EP. 54: AI & Sync Licensing Secrets: How to Get Your Music on TV & Film

First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45541ff

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://charles-levan-s-school.teachable.com/p/sync-like-a-pro-academy-pre-recorded-1

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

Want to get your music placed in TV shows, films, ads, and streaming platforms—even as AI shakes up the industry?

In this episode of SyncRiffs, host Charles Levan talks with sync pros Marcus Mannersen and Nathan Foreman about how to break into music licensing, use AI as a tool (without losing your creative edge), and network your way to placements.

You’ll learn:

How AI is transforming music production & sync licensing

The exact steps to get your music placed in TV, films, and commercials

Networking tips to connect with music supervisors and sync agents

How to balance life, family, and a creative career

The biggest mistakes to avoid as an indie musician

If you’re a songwriter, producer, or indie artist looking to earn money and exposure through sync, this episode gives you insider tips and proven strategies to get started—and get paid.

Nathan Foreman, is a music producer for artists, television, commercials, and film. Originally from Woodbridge, Virginia, this Virginia native graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Recording Arts from Full Sail University in 2014. Some of his most notable music placements include Fortnite, Real Housewives of Potomac NBA, League of Legends, Rhythm + Flow, J.I. The Prince (a finalist on Rap Game), and many more. After creating an organic and driven community, he decided to start his own sync agency in 2023 called Supr Selectiv. Supr Selectiv is a sync agency that celebrates diversity and authenticity in TV, film, and Ads. We’ve built a home for distinctive, artist-driven music, uniting creative minds from around the world.

Marcus Manderson (@dafingaz) is a versatile composer, educator, and creative networker based in Northern Virginia, specializing in trailer music, sync licensing, and music education. Known for his genre-blending sound and rapid creative process, Marcus has composed for tours, Disney attractions, Netflix trailers, and major networks. A passionate speaker and educator, he champions diversity in music and inspires the next generation through workshops and panels at NAMM, SXSW, and beyond.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the State of the Music Industry

02:10 Navigating AI in Music Creation

04:50 The Impact of AI on Copyright and Ownership

07:31 Personal Experiences in Sync Licensing

10:14 The Role of Sample Packs in Music Production

13:07 Building a Community in the Music Industry

15:50 Balancing Creativity and Administration

18:27 Reflections on the Evolution of Music Distribution

22:29 Balancing Work and Music Production

24:23 Navigating Opportunities in Sync Licensing

26:00 Understanding Music Structure for Sync

34:31 Advice for Aspiring Sync Music Creators

👉 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment with your favorite takeaway!

Support the show

EP:53 - Film Music in Flux: Royalties, AI & the Streaming Shakeup

First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45541ff

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://charles-levan-s-school.teachable.com/p/sync-like-a-pro-academy-pre-recorded-1

🔊 Join, create, and connect with our indie music community here:

https://www.patreon.com/BlueBuddhaEntertainmentSyncCohorts

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

Is streaming saving film—or sabotaging musicians?

In this eye-opening episode of Sync Riffs, host Charles Levan sits down with composer, producer, and UCLA film scoring professor Brian Ralston for a candid conversation about the new realities of the entertainment industry. From shrinking royalty checks to the rise of AI, they unpack how the post-COVID landscape, globalized production, and tech innovation are changing everything for composers, filmmakers, and music professionals.

🎵 Brian pulls back the curtain on:

The real math behind streaming residuals

How AI is reshaping creativity—and the copyright chaos it's leaving behind

Why education + entrepreneurship are now essential for success in sync & scoring

What aspiring composers need to know about work-for-hire, licensing, and protecting their work

Whether you're a film buff, sync artist, or just trying to understand the business behind the music, this conversation is packed with insights, stories, and takeaways that could reshape your career.

🎧 Hit play, subscribe, and don’t forget to drop your thoughts in the comments!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current State of the Industry

02:39 Streaming Models and Their Impact on Residuals

05:36 The Shift from Traditional to Streaming Revenue

08:32 The Evolution of Film Production and Distribution

11:12 Challenges in Hollywood: Strikes and Market Changes

13:58 The Rise of Micro-Budget Films and Global Production

16:46 The Role of Technology in Film Production

19:44 Tax Incentives and the Globalization of Hollywood

22:31 The Future of Movie Theaters and Audience Engagement

25:16 AI in Film and Copyright Issues

36:21 Navigating Copyright in the Age of AI

39:44 The Limitations of AI in Creative Expression

43:14 The Business of Film Music Education

55:43 Understanding Work for Hire Agreements in Film Music

👉 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment with your favorite takeaway!

#SyncRiffs #FilmMusic #MusicRoyalties #StreamingImpact #AIMusic #BrianRalston #MusicForFilm #SyncRiffs #MusicIndustryTips #CopyrightMatters #ComposersLife #HollywoodChanges #MusicInTheAgeOfAI

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture, and everything in between, including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes!

Support the show

EP: 52 Breaking into Music supervision insider tips & advice

First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45541ff

ç 🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://charles-levan-s-school.teachable.com/p/sync-like-a-pro-academy-pre-recorded-1

🔊 Join, create, and connect with our indie music community here:

https://www.patreon.com/BlueBuddhaEntertainmentSyncCohorts

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

In this episode of Sync Riffs, host Charles Levan engages a panel of music supervisors and coordinators to discuss their journeys into the music supervision industry, the importance of networking, and the impact of AI on music creation. Each guest shares their unique experiences, insights, and advice for newcomers, emphasizing the value of internships, building relationships with creators, and the irreplaceable nature of human creativity in music. Their collective insights on navigating the Film-Television space where invaluable and inspiring. Thanks to our guests and we look forward to catching up soon. Namaste.

Featured in this episode

- Gabbi Coenen from Supe Troop
- Triniti Daniel-Robinson of Creative Control
- Caleb McFadden from Clearly Music
- Zach Glucksman, the Indie Music Supervisor

In the episode we had a round table chat on:
- Breaking into the Film-Television Space.
- What worked for them and what are some on-going challenges.
- Mentorships + Internships
- We also had an open dialogue about A.I and navigating it from the perspective of indie artists.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Guests
02:58 Gabby's Journey into Music Supervision
05:54 Internship Experiences and Learning Opportunities 09:01 The Role of an Artist in Music Supervision
11:59 Trinity's Path to Music Coordination
14:57 Caleb's Experience and Growth in the Industry
17:59 Zach's Transition from Marketing to Music Supervision 21:00 Freelancing and Independent Projects
27:39 The Journey of a Sync Agent
31:32 Advice for Aspiring Creatives
39:08 Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
43:08 The Role of AI in Music and Film
57:45 Closing Thoughts and Future Connections

👉 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment with your favorite takeaway!

#SyncRiffs #TrailerMusic #MusicSupervision #MasterworksAlliance #KyleBiane #WendyWilliams #FilmMarketing #MusicLicensing #ComposerLife #SyncTips #StreamingEra #SyncIndustry #AuthenticMusic #MusicBusiness #musicforfilms

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture, and everything in between, including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes!

Support the show