A music supervisor plays a critical role in the process of selecting and licensing music for film productions. They work as a liaison between the creative and business sides of the production process, proposing previously recorded songs to the director or producer, and securing the rights to “source music” such as pre-existing songs or selecting artists to write new songs or cover old songs for the film.
The music supervisor negotiates with rights holders and ensures that all necessary contracts are in place. They must ensure that no intellectual property laws are broken, and that the production won’t face any legal issues regarding copyright infringement. The music supervisor also tracks all music used in the production through a cue-sheet, which helps ensure that royalties are distributed fairly and timely.
While the music supervisor may be responsible for creating the cue-sheet, they will often rely on the music editor and the re-recording mixer to provide the necessary ins and outs for the music. Overall, the music supervisor’s role is crucial in ensuring that the production’s music needs are met, while staying within budget and avoiding any legal complications.