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How to Get Sync Rights

When licensing music for your film, there are a number of different rights you must acquire to legally use the music. One of these rights is synchronization or sync rights. This allows the filmmaker to use the chosen piece of music in unison with an audiovisual work, such as movies or television.

Instructions

    • 1

      Select the piece of music you want to use. Consider other, less-expensive alternatives, such as using a cover of a song or an original composition. It's also a good idea to have in mind how much of the song you want to use, how it's being used, and how much money you have budgeted to spend on the music.

    • 2

      Track down the copyright owner. To acquire the sync rights to a particular composition, you must contact the music publisher of the song. Be aware that many songs may have multiple publishers. The music publisher is frequently listed in the original recording's CD documentation. Alternatively, you may find the publisher listed on a third-party database like BMI, ASCAP or SESAC.

    • 3

      Acquire sync rights by contacting the publisher. An agreement must be made with the music publisher. He will quote a fee for using the music. Negotiating a music license can be a time-consuming and difficult process. Once an agreement is reached, you are free to use the music as stated in the license agreement.

Film Production

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