Master Recording
Understanding and documenting ownership of the master recording is crucial:
- Licensing Requirements: Both the composition and the master recording need to be licensed for a sync deal. Therefore, it’s vital to know who owns the master recording and who the songwriters and publishers are.
- Multiple Rightsholders: Even if the master recording is owned by multiple parties, this information needs to be clear and accessible.
6. Join a Performance Rights Organisation (PRO)
To ensure you receive all the royalties you’re entitled to, join a PRO:
- Royalty Collection: You’re entitled to performance royalties every time the project featuring your music is publicly performed. By being a member of a PRO, you ensure that you receive these royalties according to the distribution rules of your society.
7. License Your Samples
If your song includes samples, it’s essential to have them properly licensed:
- Sync Eligibility: Your song cannot be synced unless all samples are legally cleared and licensed from the original rightsholders.
- Online Loops and Beats: If you’ve used loops or beats purchased online, review the terms and conditions to ensure they’re eligible for sync licensing. You may need to share the master and publishing rights, as well as any sync license fees, with the original creator.
8. Ensure Accurate Metadata
Metadata is a critical component in the sync process:
- Metadata Requirements: When pitching your music for sync opportunities, provide up-to-date and accurate metadata. This includes ISRCs, artist names, album titles, release dates, and barcodes.
- Why It Matters: Accurate metadata ensures that your music is properly identified and credited, streamlining the licensing process and avoiding potential delays.
By following this checklist, you’ll be well on your way to making your music sync-ready and maximising your chances of landing that coveted sync license.
If you’re an independent songwriter / artist writing original music, check out Horus Music Publishing + for access to publishing royalty collection and sync licensing opportunities.
