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Legal

Music License

Definition

A legal agreement that grants permission to use a piece of music in a film. There are two types of licenses needed for most songs: a synchronization license (from the music publisher) and a master use license (from the record label). Failing to secure proper music licenses can prevent your film from being distributed on streaming platforms.

Example

Using a popular song in your film might require paying $5,000 to $50,000 or more for both sync and master licenses, depending on the song's popularity and intended use.

Related Terms

Read our in-depth guide: how much does it cost to use a song in your film

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