How to License Music: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

One of the best kept secrets of filmmaking is that it's entirely possible to craft an amazing soundtrack on a not-so-amazing budget, and in this guide we show you how to do that like a pro, including and especially how to tackle the music licensing process without breaking the bank. This guide is written especially for filmmakers, but the information can also be applied to licensing music for television, video, web, and more. CLICK HERE to download (PDF).

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• The basic steps to licensing any piece of music
• Strategies for getting a good price
• The right way to approach labels & other rights holders
  
• Common licensing mistakes and how to avoid them
• Filmmakers who got great music on smaller budgets
• Sample letters of inquiry, cue sheets, and more

About the Author:
Shannon Coulter is a music consultant and journalist. She's written for several music magazines including Remix and the London-based Comes With a Smile. She's presented music licensing workshops at South by Southwest, the LATV Fest, and the Future of Music Summit. In her spare time, Shannon writes the film-music blog Boombox Serenade and does a bit of A&R over at Magnatune.com, an innovative service that helps independent musicians get their music licensed by filmmakers and other creative professionals. She can be reached at shannon[at]boomboxserenade.com.