tv-music

 

For producers who may be sitting on boat loads of music and would like to make money in television, here’s some information that may be of benefit.  With the television and film projects on a never-ending cycle, there are many opportunities for talented producers to get their songs placed into a TV program. But, to go about doing this, you have to be diligent, patient, business-minded, and importantly…connected to the right people.

 

First, if you are connected to a music publishing company, this is good. Most of the time locating television opportunities will start there.  The publishing company can help promote your music catalogues to various television and film production outlets. If you have a hardworking publishing representative, he or she will work diligently to push your CD packages, catalogue lists, email samplers, songbooks, etc to various places. If not the rep, then the publishing company’s TV and film department will search for opportunities and secure placements for its clients.

 

Another way to try to get your songs into television programs is to network with film production companies.  Establishing a good working relationship with the key individuals who work in the actual music department of these companies, can prove to be very valuable. The tighter the relationship the better chances you have in knowing what programs are coming down the line. This way you will have the heads up and an opportunity to submit your samples first.

 

In addition, independent music consultants or music clearance companies can be of help too.  Of course, the internet is always a good source. There are music websites that allow producers to upload their samples and catalogues for others to listen. You never know when or which television production company is scouring through music online. Who knows? They may hear one of your tracks and contact you directly.

 

A key thing to know is what exactly are they looking for.  Television production companies may be working on a futuristic 2050-inspired show and is in search of music that can represent that time frame. If you are privy to that info, sort through  your catalogue and only submit samples that can represent 2050. Do not send over music that sound like it’s from the 1990’s or 1980’s.  That is not what they asked for. However, if there is a television scene (at some point) that reflects back to 1990, then wait until they make the request before you submit any songs.

 

The goals is  to make the right connections in this business to where you can hop on these opportunities first.  If you are serious about your craft and know that your music is worthy of air time, always keep your finger on the pulse of what’s going on in television and film, make the proper connections, and be ready to hand over some great music when that time comes.

 

We’ll get a little deeper into the business of television and music production later on. Until then, use this info as a reference to help you get started.