It’s not easy making a living as a musician. These days, even if you’re signed to a label, money can be tight. But, as an indie songwriter, getting your music into commercial media can pay very well. This post is the first in a three-part series about getting your music placed in movies, video games and tv.

For most placements, you’ll need to work with a music supervisor. Not familiar? A music supervisor is the person who combines music and visual media. Typically, they’re the person that chooses, negotiates and incorporates music into movies, video games and TV. Some music supervisors work within film studios, networks, music supervision companies, or they may freelance.

If you want to get your music placed in movies, the best thing you can do is get to know a few music supervisors at both indie and major film studios. Then:

• Research: As with many things in the music industry — and business in general — you must do your research first. Find out what types of music the supervisors are looking for. What movies are they working on and what scenes do they need music for? What is the tone of the scene? Do you have anything in your catalog that fits?
• Play Nice: Remember that this is a very crowded marketplace with many musicians vying to get their music in the same film as you. Be friendly and make yourself easy to work with, or the supervisor can and will go elsewhere.
• Be Patient: Placements in major motion pictures can take a very long time because there are many decision makers involved. It can take months of consideration and even then, your music may not be chosen. Consider talking to supervisors working at indie films as well as majors. There’s less red tape and they can make decisions faster.

• Be prepared: Make sure the legalities of your music are ready to roll so if/when you’re contacted to license music, it can be a quick and smooth process.

Overall, relationships are key to getting your music placed in film, so work hard to develop contacts with supervisors and understand that placements can take a lot of time. But the payoff can be great.

Tell us what you think! Have you had your music placed in a movie? How long did it take? What was the process like?

Up next: When it’s time to move on. Cutting ties with band members.