Building Relationships: Networking Tips for Success in Sync Licensing

The sync licensing world, like much of the music industry, is heavily reliant on relationships. Building a network of contacts, including music supervisors, sync agents, and other artists, can significantly increase your chances of success. Whether you’re an indie pop artist, singer-songwriter, or focusing on instrumental and vocal music, networking is key to getting your tracks placed in TV sync, film sync, or brand campaigns. This blog will guide you through essential networking tips for success in the sync space.

Attend Industry Events

Attending industry events like SyncSummit, SXSW, and Music Biz is one of the best ways to make connections with music supervisors, sync agents, and fellow artists. These conferences bring together industry professionals from all over the world, making them perfect opportunities for building relationships.

• SyncSummit is known for focusing on sync licensing, offering panels, workshops, and networking sessions that can help you understand what music supervisors look for in sync-ready music. Attendees often leave with direct contacts who may be interested in using their tracks.

• SXSW brings together musicians, filmmakers, and creative professionals, making it a hotbed for collaboration. By attending panels or networking mixers, you can build relationships that may open doors for TV sync or film sync opportunities.

• Music Biz offers a platform for music creators to network with commercial brands, sync agents, and distributors. This is an excellent event to showcase your pre-cleared or exclusive license music for potential use in brand campaigns or other commercial settings.

These events also give you the chance to showcase your knowledge of the sync licensing process, such as whether your music is available for one-stop, exclusive, or non-exclusive licensing. Knowing these terms can make your pitches more effective, as supervisors are always looking for music that is sync-ready.

Leverage Social Media for Networking

In the digital age, you don’t need to attend an event in person to network with key figures in the music industry. Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram offer an excellent opportunity to connect with music supervisors and sync agents.

• Start by following music supervisors, sync agents, or companies that focus on sync licensing. Engage with their posts by commenting on or sharing their updates. Over time, this can help you build rapport.

• LinkedIn is particularly valuable for professional networking. You can post updates about your latest projects, showcase your knowledge about sync licensing, and build a profile that reflects your expertise in the sync space.

• Instagram is another tool where you can engage with supervisors and sync agents. Posting clips of your music with relevant hashtags like #synclicensing, #indiepop, #singersongwriter, and #instrumentalmusic can draw attention to your work.

A word of caution: avoid pitching your music directly in public comments. Instead, build a relationship first, and when the time is right, pitch through direct messages or emails. Make sure your pitch clearly states that your music is pre-cleared or sync-ready, which makes it easier for supervisors to consider your tracks for background music, theme music, or a commercial use project.

Collaborate with Other Artists

Collaboration is another powerful way to expand your network and access new opportunities. Working with co-writers or collaborators who have established industry connections can open doors to sync opportunities that you wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

• If you’re an indie pop artist or singer-songwriter, collaborating with someone who has experience in sync licensing can help you tailor your music to be more sync-friendly. For example, if you’re strong in vocals, you might want to work with an instrumental producer to create a more versatile track that could be used in film sync or TV sync placements.

• Don’t hesitate to co-write with other artists. They may have sync agents or relationships with music supervisors that can help you get your foot in the door. Sometimes, simply having a collaborator with an in-demand instrumental or vocal style can get you noticed.

Collaboration also gives you the chance to experiment with different types of licensing. For example, you may create a song that’s available for non-exclusive licenses or exclusive rights, depending on the needs of the supervisor. The more flexible you are with your licensing options, the more opportunities you will have.

Be Persistent but Polite

Networking in the sync licensing world is not an overnight process. Music supervisors often receive hundreds of pitches, so it’s common not to hear back immediately. However, persistence is key.

• After you’ve pitched a music supervisor or sync agent, it’s okay to follow up after a reasonable amount of time—typically a couple of weeks. Be sure to frame your follow-up politely, acknowledging that they are busy and expressing your hope for feedback or consideration.

• It’s important to strike a balance between persistence and politeness. You don’t want to come across as pushy, but you do want to stay on their radar. Supervisors often remember artists who are respectful of their time, and even if your music isn’t a fit for their current project, they may keep you in mind for future opportunities.

When following up, reinforce that your music is sync-ready and specify the types of rights you offer (e.g., exclusive rights, one-stop, or pre-cleared). Supervisors appreciate when they can easily understand the terms of licensing without having to ask for clarification.

The Importance of Being Sync-Ready

Being sync-ready means having all of your music rights, licensing terms, and assets prepared for immediate use by a music supervisor. This includes:

• Having both the master rights and sync rights for your music, ensuring you can legally allow a supervisor to use your song in their project.

• Clearly stating whether your music is available under exclusive rights, a non-exclusive license, or one-stop conditions. Music supervisors prefer working with artists who offer simple and straightforward licensing terms.

• Preparing multiple versions of your track, including instrumental versions, shortened cuts, or background music edits. These versions make it easier for supervisors to use your song in various sync placements.

By having all these assets in place and clearly communicating them when networking, you demonstrate professionalism and increase your chances of landing sync deals.

Conclusion

Networking is crucial in the sync licensing world. By attending industry events, leveraging social media, collaborating with other artists, and being persistent yet polite, you can build strong relationships that lead to more sync placements. Whether you’re aiming for TV sync, film sync, or commercial brand campaigns, maintaining a professional and respectful approach to networking can significantly boost your chances of success. Always ensure your music is sync-ready with pre-cleared rights and flexible licensing terms like exclusive licenses, non-exclusive licenses, and one-stop options to make the process easier for supervisors. With the right connections and a sync-ready catalog, you’ll be well on your way to growing your presence in the sync licensing industry.