I recently came a cross a blog post by a guy by the name of
James Lee Stanley and in his blog, he talks about how he has been
able to get 3, not 1... THREE of his songs in independent movies.
Seeing this was pretty hot, especially since, I have an ebook
that tells you how to get your music used in movies, T.V. and
video games... You might have seen it, if not take a look it is
called "My Music In Movies" and it is at:
http://www.MyMusicInMovies.com/main
Take a look at the site, you'll be amazed at some of the many things
that you can do you get your material used in movies, TV and video
games, which of course ends up being extra revenue for you right?
After that, take a look at the blog post that James put up, I'll post
it below:
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Taken from a Blog Post by James Lee Stanley
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Today I got three of my songs into an independent film that is in
production and it reminded me that I haven't talked much about how
to do that. Having been living in Los Angeles since 1980, you would
think that I have had a ton of music in films, but it is evidently
extremely difficult to make it thru the filters and gate keepers. I
have had two different film agents and I am afraid that neither one
could get my music into a film. It's possible that the music just
sucks and I'm deluding myself (as well we all might be), but the
response from audiences and critics to my performances and my
recordings leaves me to believe that it is something else. Which
brings us to the topic today.
For those of you who might not know, networking is simply
connecting with as many people in the arenas where you want to
work, making your work and your presence known and making certain
that all those people who are also in your arena are reminded of
your work and your presence. If you have enormous success then the
phone rings and you fend offers...but even then, you are only hot for
a moment and then someone else is hot and you're just another one
of the people doing it. So what do you do?
First off, join as many professional organizations as you can and
then attend their functions...something that I have been remiss to do
for several years...lazy, discouraged, busy,...there are a million
excuses but the fact remains that it's my fault my music isn't in
more films. It's a lot of work going to all these functions and
promoting yourself in such a way that folks don't run when they see
you coming. But I digress. Attend all these functions.
If you hear of brunches and lunches and networking parties, go to
them all. You never know when you are going to connect with someone
who actually can hear what you are doing. And you really only need
one person like that. Look at what Brian Epstein did with the
Beatles. They were turned down by everyone ...everyone. And he would
not give up. Take a lesson there. And always have a couple of
copies of your best stuff with you. But don't hand them out like
breath mints. Make the offer count.
Secondly, follow up on all the people that you meet at these
functions. Send them emails, send them your product. Unless it is
something that's too timely to pass up, it is better to send them
your work as soon after the contact as possible. That way, they are
again reminded of you, as opposed to them finding your CD under the
seat of their car two years later and wondering who in the world
you are. Personal contact followed by reminder contact followed by
product followed by the "just checking to make certain you received
the..." contact and then period contact to just keep the avenue open.
It's these contacts that make it happen. Nobody is going to come
over to your house and go thru your drawer looking for the perfect
song for their movie. No matter how good you are. You need to be
seen and heard at every opportunity. And knokwing these people and
reminding them of your talent and availability is a great
idea....as long as you don't come off like a whore for your work.
Try to use some finesse and sensitivity, but keep your eye on the
prize. I think it might be better to get the prize than be liked
by everyone and have no film credits.
If you have the opportunity to work with an agent, keep in mind
that it is your job to keep the agent on target. They have lots of
clients. Make certain that you are in their mind and their heart.
And when you get a lead, send it to them and then follow up. If
someone actually makes some money working with you, they are much
more likely to think of you the next time that they are called upon
for a tune.
Now in the instance of today, the film producer wanted a specific
song from a specific album I had produced, actually three specific
songs and they contacted me directly. It might have been wiser to
contact my film agent (who works with me on a non exclusive basis),
but I did not think that there was enough money from this small
budget independent film to take up her time. That being said, I now
think I should have turned the producer over to her anyhow. That
was a mistake on my part. Even though I'll make much more of the
advance by doing it myself, you want these people involved with you
and you want them to make some money for their involvement. That
can always lead to more work, whereas doing it yourself is not
going to endear you to your agent. Wow, I'm still learning every
single day, every single transaction, every single song. How about
you? I've got to stop writing and call my agent.
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End of Jame's blog post.
Don't you agree that the information that he provide was pretty awesome?
I know I do..In fact, I am in the process of setting up an interview
with him, so keep your eyes open because I'll be letting you know how
you can listen into it once we have everything all set.
In the meantime, to get more detailed information on ho to get your
music used in not only Movies, but also on TV and within video Games,
pick up a copy of my new ebook
"My Music In Movies" over at
http://www.MyMusicInMovies.com/main
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday
Ty Cohen
Your Music Business Coach!
http://www.MyMusicInMovies.com/main
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