The Fastest Way to Sync Success
April 25, 2021
Finding Sync Licensing Opportunities
So many people think sync licensing success in TV and film comes purely from hard work. A lot of people think the fastest way to success is through taking the direct route.
The problem with this is the goal may change as youβre working towards it, so you must work smarter, not harder. The world of sync is an ever shifting and constantly changing medium. You are a part of this world, and you are also ever shifting and changing.Β
The route to success in sync placement is not a direct straight line. It is a long winding road. It is a continuous negotiation of ever-changing circumstances.Β
There are two main components of this winding road to sync licensing success in TV and film:
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Recognizing or Seeing OpportunitiesΒ
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Creating Opportunities
They both have equal value.
Seeing Opportunities
A great exercise for this is first grabbing a piece of paperβ¦then:
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Put your goal at the top
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Put yourself at the bottom
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And in between, put all the pieces of a puzzle that are remotely related to you achieving this goal. It could be a person, a place, a time, an event. They arenβt sequential yet.Β
Now, start to draw lines between these pieces and make connections. Think about what pieces could lead to another piece. And what could these moves unveil?
As youβre doing this, you will inherently start creating opportunities.Β
Creating Opportunities in Sync Licensing
You will eventually meet at an impasse of this maze when connecting the pieces where you canβt see the next step.Β
In between these impasses, you can write down an opportunity you need to create to get to the next piece of the puzzle.Β
Now youβve gotten over this hurdle, you can start connecting the pieces again.Β
Summary
This is an example of how success in sync licensing is a winding road.Β
This is important for people like you because you are a musician. You are creative. That creativity is what can help you, (more than anyone or anything else in the world) achieve those successes.Β
Now, about this hard work stuff. Iβve said to work smarter not harder, and that hard work can be secondary to these opportunities.Β
So, you may be asking yourself – is hard work still important?
Yes.
But what you can do now that you have this path to achieving your goal is you can see each goal in front of you and sprint to it. Thatβs where hard work comes in.
It is directed hard work towards a specific goal thatβs going to get you to your ultimate goal.
Being Courageous
Another part of this is being courageous.
Instead of being fearful of reaching out to someone, making that phone call, or taking that step that seems scary, I want you to write down 3 things that youβre going to do no matter what.
I want you to have that courage to achieve those things that seem scary.Β
Once you take each of these baby steps that lead to your goals, itβs going to feel good and itβs going to be motivating.Β
Before you know it, you are going to find yourself getting closer and closer to your goals and to sync licensing success.Β
Will your goals still change?
Yes – and thatβs ok! Almost all your goals that you achieve will look different from what you envisioned when you started.Β
Fate is an average of direction.Β
Your goals will shift and change, but they shift and change with you and work out to be whatβs best for you.Β
Sync licensing success is a winding road, but this is the fastest way that I know of that will get you there.Β
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Hey! Give us a shout about anything really.
contact Sync Songwriter
Our goal is for you to start getting your music into TV & film.
Brilliant, Chris.
Thanks Jon!
Great little talk Christ and so so true π
Glad you liked it, Vanessa.
I’m a very strong vocalist and lyric writer. I’ve been compared to some front men who are the top in their field. My comment here is to help gain myself exposure and collaborate with other cutting edge musicians and a whole team in time to kick start my career. Ive been told by countless musical people that I’m the next star to come from obscurity out of nowhere…
I have zero ego, zero arrogance but plenty of confidence and natural skill. I sing incredibly well in multiple genres…
I can be reached at canuckkid3@gmail.com
Be blessed abundantly everyone and stay healthy.
Paul Anthony Burrell
Aka … The Canuck Kid ..
Great to hear, Paul. Go for it!
Fresh perspective on the road to success. I appreciate your input! I am taking classes currently to get better at mixing, I wouldn’t have done that though if I never took your class. Soon I’ll be marrying my new found mixing skills with my post sync skills and jump to that next stone! Or who knows what’s next! All I know is that I am loving the process and loving these videos. Thank you Chris!
Very cool! Thanks Nikolas.
Fantastic, thank you. Step by step is so important for someone like me who tends to get overwhelmed and subsequently discouraged by all the possibilities and pitfalls.
