Yet another source of revenue for a songwriter is the Synchronization License, or Sync License for short. A sync license is when a song or piece of music is synchronized with visual images. These visual images can be movies, television shows, television commercials and video games. Typically a producer will pay a flat fee for the use of the song with visual images. If the producer of the show wants to use a particular sound recording of a song, the producer would also need to get a Master Use License from the owner of the master which is usually a record label. If you own the master then it is you would negotiate the right to use the master recording. The fees for Sync Licensing and Master Use Licensing will depend on the amount of use the song will get with the visual images. Film budget, duration of the song, the status of a song (Is it a hit?) and whether or not the song will be included on a soundtrack can affect the fees. Generally a cue sheet will be filled out by the production company and detail how the song will be used and its duration. This information will then be passed on to the Performance Royalty Organizations because each time the song is broadcasted or shown publicly it can also generate Performance Royalties. Many songwriters will be working with Music Publishers in order to help exploit the songs into movies, TV and video games. Sync Licensing is one of many ways Music Publishers will use to help generate revenue for songwriters. So if you think your music would fit well with film and TV then maybe consider trying to sync your tunes is another way to get money in your pocket. It would be wise to enlist the help of an entertainment lawyer to make sure that the agreements detailing Sync License and fees are adequate and fair. See you on Friday! Enjoy!
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