SPEED Matters in Sync (How to produce faster)

Summary

The video script emphasizes the importance of speed and availability in the music licensing industry, particularly for sync licensing. It highlights the contrast between the slow process of receiving royalties and the fast-paced nature of meeting tight deadlines, often due to music being the last element added to a production. The speaker advises new composers to focus on improving their speed and efficiency before pitching to libraries, as the ability to deliver high-quality work quickly can significantly impact their success in the industry.

Takeaways

• 🏃‍♂️ Speed is crucial in the sync licensing business; it's a fast-paced industry with tight deadlines.
• 🕒 The process can be slow, with a long wait for royalties and placements, but also fast with urgent requests for custom work.
• 🎵 Music is often the last element to be added in production, leading to last-minute demands and high-pressure situations.
• 📈 High-quality work and quick turnaround can alleviate anxiety for clients and music library representatives.
• 🔄 The ability to deliver on time and exceed expectations can significantly impact a composer's reputation and opportunities.
• 💡 It's advisable for newcomers to focus on improving their speed and efficiency before pitching to production music libraries.
• 🚫 Overcoming perfectionism is key to meeting tight deadlines and can lead to more creative and focused work.
• 📈 As a composer, being available and responsive can help secure more custom opportunities and establish trust with clients.
• 💼 Professionalism, quality, and speed are the three pillars that can catapult a composer into the inner circle of the music industry.
• 💡 For those new to the industry, it's better to work on improving speed and quality before approaching music libraries to pitch.

Q & A

What is the nature of the sync licensing business?

The sync licensing business is characterized by both slow and fast-paced elements. It can be slow in terms of waiting for royalties and seeing placements, but it's fast in terms of quick turnaround times for custom opportunities and tight deadlines.

Why do music licensing projects often have tight deadlines?

Music licensing projects have tight deadlines because music is usually the last item to be included in production schedules for TV shows, movies, commercials, and trailers. Everyone else has been paid, and the music is needed to put the final stamp on the project before it can be promoted and released.

How does speed in delivering music affect the relationship with clients and music libraries?

Speed in delivering music is crucial as it can alleviate the anxiety and tension of clients and music library representatives who are under pressure to complete projects. Meeting or beating deadlines with quality work can make a composer stand out and be remembered as reliable.

What is the 'suck phase' mentioned in the script, and why is it important to go through it?

The 'suck phase' refers to the initial period when a composer is learning and not yet proficient in production music. It's important to go through this phase to improve and increase speed before pitching to music libraries, ensuring that the composer is ready to meet industry standards and deadlines.

Why is it advised to work on speed before pitching to production music libraries?

It's advised to work on speed before pitching to production music libraries because it helps composers to become more efficient and better prepared for the fast-paced nature of the industry. This allows them to meet tight deadlines and deliver quality work, which is essential for success in sync licensing.

How can a composer improve their speed in music production?

A composer can improve their speed in music production by setting time constraints, focusing on creative decisions quickly, and forgoing perfectionism to meet deadlines. This involves creating music that has good energy and stays within a specific genre or emotional focus without getting bogged down in unnecessary details.

What is the significance of being able to deliver music ahead of schedule?

Delivering music ahead of schedule demonstrates a composer's professionalism, reliability, and ability to meet tight deadlines. It can significantly impact the relationship with clients and music libraries, potentially leading to more opportunities and a stronger reputation in the industry.

Why is it important for composers to be available and responsive in the sync licensing business?

Being available and responsive is important because it shows that a composer is committed and ready to take on projects as they come. This is particularly crucial in the sync licensing business, where opportunities can arise suddenly and require immediate attention.

What are the potential consequences of not meeting deadlines in sync licensing?

Not meeting deadlines in sync licensing can lead to loss of trust from clients and music libraries, potentially resulting in fewer opportunities and a damaged reputation. It can also cause stress and disappointment for the production team waiting on the music.

How can a composer stand out in the production music industry?

A composer can stand out in the production music industry by consistently delivering high-quality, professional work on time or ahead of schedule, being easy to work with, and demonstrating a strong understanding of the brief and the needs of the project.