Yes, that is something I should have mentioned too. A great antidote against overwhelm.
Thanks Chris. Nice to see you. And your timing is perfect for me. I will write the list and get the 3 things done. I do have thing I need to get done I haven’t done yet. Truly appreciate this. All the best of positive and light to you, your family and your music family! I’m so happy to be a part of it.
Hey Cat, great to hear! Love that you wrote down the 3 to-dos. π
Dear Chris!
When I was an arts educator, a teacher of comprehensive arts, dance, and drama, I
made a similar speech – you may end up in different place then what you aimed for. But if you keep the doors open to opportunities and challenges along the way, you will get to a place you could not imagine when you began.
When I began to record my songs in 2013, I never imagined getting to a place where I would take a course like βThe Art of the Song Pitchβ and have an opportunity for music supervisors to hear one of my songs and give me feedback on it.
Thank you, Chris!
Catherine
Excellent, Catherine! So great to hear.
Nice! I remember hearing a quote from actor Naomi Newman "the fastest way to the wrong place is a straight line". The journey is not linear it is spiraling, circling, magical. thanks for the reminder.
Haha, great quote!
Hey Chris! You are so right. I have been on this path for a while and already my goal has shifted because I have a new starting point. And…I am slowly becoming more courageous on this long and winding road. I have more puzzle pieces ready than I saw before. Thanks for the encouragement. Cheers!
Great to hear, Kathy.
This reminds of a mantra I say often when I make it to the kind of milestone you’re referring to.
‘Close Enough for Horse Shoes and Hand Grenades.’
Thanks Chris,
I think my Canadian DNA makes us think alike more often than not.
CA
Nice! Mantra sounds about right. π
Dear Chris,
Thank you so much for your encouraging words! I can honestly say as a visually impaired person, I’ve had my fair share of challenges. I’ve been told by many to give up my dreams and be content with just being a church pianist. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I have far better goals in mind! I am not deterred,but determined. I’m a confident composer, songwriter, pianist and singer, and I look forward to learning even more from you and Michael. You’ve already opened more doors for me during this course than I’ve had in the last thirty years!! Thank you so much, and blessings to you.
So great to hear, Nancy, and really happy to hear you didn’t listen to those that doubt you. Thank you for the kind words.
Thank you sir, I really needed that,Iβm always open for another direction, to get me closer to where Iβm going or my goal with this music π you have a great day sir, Thank you again π
π
Good stuff!
Thanks Brian.
Hey Chris
I really enjoyed this video. Itβs a refreshing reminder to be ever changing in a world that is always moving. I have set many goals in the past and achieved those goals. The way I achieved them was persistence. However I liked how you mentioned not traveling linear. Be willing to hop from rock to rock in a zig zag. That is a wonderful way to look at it. Especially in the music business. I think it would be nice for you to offer a face to face one on one call with certain students that have been a part of the course. I personally would love to talk for a few minutes if only to sincerely express my gratitude and the many things I learned taking the AOTSP having nothing to do with pitching music for sync. More so in how to plan ahead and navigate rejection. Also, the many other little things that I found in the course to be valuable. Anyhow, my many thanks and all my love to you and your family Chris
Sami Chohfi
Thanks Sami, an interesting idea about 1 on 1 calls. I am very busy right now, but might be something to look at. Thanks for the suggestion.
I appreciate this look at the road to success. Benchmarking is a marketing term. I am glad you shared this idea. I will pass this idea on to my medical client. Thank you very much.
Really glad you liked it!
Very good idea. I’m writing the email tonight and will do the exercise asap.
Nice!
Wow, Chris, so extremely wise and thoughtful words that I absolutely agree with! And I am going to write down those few things you challenged us to write soon after this, and will put them into action. In fact, that is what I do all the time. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
Great to hear, Ban!
Hi, I liked your video, in a way I believe that is what i have been doing for many years, I did achieve one goal this year so far I finally got my first Album out on the market: http://johnrichardhendleyiii.hearnow.com/ the songs in the album were written over a period of many years, from the 80’s until the most recent one written in 2020. I selected 13 of my songs to go onto this album, please pass the link and keep up the good work
Good going, John.
