How music clearance works for film and TV
English
To use an existing song in a film, series, ad or trailer, you need two permissions: a sync licence from everyone who owns the composition (the publishers, for the writers) and a master use licence from whoever owns the recording (usually the label). You send each of them a request describing the scene, the use, the duration, the media, the territories and the term, they quote a fee, and the song is cleared only when every owner of both sides has signed. If you re-record the song instead of using the original, you only need the sync licence.
Start early. A song that cannot be cleared after the scene is cut around it is the most expensive problem in post-production.
The two licences
| Sync licence | Master use licence | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | The composition: melody and lyrics | One specific recording |
| Granted by | The publishers, or self-published writers | The label or whoever owns the master |
| Needed when | Always, for any version of the song | Only when you use that recording |
| Split | Every co-publisher must agree, for their share | Usually one owner |
A song with three writers can have three publishers, and you need a yes from each of them. If one says no, the song is not cleared. See master rights vs publishing rights for how the two sides are owned.
How to clear a song, step by step
- Find the owners. Look the song up in the collecting societies' public repertoire databases to find its writers and publishers, and check the recording's label from its release credits or ISRC.
- Send a quote request to each owner. Describe the production, the scene and how the song is heard.
- Negotiate the fee and terms. Owners often quote "most favoured nations" (MFN): every owner is paid the same as the best-paid owner, on both sides.
- Get it in writing. A quote is not a licence. The song is cleared when the signed licences are back.
- Record what you agreed. Keep each licence with its territories, term, media and fee where the cue sheet and the delivery team can find it.
- Put it on the cue sheet. Every cleared song appears on the production's cue sheet so its writers are paid performance royalties when it airs.
What a quote request says
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Production | Title, company, director, a one-line synopsis |
| Scene | What happens on screen while the song plays |
| Use | Background, on screen, main title, end title, trailer |
| Duration | How many seconds of the song are used |
| Media | Streaming, TV, cinema, festival, all media |
| Territories | Worldwide, or named countries |
| Term | A number of years, or perpetuity |
| Fee offered | Your budget for this song, or a request for a quote |
The wider the media, territories and term, the higher the fee. A festival licence for one year costs far less than all media, worldwide, in perpetuity, and you can often buy a festival licence first with an option to extend if the film is picked up.
What it costs
There is no fixed rate. The fee depends on how famous the song is, how it is used, how long it plays, and how wide the licence is. An unknown independent artist may license a song for a small fee or for exposure, while a well-known hit for a worldwide campaign can cost many times a film's entire music budget. Budget for both sides: the sync fee and the master fee are usually similar under MFN.
Ways to spend less:
- Use a re-record or a cover, and clear only the composition.
- Commission original music, which the production can own.
- Ask independent artists and publishers directly, who often move faster and charge less.
- Narrow the licence to what you need now, with options for later.
How long it takes
From days for an independent artist who controls both sides, to months for a song with several publishers and a major label. Send requests as soon as a song is in the edit, not after picture lock.
Keep every licence in one place
Aden keeps clearance with the music it covers:
- Every licence you are granted or issue is recorded on the track under Licensing, with licensee, type (sync, licensing, AI, other), territories, term or perpetuity, exclusivity, fee and the signed agreement, plus a status from draft to active.
- Licences with an end date send reminders 30, 7 and 1 day before they expire, to the team and to its linked organisations.
- The song's writers, publishers, societies and shares sit on its Collaborators tab, ready for the cue sheet.
See Aden for productions for how a film, series or stage production runs its music in Aden.
FAQ
How do you clear a song for a film or TV show?
Get a sync licence from every publisher of the composition and a master use licence from the owner of the recording. Each owner receives a request describing the scene, use, duration, media, territories and term, quotes a fee, and signs a licence.
What is the difference between a sync licence and a master use licence?
A sync licence covers the composition, the song as written, and comes from the publishers. A master use licence covers one recording of it and comes from the label or master owner. Using an original recording needs both; a re-record needs only the sync licence.
Who do you ask for permission to use a song in a film?
The publishers of every writer on the song for the composition, and the label or owner of the recording for the master. The collecting societies' repertoire databases list a song's writers and publishers.
How much does it cost to license a song for TV?
There is no standard price. It depends on the song's fame, the use, the duration, the media, territories and term. Independent songs can be inexpensive; well-known hits can cost more than the rest of the music budget.
How long does music clearance take?
Anywhere from a few days to several months. Songs with several publishers or a major label take longest, so start clearing as soon as a song is in the edit.
Less admin. More music.
More guides
Work for hire, licence or package deal: who owns the score, who keeps the writer share of royalties, and what to check before a composer signs.
A cue sheet lists every piece of music in a film or episode with its timing, use, writers, publishers and shares. What goes on it, who files it, and when.
Clear the rights to release the score and songs, get every credit and code right, and schedule the album around the premiere. A step-by-step guide.