The impact of music in a film is undeniable. It can make a distant feeling scene feel suddenly personal and emotional. It can change the energy of an entire sequence. The credit for that largely goes to the music supervisors. These individuals play a critical role in shaping the film’s soundscape and enhancing its emotional resonance.
What is a Music Supervisor in Production?
First, let’s define a music supervisor
Often misunderstood and underestimated, a music supervisor is a key player in the filmmaking process. Many assume their job is merely choosing songs for a movie, but it's much more complex and vital than that. They are responsible for all things music-related in a film project.
MUSIC SUPERVISOR DEFINITION
What is a music supervisor?
A music supervisor is a professional who oversees the musical aspects of a film or TV production. They are responsible for selecting, negotiating, and incorporating music and music-related content that suits the story, characters, and scenes in a movie or show. They work closely with directors, producers, composers, and editors to ensure that the music enhances the overall vision of the project.
Music supervisors can also be involved in other forms of media such as video games, commercials, and even live events. However, their primary focus is usually on film and television projects.
What is a Music Supervisor Responsible For?
- Coordinating with the director and producers to understand the musical needs of the project.
- Selecting appropriate music tracks for various scenes.
- Negotiating licensing rights and contracts for the selected music.
- Collaborating with composers and musicians to create original scores if required.
Music Supervisor Job Description
What does a music supervisor do?
As a music supervisor, your role is vital in bridging the worlds of music and film. You have a wide range of responsibilities that require extensive knowledge of music across different genres, periods, and cultures.
It's like being the ultimate connector, bringing together the perfect harmony of music and visuals on the big screen. In this interview, music supervisor Kayo Pino explains the ins and outs of the role.
The Role of the Music Supervisor
Song Selection
As a music supervisor, one of your primary duties is to curate the soundtrack for a film. Drawing from your vast knowledge of music, you carefully choose the songs that enhance the storyline, evoke emotions, and captivate the audience. Each song selection contributes to the overall atmosphere and tone of the film.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Jen Malone, music supervisor for Euphoria talks about her role in choosing music for the hit television show.
Music Supervisor Jen Malone on Her Work
Rights Acquisition
Acquiring the rights to use songs in a film is a critical responsibility of a music supervisor. You navigate the complex legal landscape, negotiating with artists, record labels, and publishers to secure the necessary licenses. Attention to detail and understanding of copyright laws are paramount to ensure proper clearance and compliance.
Collaboration with Composers
In addition to selecting pre-existing music, you may also collaborate with composers to create original music for a film. Working closely with the film's director and the composer, you provide guidance and input to develop a musical score that enhances the narrative and brings the story to life. This collaborative process requires effective communication and a deep understanding of the film's vision.
By seamlessly blending your music expertise with the demands of the film industry, you contribute to the creation of memorable and impactful cinematic experiences.
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Path to Becoming a Music Supervisor
How to become a music supervisor
If you have a passion for music and a keen ear for soundtracks, a career as a music supervisor might be the perfect fit for you and there is no singular path toward becoming a music supervisor.
Gain Experience through Small Projects
Starting with small projects can be an excellent way to gain hands-on experience as a music supervisor. Offer your services to independent filmmakers, student projects, or local theater productions. This will allow you to build your portfolio, develop your skills, and establish connections within the industry.
In this panel by Variety, some of the industry’s best music supervisors speak about how their initial experience contributed to their career as a music supervisor.
How Do You Learn To Be a Music Supervisor?
Network within the Industry
Networking plays a vital role in the music industry, and the same goes for becoming a music supervisor. Attend industry events, conferences, and music festivals where you can meet professionals in the field.
Join online communities, forums, and social media groups related to music supervision to connect with like-minded individuals and gain insights into the industry.
Here is a panel with some of Netflix’s major music supervisors speaking on how their roles differ from television to film and the role of a music supervisor in production in general. You can see how attending events like this provides a plethora of knowledge.
In Conversation: The Music Supervisors of Netflix
Consider Formal Education
While not always necessary, pursuing formal education in music, business, or film studies can provide a solid foundation for a career as a music supervisor. Many universities and colleges offer programs specifically tailored to music supervision or related fields.
These programs can provide valuable knowledge and skills that will enhance your understanding of music licensing, copyright laws, and the overall creative process.
Seek Internship Opportunities
Internships can be an invaluable way to gain practical experience and learn the ropes of music supervision. Look for intern positions at music supervision companies, record labels, film production companies, or music publishing firms. Internships can provide real-world experience, mentorship, and valuable industry connections that can help kick-start your career.
What is a Music Supervisor Paid?
Music supervisor salary
The salary of a music supervisor can vary widely based on the size and budget of the project they're working on, their level of experience, and the complexity of the job.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for music supervisors is around $48,000. However, top music supervisors can make six-figure salaries for their work on major motion pictures and television shows.
Working as a Music Supervisor
Find music supervisor jobs
If you're interested in pursuing a career as a music supervisor, there are various resources available to help you find job opportunities.
Networking within the industry is crucial, so attending conferences, workshops, and events can be beneficial. Networking within both music and film circles can broaden your opportunities.
Online platforms such as LinkedIn, Media Match, and Music Jobs can also help connect you with potential employers.
The role of a music supervisor is integral to creating an immersive and emotionally impactful viewing experience for the audience. If you're passionate about both music and film, this role is a tremendously important part of the filmmaking process.
Up Next
Discover more filmmaking roles
In the intersection of music and film, the role of a music supervisor is pivotal. To continue through our series of the various filmmaking roles and positions, you can explore similar jobs like Sound Designer, Editor, or Composer. Or you can jump over to our Film Crew Index to browse the entire range of filmmaking roles. Understanding what everyone’s role on a film set is will help make you a better overall filmmaker and a more efficient crew member.
Up Next: Explore more crew positions →
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