This video is part "Everything you need to know about the music Industry" and part "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance!"
Pretty sound advice!
I will say I think there are those individuals that just knew from the beginning where they wanted to wind up and went there. They are rare though, I think. And even they probably at some point in their lives come across something unexpected.
Anyway…cool video!
Thanks David!
Thanks for your message from your office. Many moons ago, my office used to be at the top of the Marina del Rey Marriott (used to be called The Marina Beach Hotel) in the Skyfan Lounge rooftop – playing piano at sunsets each night!
Cool! I’ll think of you when I head up there for a drink one day.
It’s good to see you are well. I will always be appreciative of the people who used their energy to help me and others have some success. Thank you for the encouragement. My life has prepared me well for disappointment. I will never stop working. I think someone could figure out a way to make money from my story anyway.
You are very welcome, Athena.
Hi Chris! This was very helpful as I tend to get hung up in perfectionism. Iβm taking 3 actions this week that are random but heading in the general direction I want to go πthanks for your insights !
Love that! Good going, Elza.
Thanks Chris – great post. My career has followed the winding road you talk about, I can totally relate to what you say.
My ultimate goal is to make a living from my own music, I’ve dreamt about this for the past 40 years! I started at school, playing guitar, writing songs, forming bands, touring and loving life but not making any money. An epiphany happened in 1993 when I realised I COULD make a living from playing music – but playing other people’s music. And that’s what I’ve been doing ever since, in covers, tributes, corporate and wedding bands. I still created my own music and released 5 albums but without any commercial success.
Finding you and Michael Elsner during lockdown has been incredibly inspiring and my ultimate goal is back on the horizon – within the wonderful world of sync.
Meanwhile – my winding road has taken another little sidestep and I now find myself producing songs for other songwriters – this may be my new "gig"! Producing for other folks is helping me hone my production skills for my own music whilst also building up a great network of like-minded souls and potential collaborators.
To quote a famous Canadian band "the point of the journey, is not to arrive. " Well, I ultimately would like to arrive but man am I loving the journey!
Thanks again for a great course.
All the best.
Nice! Yes I don’t think we ever really arrive, but done right we get some pretty sweet spots along the way.
Working smarter not harder is a very common piece of advice. It is so because it works for many facets of your life. Easy to get caught up in the moment, though and forget.
π
Thank you!! Iβve ditched so many mailing lists and havenβt watched your vids in ages but for some reason clicked and watched today. I so appreciate how real and down to Earth your approach is and will be coming back for more. Great tips for carving a path through the overwhelm. Cheers! βaerynn
Great to hear, Aerynn.
Love this! Lately, while taking big, courageous steps Iβve also been feeling a pretty intense and impatient sense of doubt. But when I think about the times I felt I was trying so hard to achieve my goals, I remember somehow a random opportunity or conversation has often arisen. But definitely not on my timeline or terms! The catch after seeing those almost too-easy opportunities, though, is to be courageous and vulnerable enough to take action. So thatβs the trade off. I wonder if sometimes we try so hard to go on a straight path to maintain control, knowing very well deep down that the best things arise only when youβre just open to the path. Those little milestones along the winding path are actually the special moments, not the goal or all the hard work. So much good stuff to think about, Chris. Actually, really grateful for this. Seems like a lot of people needed to hear it. Thank you!
I really like that thought about, maybe we stay on the straight path for a sense of control. Good one!
Likewise kindred minds: xXx Trusting there is a purpose, the process in journey xXx To continually "let-go" and rebirth in the ebb and flow, through the all in all: Life Teaches and is The Teacher. #celebrate
π
Very useful insight Chris, and drawing out a plan/how everything is connected is such a useful technique. We get so stuck on the big dream that we often forget the small but courageous steps we can take to get us there, how each step can create new self-belief, excitement and/or opportunity, and how the βsceneryβ changes en route! Smaller intermediate goals also give us a chance to celebrate something – which is super-important to stay motivated – rather than beating ourselves up every day for not achieving the $10M in the bank, or whatever. Cool advice! Ian.
Glad you liked it, Ian.
