Music placements in films can help you grow a tremendous fan base. The film industry also enables you to generate an impressive financial reward for your music. However, to get your foot in the door is a challenging process.
Below are 3 strategies to get your music placed in films:
1. Research films that are under production
Find out what films are under production. Search film trade publications such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter for information on upcoming releases. You can also use websites such as IMDb Pro for details on producers, directors and music supervisors of a film. In addition, find out the genre and the theme of the movie. This will enable you to tailor your music to suit the project.
2. Find out the films’ music supervisors
The best way to place compositions in films is via music supervisors. Music supervisors oversee all music related aspects of a film. They maintain a log of all the scenes in a movie, requiring music to convey underlying emotions. Music supervisors scout for appropriate music and make a list of suggested songs, composers and bands. They work with the director and producer to determine the musical tone and style appropriate for the project.
Use both online and offline resources to get contact details of music supervisors. For instance, The Music Business Registry provides a list of music supervisors and their contact information. Alternatively, you can also follow the below hacks to get in touch with music supervisors:
- Gig in places where music supervisors often attend.
- Publish your music on iTunes, Spotify and Rdio. Music supervisors often scout these platforms to discover new artists.
- Build your presence on commercial and non-commercial radio. Airplay on radio is a great way to attract music supervisors’ attention.
- Shoot a tweet or a Facebook message to music supervisors with your samples.
- Attend music business conferences, industry mixers, movie premiers, screenings and panel discussions to network with music supervisors.
- Send an InMail to music supervisors via LinkedIn
- Send your music demos via email. Music supervisors are very picky about how they receive submissions. Many prefer links instead of CDs or MP3s. Request for submission guidelines before you send demos.
3. Find a third-party company or music library to represent your music
Third-party companies such as sonicbids.com, taxi.com and broadjam.com submit your work to music supervisors for a fee. Further, they offer a list of film pitching opportunities to independent musicians.
Music libraries distribute your music to buyers within the licensing market. Essentially, music libraries are music publishers that pitch and license music for TV, films, commercials and video games.
Music libraries receive a lot of material from independent artists, composers and songwriters. They are more responsive to unsolicited music when compared to music supervisors. Thus, independent artists can rely on music libraries to get their music placed in films.
There are several music libraries on the internet. Keep the following tips in mind while choosing the best one:
- Consider the duration your music will be partnered with a music library. Some contracts with a music library last up to five years.
- Check if a music library is offering an exclusive or non-exclusive agreement. In case of an exclusive agreement, you will be giving up the rights to have your song represented by other companies during the contract period.
In conclusion, proactively network with professionals in the film industry. Produce quality content, stand out from the crowd and experiment with various alternatives to secure a placement. Follow the above effective strategies to get your music placed in films.
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Manasa Boggaram is a writer and has a strong passion for music, positive news and constructive journalism. When she is not researching story ideas or writing blog posts, she spends her time reading books, discovering new music and eating lots of street food.
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