Sync Licensing & Music Clearance

Using a commercially released song in a film, TV show, advertisement, or trailer requires two separate licenses. The synchronization license comes from the music publisher and covers the composition, the song itself. The master license comes from the record label and covers the specific recording.

Each side negotiates its own fee and terms, and both must be in place before the music is cleared. Chris negotiates both, using relationships built over more than two decades to secure strong rates and terms.

Many songs have more than one rights holder on the master side, the publishing side, or both. That makes clearance more involved, but with the right approach these songs can still be cleared for your project.

Chris Mollere is a music supervisor, not an attorney. This information is general and is not legal advice. For legal questions about a specific agreement, consult a qualified entertainment attorney.

• Term: how long the license lasts
• Territory: where the project can be exhibited, from a single country to worldwide
• Media: festival, theatrical, broadcast, streaming, or all media
• Type of use: background, featured, or visual vocal, plus duration
• Exclusivity and category restrictions, especially in advertising
• Fees, and most favored nations (MFN) clauses that tie the publisher's and label's fees together

Rights holders price a song based on how it will be used, so the more specific the request, the faster and more accurate the quote.

• A short description of the scene and how the song is used
• The length of use and whether the vocal is on camera
• The project type and where it will be released or distributed
• The media, territory, and term you need
• A realistic budget range and the delivery deadline

When a song can't be cleared at the right price or at all, Chris identifies alternates that preserve the feel of the scene.

Every cleared song needs its paperwork in order: signed licenses, a clear record of what was approved, and cue sheets prepared and delivered so writers and publishers are credited and paid. Networks, streamers, and distributors each have their own delivery requirements, and Chris manages that pipeline through final delivery.

See the full range of work on the services page, or read how clearance fits into television and film projects.