Hi Chris – good to cyber see you again! Brilliant pieces of advice there, so thank you. Funnily enough I’m sort of doing similar things at the moment with project plans for each music project and putting in the ‘critical path’ tasks that I know of at the moment to help reach the goals, whilst being aware that other things will happen along the route, creating those zig zags that you spoke about.
Hope all’s well in sunny California!
Best wishes to you and Danielle,
Simon
It would be nice if we didn’t have to zigzag jumping from opportunity to opportunity but it seems that is the nature of the path.
Thanks Chris, great to get your email and hear your story today. It gives some great perspective and helpful prompts for sticking with the journey, you always help to see what we need to have a good chance to succeed. Best regards, Jane
Glad you enjoyed that, Jane.
Hello Chris,
Thanks for another great video, all those tips and insights are very useful, I find. I am so very new at this music creation and I am finding myself navigating sometimes not knowing exactly where I am heading but I keep on the Ocean π
So, when you say the goal is going to keep changing as you move towards…yes, this makes so much sense. I am only starting to learn this, I was always fixed as a goal had to be just that specific goal, but the goal changing as you keep moving is more realistic indeed.
Kind regards, Rosa
And besides realistic, I would argue keeps us happier too.
Thankyou so much ! I need help / love gaining wisdom from those that have gone before me – youβre awesome !
Mandy
Hey, thanks Mandy!
Always enjoy your insights Chris. One of these days the goal at the top of my page will be one of the dots below my goal at the top of my page which of course I will continue to move towards. On the one hand my page looks like a plate of spaghetti but on the other hand it’s actually a composite of threads in the fabric of my musicality. The dots you refer to are the plan and the process of connecting the dots in real time is the journey.
This email is one of the three things on my list, I’ve been wanting to chime in for quite some time. Your one of the dots in my journey.
Your video is like being there on your boat, the motion of being in the water is a very cool affect.
Sorry for calling you a dot!
Lee Demers
Haha, I don’t mind being a dot on your journey at all. π
Thanks for this insight.
I’ve been in the music business as a performer for a looong time and I’ve often found that the road you start on is not going to be the road you STAY on.
As I have begun to travel the road of music placement I’m finding many of the same skills I’ve learned on stage(musicality, proficiency, interaction) to be a huge help!
Thanks again!
Good stuff, John!
Chris, you should be a life coach ! You have such way of presenting things in such a positive way that really motivates! Iβm loving the course and learning a lot and even if I never placed a song(def determined to) I have gotten a lot out of these videos and modules.
Thx !
Dan Durkin
Interesting suggestion, Dan. Maybe one day. π
Great Video :O) This just happened to me LOL- I was sharing my path in TV/Film placements to a group of post-vaccinated party guests (2m in place :O). Towards the end of the party, one of the guests approached me and ask if I would mix a score for an "equestrian" competition their child was entering. I responded with "sure" with the preface that I had no experience doing that kind of mix- they said they had just listened to my work on Spotify/Soundcloud and loved my cover of Besame Mucho. That the sound was perfect for their concept. Wondered if I could come up with something similar. I put my hand to my chin and smiled…hmmmm maybe.
Anywho they offered me the gig, and it is 3X more than I get with a simple placement- who knew LOL, no royalties but nice opportunity anyway.
Never stop and always be proud of your music you never know who is listening and needs your help.
Absolutely, P.
It feels like i have been doing this so long and switched paths so many times that i don’t even know what my goals are anymore, or why i’m even still doing this! lol
I think creation can be a goal in itself.
Yeah! For the love of doing it – for the sake of it!
It is a winding road/ I started Music at 16 as songwriter/Producer/Artist
Then in 2004 Went to Fashion. had success in 2007 New York Fashion week Now I’m using THAT to get back to where it all started MUSIC! Writing and producing for other Artist. GOAL To collab w/Major Artist. Rock/Pop- Thank you!
Funny how that works sometimes, huh? π
Hi, Thank you for your wonderful advice, that is great I will keep it in mind, I am working on a new recording also I wrote 600 songs I need to get the most out there, you are right I have a goal and I will make it I don’t give up so easy, thank you one more time I will keep your advice.
Chura the Magnetic voice
Great to hear, Chura.
Great exercise. Thanks, Chris!
You bet, Kimberlyann!
