Please include as much information as possible as this really helps speed the process along.  Everything from what type of production you are working on (trailer, advert, documentary, film etc), where the project will be shown (online only, linear or on-demand TV, theatrical release, mobile gaming only etc), and what territory you need (Europe or N.America only, just the UK? Or maybe The Universe!).

Other specifics like the date of release, when you ideally need confirmation by, the budget of the production and the budget you have for music are really helpful for us to know. If you have more details on how the track will be used, the duration of use, and how long you will need a licence for, will help us create the right license for you. Any extra information you have, send it across, and it will help immensely!

For any sync, you will always need permission from both the publisher of the song and the owner of the master recording (usually the record label). It may be that there are multiple publishers if there are multiple songwriters. You will need to contact and gain the approval from each party for the share they represent. You will also need master recording approval, which is usually held by the record label.  If you are struggling to find or contact all parties, please just ask and we can help put you in touch with the correct person.  Here to help!

Essentially, the composition (or the musical work) is the original song itself. It’s the melody, lyrics – everything you expect to see written down. (This is what is owned by the publisher.) The master recording is a specific recording of that composition. There could be many different recordings of a song over the years, and therefore many owners of various master recordings, but there is only one original composition.

In music publishing, ‘administered by’ means that a publishing administrator is managing the rights to a composition or group of compositions on behalf of a songwriter or publisher. 

We work in partnership with leading independent music services company, Kobalt, who provide us with the most advanced and efficient copyright management and collections system in the world. This special partnership with Kobalt allows us to focus on the creative aspects of being a modern Publisher in tandem with Kobalt’s award-winning creative global resources.

‘MFN’ refers to ‘Most Favoured Nation’ and simply means that when dealing with multiple rights holders, who are quoting under MFN terms, all parties are entitled to receive the best terms that any rights holder received. For example, if you agree to a higher fee with the publisher than with the master owner, the master owner is entitled to that same higher fee. One party shouldn’t receive less than another. There can be variations and arrangements around this, but it’s best to be honest and open with all involved.

Based on 100% means that the total fee is based on 100% ownership of the composition and/or master recording.  If we own 50% of the publishing, then we will collect half of the total license fee, and the co-publisher will collect the remaining 50%.  We are happy to provide breakdowns of any costs should you need it.

This really does just depend.  It can be influenced by the artist and song you need, how long you need a licence for, which territories you want clearance for and the type of media you are working on.  This is why we ask for so much information up-front, so that we can give you as fast and accurate a quote as possible.

We endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible to confirm receipt and to clarify any further questions we may have. After that, it may take a few days to get back to you with a complete answer, but this process can take longer depending on how many parties are involved.  We will be in touch with you regularly throughout this process and work to your schedule as best as we possibly can.  If your request is urgent, please flag to this upon your initial enquiry with your deadline.

If you need anything else, then please just drop us an email at licensing@involvedpublishing.com