Sync License / Synchronisation License
Definition
A Synchronisation License (or "sync license") is a legal agreement that grants the holder the right to use a piece of copyrighted music in synchronisation with visual media — such as a film, television show, advertisement, or online video. A sync license is required in addition to a master use license (which covers the specific recording of the song). Sync licenses are negotiated with the music publisher (who controls the composition rights), while master use licenses are negotiated with the record label (which controls the recording rights).
Contextual Usage
The Music Supervisor reports to the Post-Production Producer: "We've cleared the sync license for the opening title sequence song. The publisher has agreed to a festival-only license for now, with an option to upgrade to a full theatrical and streaming license if the film gets distribution. The master use license from the record label is still being negotiated — I expect to have it confirmed by the end of the week."
About this section
Delivery and distribution is the final stage of the post-production process — the point at which the finished project is packaged and delivered to the distributor, broadcaster, or streaming platform. ...
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