Hey Chris, thanks for the uplifting video. I agree totally. I did actually set a goal years ago and still working my way there and getting closer to the other side of the river. Your course is one of the milestones as I took the leap of faith and invested to learn the industry from the professionals not from my own school of hard knocks, which I have been enrolled in for quite some time lol. Everyday I learn a tremendous amount of specific information from this phenomenal course and from the whole group as well, which gives me hope and comfort that my direction is sound and still on track. From your course I now realize I have a lot more to learn than I thought but I also feel I’m not alone and have a solid foundation of resources and expertise to learn from and grow with. Thanks again for all you have put into this course as your commitment to our success is evident
Bill
Thank you, Bill, and really great to hear. It lets me know that I am doing the right job helping you achieve your dreams.
I sum up my journey as "the long and winding road" hey great name for a song. kidding π All i wanted to be was an actor. did six years youth theatre,applied for royal academy of dramatic arts audition was doing shakespeare and a skinhead. Was an extra in a film "shoot for the sun" by Jimmy nail. Sang in a youth theatre play and realised it was music for me. Opportunity knocked briefly but i was so holding my self back i turned down an opportunity to tour with Tracy Nelson. Busked on the streets to pay for my music college course fees which where late arriving, actually busked for 10 years. Been Songwriting for many years and still enjoy it. Its what i do besides working in a horrible factory on nighshift. Submitted songs from cliff richard to recently dolly parton but i aint stopping. This road im on its a journey and i always wonder where it will take me next. peace π
Great to hear you are still on the journey, Ray.
Interesting take on success. It was encouraging. I been hopping stones for years and usually see it as weakness or failure to be consistent. At this point in my life I recognize the things most important to me have been accomplished. Family is first, music is second and that’s the way life has shaken out. I keep writing, cause that’s what I do, that who I am. I plan on sharing this with my grandkids. I wish I had heard this long ago. It would have stopped me doing so much negative self talk. My songs have comforted and encouraged people without ever having a hit on the radio or such. Local churches, arts festivals, fundraiser for flood survivors, all local stuff, and people have told me how a song of mine affected them. So when I step back and look realistically at my life, I am succeeding. Sync is still one of my goals. So I’ve not given up on it. But no more negative self talk about my stone hopping cross the river.
That’s right, Rod. Just remember that almost everyone who had a hit on the radio was once at the side of the river wondering how to get across.
way ON base and concise – appreciate it & you for sharing, Chris! #gratitude
Hey thanks, Sandy.
Chris-Great insight. I call this writing it down and making it happen. Courageously flexible in your approach for sure. I try to do one new thing every day. It really adds up. Thanks for all you do for musicians. Your sincerity is a breath of fresh air(maybe ocean air:)
Haha, awesome to hear, RK. I do my best to help.
You’re so right. It’s like looking at a map. The road is never straight ahead. It is so important to set small goals that lead you to the main goal. It is also important not to forget to feel the victory when you reach the small goals. Stay safe.
Absolutely, Morten. Great way to look at it.
LOVE it, very very key – alignment and smart work > misdirected hardwork. great vid.
Thanks Vivek!
Chris, You are TOTALLY on base and SO on track!!!
I loved every "step" of it, and it it so very true!…interestingly, my philosophy all along…But, it’s wonderful to hear your well put take on it in inspiring presentation! It motivates me even more and more!!!
I’ve been implementing these steps in my own fashion, and it IS the right course, and it DOES change in pursuit, and it IS all about keeping on track, heading for that goal, as well as being flexible and of course, constantly being creative… down the path!!!
I LOVE your end part about making a courageous move!!! I’m a real "nut" about that…and it DOES pay off eventually, if you stick with it!!!
I ESPECIALLY "tuned in" to your whole framework of the "MAZE". That is VERY real and dear to me, as my late son, Joey was known as the "WIZARD OF MAZE" and the "MAZE KING OF AMERICA". He was a child genius at making spontaneous, complex and tantalizing maze puzzles. And with each mind twisting configuration, dead end, etc., it forced the "player" to search, search, search and find other choices!!!!!!!…….
THANK YOU, Chris for this beautiful and constructive delivery!!!
