Compile a list of song titles you wish to use during your television or film production. Popular music that has been played on the radio, copyrighted or released on an album will need licensing or permission.
Do some research. If you want a popular song that has been played in a previous movie or TV show, you can look through the end credits to find the song title, artist name and record company. With that information, you need to find a mailing address by calling or researching the department or agency.
Mail a CD to the company's music department or agency, and include with it your cover letter, tracks that you want under their license and your contact information. The cover letter should be simple and should indicate where the music will be used in the production and how much of the song will be used. Put tracks on your CD for them to listen to. Big agencies that license a lot of music may not recognize the song you put on the CD. Therefore, you will need to attach a document that shows the song title and artist for each track. The contact information slip lets the agency music director know to contact you if they lose your cover letter and CD.
Wait for the music supervisor, director or an agency assistant to call and make you an offer. At that point, you have three options: decline, negotiate or accept their offer. Ask about the variables within an offer, such as royalties, perpetuity, territories and exclusive or non-exclusive rights to the music.
Sign a contract if you end up negotiating and agreeing on a deal. You may want to hire a lawyer to help you through the final contract process. Popular music generally comes with strings attached, such as exclusive rights and royalties.