Synch Request

The synch right is a type of music license that allows the use (synchronization) of a a musical work within visual media, for instance, in a film, an advert etc.

1. Master right: the recording right, usually licensed by the label. (Resarch here)
2. Copyright: the right of composition and lyrics, usually licensed by the publisher (us) (Research here)

When an audiovisual media is broadcasted, reproduced, publically shown or similar, the entitiy carying out this action (for example the TV station, cinema etc.) needs to obtain a license from GEMA. Most of these parties have licenses in place with GEMA, therefore no additional license might be needed.

1. Contact the rights holders for the song you’d like to license, those are publisher(s), label(s) and possibly auhors that are not represented by a company.
2. Fill in the questionnaire and give as much information about the anticipated usage as possible. This way the rights representatives can make the most appropriate offer.
3. You will receive an offer.
4. When all parties agree on the terms, the original rights owners are asked for approval.
5. Approval/ Denial.
6. All parties do the relevant paperwork.
7. The usage is registered with GEMA.

The original rights owners are the people that composed the music, wrote the lyrics and the artists, that performed the song. They have the last word with every requested usage and can approve or deny it.

We will make sure to get back to you initially within 1-2 weeks, but it is hard to predict how long an approval can take. It is best to start a licensing proccess at least 1-2 months before the air date, if possible.

Subject to the approval of the original rights owners, adaptions are possible. Please note that this has an impact on the licensing fee.

The budget is either the production budget of the audiovisual media itself or, in terms of adertisements, image films etc. the media spend used to promote the spot. The budget is an indicator for an appropriate licensing fee.

The media is the „channels“ through which the audiovisual media will be made available to the public, such as Cinema, Social Media, TV etc. Please note that the media scope has an impact on the licensing fee.

The duration of time for which you intend to use the musical work whithin the audiovisual production (for example 6 months, 10 years, in perpetuity etc.). Please note that the term of use has an impact on the licensing fee.

The territory in which the audiovisual media will be made available. Please note that the territory has an impact on the licensing fee.