ASK DERAJ

Does it matter how I approach sync professionals? mindset & goals music supervisors
If you nurture the relationship going into it rather than going full force, it shows you value this person as opposed it just being transactional. It's important to do your homework. Look at what they may be working on, show that you want to build a working relationship with them. Try to connect wit...
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Is it common for a third party to rep and pitch my music? agreements & contracts pitching & licensing
Yes, it is absolutely acceptable and common for a third party to be pitching your music on your behalf. They just get a commission on what they land. Also, it is important for artists to learn how to go direct and broker their own deals. This is one of the things we teach here in the IMXL. It is emp...
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What are some strategies for a label signed artist vs. an independent artist? agreements & contracts mindset & goals pitching & licensing
Unless there is a specific agreement in place, you have a lot of options when it comes to releasing your music.
 
  • You can create an alias to release sync music that is a completely different brand than your original artist brand. You also have options when deciding who you want to represent or p
  • ...
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Do audio engineers typically go on a split sheet? agreements & contracts master & publishing rights
When it comes to splits, with regard to whoever is doing mixing and mastering, if it's not your producer, typically they do not go on the split sheet. They do not necessarily have owner stake on a song. They usually are paid a fee as a service to mix and master your song.
 
 
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What is "Synchronize?"

Sync (or synchronisation) is a process where songs are combined with moving images – film, TV series, adverts, video games, trailers etc. Sync deals are usually arranged between a music publisher and a prospective client, which is normally a music supervisor or a film producer.

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What is a "Pitch?" pitching & licensing

This refers to when a copyright owner (i.e Label, Publisher) or representative of the copyright (i.e. licensing Agent) sends out a song to try and acquire potential licensing opportunites.

Ex. "I just pitched a song for Season 3 of Insecure."

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What is "Use?" agreements & contracts tv/film

How the work will be used (synched to picture) in the media.  e.g. Background Vocal (BV), Background Instrumental (BI) etc.  

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What is "Timing?" agreements & contracts tv/film

How much of the work will be used in the given media. e.g. 1:24, "up to full use" or "up to 1:00" etc.

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What is a "Sync Agent?" licensing agents

Sync or "Licensing" agents are companies or individuals that aim to connect producers of visual media with artists. Sync agents will represent your music and secure you a synchronisation license.

 

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What is "Spotting Session?" songwriting & producing

The “spotting session” is typically the first creative meeting between the director and composer. Both parties watch the film in its entirety to discuss and determine musical placement and function.

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What is a "Split-Sheet?" agreements & contracts master & publishing pros royalties & money

A document listing who wrote a song and how much of the song they wrote (their pro-rata share). This happens at the end of a songwriting session to make sure all parties agree to their percentages, sign the document and deliver to their teams so it will be ready to generate royalties, licenses, and ...

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What is "Schedule A?" agreements & contracts pitching & licensing

In reference to licensing: this is a separate document attached to an agreement laying out the details the agreement states will be included in the schedule for example publishing details, media terms, etc. In reference to administration: this is a document that lists out all of the compositions for...

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What is a "Publishing Administrator?" master & publishing rights publishers

A Music Publishing Administrator manages licensing and collects for you part or all of the publishing royalties your music generates. By definition, a publishing administrator does not own or control any percentage of your actual copyright.

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What is a "Publisher?" master & publishing rights publishers

A music publisher is a person or an organization that is authorized to license the copyrighted use of a particular musical work.

Their tasks include promoting their catalog's songs to recording artists; licensing compositions for use by films, television, advertisements, and other media; monitoring...

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What is a "Pro-Rata?" master & publishing rights

Proportionally. Often used legally to say “your portion” of a share. Ex. “Your pro rata share of the writers share” means your portion of the writers share instead of the whole amount.

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What is a "Music Supervisor?" music supervisors

Music supervisors are responsible for selecting and licensing preexisting songs and recordings for use in movies, television shows, and video games.

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What is a "Music Coordinator?" music supervisors

Music coordinators work very closely with Music Supervisors and are responsible for everything related to finding and placing music in a production, including recruitment, rights management, budgeting, and contracts.

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What is "Micro-Sync?" pitching & licensing

Micro licenses refer to “smaller” licenses for personal projects, indie films, and smaller companies. 

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What is "Media?" agreements & contracts

The given media the licensee plans to exploit the work. e.g. Broadcast TV, Streaming, Digital/ social platforms, Theatrical (Film/ Trailers) etc.

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What is a "Licensing Agency?" licensing agents

Sync or "Licensing" agents are companies or individuals that aim to connect producers of visual media with artists. Sync agents will represent your music and secure you a synchronisation license.

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What is a "Kill Fee?" pitching & licensing royalties & money

Fee to cover spec work that was commissioned but not used

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What is an "Indemnification?" agreements & contracts

To be obligated to compensate and/ or hold harmless the contacting party (production company, ad agency etc) if any breach of the contract or misrepresentations are to occur (e.g. and uncleared sample was not disclosed and actual rights holder files a claim/ lawsuit requiring an additional payment) ...

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What is an "Editor?" trailers tv/film

A film editor edits the final piece of video and music for the final TV/Film, Trailers and Ad spots. 

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What is a "Demo Fee?" custom music royalties & money

A payment for the execution of song ideas for a commissioned sync project. This is paid whether or not a song is actually placed. 

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