Sync licensing basics: what to pitch, splits, and rights

In this lesson you will learn: Master vs composition rights in sync. What supervisors need: clean splits, stems, alternate mixes. Library vs direct pitch: realistic expectations.

Sync placements combine **master** (recording) and **composition** (publishing) rights. Indies win when splits are clear, files are organized, and expectations match how TV/film/ads actually buy music.

Prepare assets

Instrumentals, clean edits, and timed stems where possible.. One-page rights summary: who can sign, contact, last known clearance status.. No uncleared samples in pitched tracks—supervisors will ask.

Reality check

Libraries scale discovery; direct pitches win on relationships and specificity.. Rejections are normal—iterate repertoire, not self-worth.

Industry snapshot

Sync markets: US TV networks, streamers, ad agencies, and game studios license on industry-standard term sheets (term, territory, media, fee).. Music supervisors are credited in guild/industry rosters; clearance departments at publishers and labels handle high-volume sync.. Performing rights (public performance of the composition) can generate additional revenue when spots air—PROs track broadcasts.