Sync licensing is a highly competitive industry, with music libraries acting as a bridge between composers and production studios. By selecting, commissioning, and delivering high-quality music that meets the needs of content creators, these professionals help to shape the soundtracks of film, TV, and advertising.
In this blog post, we’ll look at how music libraries work, from interpreting briefs to navigating sync fees and royalties. We'll also look at some tips and tricks to land higher-paid placements.
What Music Libraries Do
The sync licensing market relies heavily on music libraries. These organisations serve as hubs for vast collections of pre-cleared tracks from composers, songwriters, and producers. Their catalogues are carefully curated to include a variety of styles, genres, and moods to cater to the diverse needs of visual media.
Music libraries offer a streamlined process for production teams to acquire music for their projects. A project may call for a suspenseful jazz track for a mystery sequence in a film or an upbeat pop anthem to underscore a commercial, music libraries aim to cater for this. They are the connection between composers and production teams.
The Briefing Process
Music libraries thrive by delivering precisely what production studios and music supervisors need under tight deadlines. When a production company, ad agency, or studio has a project, they issue a "brief" to music libraries. These briefs are detailed requests outlining the type of music they need, including specifics like mood, tempo, instrumentation, and duration.
Library owners take these briefs and curate selections from their catalogues to fit the client’s vision. If the library doesn’t have the appropriate music, they will reach out to their roster of composers. For composers, this could mean adapting existing music or creating new tracks tailored to fit these needs. Deadlines are tight, and the pressure is high—but success depends on precision and creativity.
This is where having access to high-quality recordings, like those created with Cinemagic Scoring, can give a library an edge. A well-produced track stands out to music supervisors. Its polished production quality ensures it can seamlessly fit into a film or TV scene, making it more likely to get chosen. Music libraries aim to ensure their catalogues are filled with tracks of outstanding quality, ready to match any request.
Curating Quality
At the heart of every successful music library is the quality of its music. Composers and music libraries work together to build a catalogue that suits a range of production needs. This ensures they can always answer a brief.
Among the most sought-after contributions to these catalogues are orchestral recordings. Live orchestras provide a depth, richness, and authenticity that virtual instruments—while practical and cost-effective—struggle to replicate.
These qualities elevate a track, making it more memorable and increasing its chances of catching the attention of music supervisors. This enhances the likelihood of securing lucrative placements in film, TV, and commercials.
Our collaboration with 411 Music Group is an example of how live recording can elevate a track’s potential. Partnering with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, we recorded music that stood out with its nuanced and emotive performances.
These tracks were specifically designed to thrive in the highly competitive world of sync licensing, where high-quality production often makes the difference between success and being overlooked.
By curating exceptional tracks, music libraries position themselves to command higher sync fees and royalties, maximising their financial success in a very competitive market.
Sync Fees and Royalties
Income in the sync licensing world is typically earned through two streams: sync fees and performance royalties. Sync fees are paid upfront for the right to use the music, while royalties are earned each time the project is broadcast, streamed, or otherwise publicly performed. Sync fees vary depending on the project’s scope—whether it's a global ad campaign or an independent film—as well as the track’s perceived quality.
Tracks recorded with live orchestras often command higher sync fees. Their premium quality and authenticity are key factors in their appeal. Music supervisors and production companies recognize the value of a track that sounds authentic and emotionally engaging, which can drive higher placements in high-profile projects.
For music library owners, building a catalogue of versatile, top-tier tracks ensures a steady stream of royalties long after the initial placement, making it both an artistic and financial investment.
A well-produced track has the potential to generate long-term royalties beyond its initial placement. High-quality orchestral recordings, in particular, can set a catalogue apart, elevating its value and appeal in the competitive sync market.
The Competitive Edge
While mockups have come leaps and bounds in realism, nothing compares to the depth and emotional resonance of live orchestral recordings. Tracks recorded with a live orchestra are more likely to evoke a visceral response from listeners, making them prime candidates for dramatic film scenes, sweeping TV montages, or epic commercials.
Live orchestra helps a track stand out in a crowded market. Supervisors and producers can immediately hear the difference, and for library owners, this can mean the difference between an ordinary placement and a premium one.
At Cinemagic Scoring, we help music libraries bring their projects to life. We create recordings that are perfectly aligned with the needs of today’s sync-driven music market.
Elevating Music for Sync Success
For music library owners, success in the sync world depends on a combination of artistry, strategy, and production quality. From interpreting briefs to delivering tracks that resonate with directors and producers, every step of the process is an opportunity to stand out.
Choosing to record with a live orchestra isn’t just an investment in quality—it’s an investment in a track’s future success. With a superior recording, library owners can stand out, command higher sync fees, generate more royalties, and secure more placements in projects.
If you’re a music library owner looking to maximize your catalogue’s potential, consider the impact of live orchestral recordings. At Cinemagic Scoring, we make it possible to create tracks that don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them.
Contact us today to find out more.
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