Sync
Music supervisors
A music supervisor oversees all the music in a film, TV show, ad or game: choosing it, budgeting it and clearing the rights. A good pitch is short, specific and shows the song is ready to clear. Build one below; nothing is sent.
Key takeaways
They own the music budget and clearances
Supervisors set the music budget and secure sync and master licenses, so “easy to clear” matters.
Specific beats general
Name the project, mood and genre you think it suits, and say why, in a few lines.
Be ready to deliver
Say you control both sides and have splits agreed, and what versions you can supply.
What a music supervisor does
The Guild of Music Supervisors defines the role as a professional who oversees all music-related aspects of film, television, advertising, video games and other visual media. Guild of Music Supervisors: What is a music supervisor? · checked October 20, 2026
Pick the music
Works with the key decision makers to decide the musical vision, tone and style, and finds songwriters, artists and composers.
Set the budget
Knows what music costs and generates a realistic budget for all music-related costs.
Clear the rights
Manages synchronization and master use licenses for existing music, plus credits and cue sheets, within the schedule.
Work with everyone
Liaises with directors, producers, editors, sound teams, executives, agencies and rights holders.
How to pitch one
- Pitch a specific project. A generic “here’s my music” is easy to ignore. Say what you think it suits and why.
- Keep it short. A few lines, one link, no large attachments.
- Show it can be cleared. Say you control the master and publishing and have agreed splits, because the supervisor manages the clearances and the schedule.
- List what you can deliver. An instrumental and stems are common requests.
- Make it easy to say no. Do not chase. One polite follow-up at most.
Before you pitch, check your song against the sync-ready checklist.
Questions people ask
What does a music supervisor do?
The Guild of Music Supervisors defines a music supervisor as a professional who oversees all music-related aspects of film, television, advertising, video games and other visual media, from choosing the musical vision with the creative team to budgeting and clearing the rights.
Who pays for the music?
The production’s music budget, which the music supervisor helps set. The Guild says a supervisor generates a realistic budget for all music-related costs.
Can I send my music to a supervisor?
There is no single rule, and some supervisors prefer to hear music through libraries or agents. If you do reach out directly, keep the pitch short, specific to a project, and easy to say no to.
Should I attach my music?
A link is safer than a large attachment. Use a private or streaming link, and say what versions you can supply, such as an instrumental and stems.
Do I need a cue sheet?
The production company normally files the cue sheet, but you should give the licensee your legal name, PRO, IPI number and agreed splits so it is right.
Does this page send my pitch anywhere?
No. The pitch builder runs in your browser and nothing is sent or stored. Copy the text and send it yourself.