ThinkSync Music

ThinkSync Music is an independent music supervision and sync licensing agency based in London, founded in 2008. The company provides full-service music supervision for film, television, commercials, and games, handling everything from song selection and clearance to final contract negotiation. ThinkSync is known for creative music solutions that pair unexpected tracks with visual content.

How ThinkSync Music Works

ThinkSync operates as a traditional music supervision agency rather than a subscription platform or catalog library. The team works project by project, collaborating with directors, producers, and editors to find and license the right music for each scene.

The supervision process typically involves:

1. Brief and spotting session: The supervisor reviews the film, show, or ad with the creative team to identify where music is needed and what emotion each cue should evoke.
2. Search and pitch: ThinkSync searches across labels, publishers, artists, and libraries to compile a shortlist of tracks for each spot. This can include well-known hits, deep catalog cuts, and emerging independent artists.
3. Clearance and negotiation: Once tracks are selected, ThinkSync handles sync licensing (for the composition) and master use licensing (for the recording). This involves negotiating fees, usage terms, and territory rights with rights holders.
4. Final placement and paperwork: The supervisor ensures all licenses are signed, cue sheets are filed, and rights holders are paid.

ThinkSync offers flexible engagement models. Clients can hire the agency for full project supervision (top to tail) or for specific portions of the process, such as clearance only or music search only. The cost depends on how much work is involved.

Real-World Example

ThinkSync's recent projects demonstrate the range of work the agency handles:

• Power Ballad: ThinkSync handled music supervision for this feature film, including trailer music selection and clearance.
• The Wizard of the Kremlin: Music supervision for the film's trailer, clearing tracks for high-impact promotional use.
• Industry (BBC/HBO): ThinkSync placed Molly Nilsson's music in Series 4 of the critically acclaimed show, working across both UK and US rights clearance.
• The Thing With Feathers: Music supervision for the film released in UK cinemas in November 2025.
• H Is For Hawk: Trailer music supervision for the film adaptation.
• Queen At Sea: Music supervision for the film that premiered at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival.
• Sunny Dancer, Pressure, I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning, Wild Horse Nine, and How To Make A Killing: Additional film projects with ThinkSync supervision.

A typical ThinkSync supervision fee for an independent feature film ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 GBP depending on the number of music cues, the complexity of clearances, and the project timeline. Sync and master use license fees are separate and vary based on the tracks selected. Well-known songs can cost 5,000 to 50,000 GBP or more per side (sync plus master), while independent artist tracks may license for 500 to 5,000 GBP per side.

Use our sync licensing fee calculator to estimate costs for different placement types.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

ThinkSync Music is one of the few UK-based independent supervision agencies that actively considers unsolicited music from independent artists. The submission process is straightforward:

• Email MP3s of your three best tracks to ThinkSync
• A music supervisor will listen and contact you if a track becomes a serious contender for a project
• By submitting, you confirm that your music is clearable and you understand standard commercial licensing terms
• ThinkSync also shares submitted music with AV (audiovisual) companies they work with, expanding your placement potential

For artists looking to get on ThinkSync's radar:

• Send only your strongest, fully mastered tracks (three maximum)
• Ensure all rights are cleared: no uncleared samples, documented ownership splits, and complete metadata
• Have instrumental versions available (supervisors frequently need them for dialogue scenes)
• Be responsive when contacted (supervisors work on tight deadlines and will move to another track if you cannot deliver quickly)
• Understand that placement fees for independent artists are typically lower than for established acts, but the exposure from a film or TV placement can drive streaming numbers and open doors to bigger deals

ThinkSync's focus on creative, unexpected music choices means they are open to genres and artists that might not fit the typical commercial library mold. Read our guide to sync licensing for independent musicians for more strategies on approaching supervision agencies.

Related Resources

• Sync Licensing for Independent Musicians - Complete guide to getting your first placement
• How to License Music for TV and Film - Understanding the TV and film sync process
• Sync Licensing Fee Calculator - Estimate earnings from different placement types
• Sync License Glossary Definition - What a sync license covers and how it works
• ThinkSync Music Official Website - Current projects, submissions, and services