Irene Leland
I am really glad that struck a note with you, Irene. Very interesting to hear about your son, and am very sorry for your loss. Life indeed is a maze, but like your son we have the option to redraw it as we go. Never perfectly, but enough to move forward many times in great ways.
I have always held a belief that my music will get exposure. Doing Platinum Sync and continuing with learning producing I am excited to bring the dream closer. Your 1 page goal setting sheet is something I have done in my mind, but now I will put it in writing!
Awesome to hear, Einen!
Thank you Chris for your awesome good advice!
Ist makes overall sense π
You are very welcome, Rainer.
Very well said, Chris. Always grateful for your inspired sharing. Our path is a winding road.
Thanks Dan. Glad you liked it!
I’ve experienced pretty much everything you could imagine, so it’s not often that I encounter something new or impactful for me. This video does make a difference, because it reminds me about the true nature of success and that I need to stay on track with goal setting (Use the force Luke!). Thanks Chris. I really appreciate that what you do comes from a position of caring, more than anything else.
I love hearing this, Kelly. It makes me feel like I am giving something back. I appreciate that.
Nice video Chris! Your warm manner is very appealing.
Lee Brandon
Great to hear and thanks, Lee!
Thank you so much for the inspo and advice Chris! Always appreciate your positivity and great energy!
Cool!
Coulda done with more nuts ‘n bolts. I try to be open but this comes across like Wayne Dyer without a book, Tony Robbins without the bucks. (Nice that you have a boat, however). Appreciate the intentions here and it is my first encounter. Will look again. Thanks.
I unfortunately don’t have the time to dive into specifics in a blog post DC. I’ll be launching my free workshop in the fall again so keep an eye out for that. Lots of time to get into details.
Chris, thanks for the video – it’s very encouraging; two comments:
You may not know it, but you have pretty much described the PERT method of project management. In the 1950s the US Navy embarked on the Polaris project. The goal was to field the first missile carrying atomic submarine. Admiral Rayborn was the project manager. The goal was clear, the path to it was not, in fact it was enormously complex involving a hundreds of contractors doing things that had never been done before with varying degrees of confidence regarding their relative importance. There was a lot of "stone hopping" and dead ends and maybe most important, creating re-plan after re-plan as the project progressed.
From my past as a musician, in the 60s I had a moderately successful acid rock band in Chicago. We played the largest venues in the city (converted ballrooms left over from the 20s). We opened for acts like the Byrds, Country Joe and the Fish, James Cotton Blues Band and other national acts of the day. Aaron Russo was the manager of a club called The Electric Theater. He gave my band free rehearsal space in the club. Aaron offered us a management contract. We got some bad legal advice and turned down the offer. We departed on friendly terms when we packed our gear and headed to the west coast for our share of fame and fortune. After a few months of starving in LA and running out of money the band broke up. I quite the music business (for a while), returned to Chicago and finished college. Aaron moved back to New York after the Electric Theater was struck by arson. He signed a little known artist named Bette Midler.
Do I have regrets about the opportunity I allowed to pass me by? I’ve thought about it quite a lot. First, to be honest, Ms. Midler is somewhat more talented than I. Aaron’s success as her manager does not mean I would have had the same experience. Second, and maybe more important, I’m still alive and I have a good life. Rock and roll is a brutal business. I had quite a few musician friends who are no longer with us due to the R&R lifestyle. Missing that "opportunity" may have been the best long term decision I ever made.
So there’s a lesson about "missed" opportunities – you never know if it was a good or bad decision. But with time you gain perspective.
I had an almost parallel experience, Peter. Our manager went on to discover and nurture Avril Lavign. I could have stuck with him but was going through a change into music production. The important to remember is what worked for Bette Midler, likely wouldn’t have worked for you for all kinds of reasons. She is pretty far from an acid rock band. π There are certainly other opportunities we have lost and will never know about them. That is life. The most important thing is not to dwell on the past, it can no longer help you. Instead aim forward to even greater things. Life is now… right now.
That was awesome, exactly what I needed to hear clear straight forward guidance π
Thanks Demetrius.
I can’t get Sheryl Crow’s song ("Every Day Is A Winding Road") out of my head listening to this! π
Haha, infectious huh.