Sync & Placements
Sync & Placements is how music gets into film, TV, adverts and brand projects. We help place music with the people making them, and make sure the writers and owners are paid.
What a sync licence is
A sync licence gives permission to use a piece of music in time with pictures. A film scene, a TV episode, an advert or a brand video can only use a track once the people who control it have agreed, and each of them is paid a fee.
Synchronisation licence or master use licence
- Synchronisation licence
- Covers the song: the music and any lyrics. It is agreed with the songwriters or their publisher.
- Master use licence
- Covers the recording itself. It is agreed with whoever owns the master, often the artist or a label.
Most uses need both. If a production records its own version of a song, it still needs the synchronisation licence, but not a master use licence for the original recording. Our guide to music publishing explains who controls the song side.
Find the Licences You Need
Synchronisation licence (the song)
Needed. Agreed with the songwriters or their publisher.
Master use licence (the recording)
Terms usually cover the scene, the length of use, territories and how long the film is shown.
Terms usually cover the episode, channels or platforms and the licence period.
Terms usually cover the media, territories and how long the campaign runs.
Terms usually cover how the music is used in the game and the platforms.
Trailers are usually licensed separately from the film or show itself.
A paid or brand post usually needs its own licence. A platform’s own music library may not cover commercial use.
Filmed or streamed content needs sync and master licences. Playing music to the audience at a venue is usually covered by a public performance licence.
This is a general guide. The licences and final terms depend on each deal.
How We Help
Placing your music
We put suitable music forward to the people choosing music for screen and brand projects.
Clearing the rights
We check who controls the song and the recording, so a licence can be agreed.
Agreeing the licence
We work through the terms with the production: how the music is used, where it is shown and for how long.
Following the income
We make sure the fee, and any royalties when the work is broadcast, reach the writers and owners.
What makes a track sync-ready
Music supervisors often work to tight deadlines. A track is easier to place when everything they need is ready.
- Clear ownership of the song and the recording, with every co-writer and owner known
- Splits agreed in writing
- Instrumental and clean versions
- Stems, if you have them
- Accurate metadata: titles, writers, publishers and codes
- Any samples cleared, or none used
Who It’s For
- Songwriters and artists
- Labels and catalogue owners
- Music publishers
How It Works
Send us your music
Links to the tracks, with who wrote them and who owns the recordings.
We check the rights
We confirm who controls the song and the recording, and which versions you have.
Pitching and agreeing terms
When a project fits, we put your music forward and agree the licence terms with the production.
Questions
How much does a sync licence cost?
It depends on the use. The main factors are the type of production, how long the music plays and how prominent it is, where and for how long the work will be shown, and whether both the song and the recording are needed. Every use is priced on its own terms.
Do I need to own both the song and the recording?
No. You can license whichever part you control, but most uses need permission for both, so it helps to know who controls each one.
Do I keep my rights?
Yes. A sync licence gives permission for a particular use. It doesn’t change who owns the music.
Have music that could work on screen?
Send us links to your tracks and tell us who wrote and owns them.