If you’re a music producer or songwriter looking to maximize your chances of getting television placements, you need to find the right music publishers that are actively securing sync deals for TV shows, films, and commercials. Having your music placed on television not only brings in royalties but also significantly boosts your exposure and credibility as a composer or producer. However, it can be challenging to identify the right music publishers to partner with.
In this article, I’ll share three techniques that have helped me find music publishers who are getting active television placements, ultimately increasing the chances of landing sync deals and generating steady royalties.
1. Watch Television Credits
One of the most straightforward and effective ways to find active music publishers is by watching the credits of television shows you enjoy. At the end of most TV shows, films, or commercials, you’ll often see a section dedicated to music. This includes the names of the publishers and music libraries responsible for placing the tracks in the show. While it may seem tedious, paying close attention to these credits can reveal some of the most active players in the sync licensing world.
How to Use This Technique:
- When watching TV, pay attention to the closing credits. Look for terms like “Music by,” “Music Supervisor,” or “Music Provided By.”
- Note down the names of the music publishers or libraries listed, then research these companies to see if they accept new music submissions.
- Create a list of the publishers that frequently appear on your favorite shows and reach out to them with your music.
This technique helps you find publishers who are not just active in television placements, but specifically in the genres or styles of music that you create.
Example:
Let’s say you’re watching a popular drama series. You notice in the credits that a company like Position Music or Extreme Music is mentioned frequently. This is a sign that they’re actively securing TV placements, and reaching out to them could give your music a chance to appear in future episodes or shows.
2. Use Music Library Report
Music Library Report is an incredibly valuable resource for any artist looking to get their music placed in television, film, or other media. This website provides user-generated reviews and ratings of various music libraries and publishers, allowing you to see which companies are getting the most placements, paying out royalties on time, and are the most reputable in the sync licensing world.
How to Use Music Library Report:
- Sign up for a membership to access detailed reviews of music libraries and publishers. While some content is free, a membership provides access to exclusive information.
- Browse reviews and ratings from other musicians and composers to see which libraries are currently placing music in TV shows, films, and commercials.
- Pay attention to reviews that mention television placements and royalty payouts. This can help you identify the most reliable publishers for your music.
By using Music Library Report, you can cut down on the time it takes to research various publishers and avoid those that have a poor reputation. You’ll be able to focus your efforts on the libraries that are more likely to deliver TV placements and consistent royalty payouts.
Link: Music Library Report
3. Networking (LinkedIn Groups, Facebook Groups, Twitter, etc.)
Networking remains one of the most effective ways to find music publishers and sync opportunities. Social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, host several groups and communities specifically focused on sync licensing, music publishing, and television placements. By becoming an active member of these communities, you’ll be able to connect with music supervisors, publishers, and other artists who can provide valuable insights and opportunities for getting your music placed.
How to Network Effectively:
- Join relevant groups: Look for groups on LinkedIn and Facebook that focus on sync licensing, music publishing, and television music placements. Some popular groups include Sync Licensing Opportunities and Music for Film and TV.
- Engage in discussions: Don’t just join groups—be an active participant. Share your experiences, ask questions, and offer feedback on sync-related topics. The more you engage, the more you’ll build relationships with people in the industry.
- Follow key accounts on Twitter: Many music supervisors and publishers are active on Twitter. Follow their accounts and engage with their content by liking, sharing, or replying to their posts. Twitter is often where professionals in the industry share news about placements and opportunities.
Examples of Networking Communities:
- LinkedIn Groups like Sync Music for Film & TV often have industry professionals discussing the latest trends in music placements.
- Facebook Groups such as Sync Licensing Opportunities allow you to interact with publishers and supervisors, keeping you updated on potential deals and partnerships.
Networking online provides direct access to those who are actively working in the sync licensing space. It allows you to learn about opportunities and build relationships with decision-makers who can help you get your music placed in TV shows and other media.
Conclusion: Increase Your Television Placements with These Techniques
Getting your music placed on television is an achievable goal if you know where to look and how to approach the right people. By watching television credits, using resources like Music Library Report, and networking with industry professionals, you can identify active music publishers who are landing TV placements. These techniques not only maximize your chances of securing placements but also help you stay informed and connected within the sync licensing world.
Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out in sync licensing, these strategies will guide you toward more opportunities and, hopefully, steady royalties from your music placements.