What steps can you take to become a successful music supervisor in film and television?

1 Know your craft

Music supervision is not just about picking songs that fit the mood or the scene. It is also about understanding the legal, financial, and technical aspects of music licensing and clearance. You need to know how to negotiate with publishers, labels, artists, and composers, as well as how to budget, contract, and report music usage. You also need to be familiar with different music formats, platforms, and software, such as Pro Tools, Soundminer, and Cue Sheets.

2 Build your network

Music supervision is a relationship-based business, so you need to cultivate and maintain contacts with various stakeholders in the industry. These include directors, producers, editors, music editors, composers, music coordinators, music libraries, and sync agents. You can network by attending events, conferences, workshops, and festivals, as well as by reaching out to people online or via referrals. You should also showcase your work and portfolio on your website, social media, and platforms like IMDB and Tunefind.

3 Gain experience

Music supervision is a competitive and demanding field, so you need to prove your skills and abilities through practical experience. You can start by working as an assistant, intern, or apprentice for an established music supervisor or a music supervision company. You can also volunteer or offer your services for low-budget or independent projects, such as short films, web series, podcasts, or student films. You should aim to work on diverse genres, styles, and formats to expand your range and versatility.

4 Stay updated

Music supervision is a dynamic and evolving field, so you need to stay on top of the latest trends, developments, and opportunities in the industry. You need to keep up with new releases, emerging artists, and popular genres, as well as with changing laws, regulations, and standards for music licensing and distribution. You should also follow the news, blogs, podcasts, and magazines that cover music supervision and sync, such as Sync Summit, Music Supervisor Guide, and Music Week.

5 Be creative

Music supervision is a creative and collaborative process, so you need to have a vision and a voice for your projects. You need to be able to communicate your ideas and choices to the filmmakers and the music team, as well as to adapt and compromise when necessary. You should also be open to experimentation and innovation, as well as to feedback and criticism. You should strive to create memorable and impactful music moments that enhance the storytelling and the emotional impact of the film or TV show.

6 Be passionate

Music supervision is a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it also comes with many challenges and pressures. You need to be passionate and enthusiastic about music and film, as well as about your role and responsibilities. You need to be willing to work hard, learn constantly, and overcome obstacles. You should also be respectful, professional, and ethical in your dealings with others. You should enjoy and appreciate the opportunity to work with music and film, and to share your vision and taste with the world.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?