How to get your music in films, TV & commercials

I was reading this article yesterday about how to target your music to get it in film and TV - at the writing stage.

And it's good. If a little wishful.

Like an actor, a song in a film, TV episode, or commercial has a role to play. The theme, lyric language, musical arrangement, and singer’s voice must work together to create an emotional moment for the audience.  Watch films and TV shows that use songs. Here are just a few primetime TV dramas that use between two and ten songs per episode: The Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, Smallville, Friday Night Lights, One Tree Hill, 90210, Life Unexpected, Gossip Girl, and there are many more. You can find a complete list at TuneFind.com.

As you watch these shows, notice how the songs underscore, reinforce, or deepen the viewer’s experience of the characters or situation. These are often strong songs that can stand alone as songs, expressing the artist’s creativity and message, yet they offer the film and TV industry what it needs. This is the sweet spot where you want to be. You’ve got good songs; now make them good film and television songs!

Easier said than done, I'm afraid.

I've licensed loads of music for films, TV and ads - and the truth is that, yes you can and should try to target your material so that it has the right emotional connection - but you probably are anyway as that is what people connect with! BUT, the licensing of a song is actually all about a moment where the music supervisor picks your song, sends it to the producer or ad aganecy and the planets align. You get lucky!

Some styles of music are more likely to get used - we do really well with our catalogue of what you'd call trip-hop (downbeat, moody and sparse) - but there's a place for all.

However, you have to be in it to win it and learning some best practice and things to avoid is going to really help. As will building up some connections to get your music to.

We will cover this (with a music synchronisation guide) in detail on the site in due course, but for now - check this out below.

There is a great new resource on YouTube where an experienced music supervisor is giving out her tips. The YouTube channnel is here. Go and check it out. You can get a load more specific tips if you sign up for her video series at her main site. I've found them to be pretty good information.

And here's one of her videos.