WARNING: These 3 simple mistakes can cost you getting your music licensed

A while back, Hypebot published a 3-part series that asked Music Supervisors how they find music for movies and TV. The supervisors shared key advice that are applicable to all musicians trying to license their work. Below are the top 3 recurring mistakes we found.

1. CHARGING TOO MUCH — Simply by nature of airtime, you are more likely to get placement in a TV series that has multiple 20 min episodes vs. a movie that only has 1–2 hrs of film to soundtrack. With that said, the budget is often times much less for TV where supervisors are looking for songs more frequently. If you charge too much, a supervisor will look elsewhere for a cheaper alternative. Don’t forget that royalties will also pay down the road as well.
2. SAMPLING — Unless you are well-versed in the laws of copyright and publishing, it’s best to avoid using anyone else’s intellectual property. If you can ensure that your music will clear any legal doubts, especially by using all your own original production, a supervisor can more confidently work alongside you.
3. NOT INCLUDING YOUR INFO — A supervisor stumbles upon your work and is ready to pay you $$$!!! It would be unfortunate if lack of basic contact info was the simple reason you missed out on this opportunity. Make sure you make it easy for supervisors to hire you by removing any extra steps to connecting with you.

Be sure to also click through the slideshow to see our favorite quotes and to read all 3 articles, click here, here, and here.

Andrea von Foerster, places a great deal of music in movies including Chronicle

Liza Richardson. supervised Friday Night Lights and such films as Lords Of Dogtown and Y Tu Mamá También

Ann Kline, music director for the Showtime series Shameless

KCRW DJ Thomas Golubic, co-supervised music for HBO’s Six Feet Under and is the supervisor for Breaking Bad

Sarah Gavigan, award-winning music supervisor/producer for advertising agencies, brand consultant on music licensing, and a writer. She has presented at conferences including CMJ, SXSW, and Belfast Music Week

Fusion Music Supervision’s Chris Mollere, supervised such tv shows as The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars and such movies as The Box and I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell

Lindsay Wolfington, supervises music for One Tree Hill

KCRW DJ Gary Calamar, co-supervised Six Feet Under and supervises for True Blood, House and Dexter