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.

Company Type and Licensing Model

ThinkSync Music operates as an independent music supervision and sync licensing agency. It is not a production music library, subscription platform, or royalty-free marketplace. The company provides full-service music supervision on a project-by-project basis, handling song selection, clearance, negotiation, and final paperwork for film, television, commercials, games, and trailers.

The licensing model is project-based supervision fees plus licensing commissions. Clients can hire ThinkSync 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 the scope of work. A typical supervision fee for an independent feature film ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 GBP. Sync and master use license fees are separate and vary based on the tracks selected.

ThinkSync also works as an exclusive "out of house" music supervisor for several leading London-based trailer houses, and freelances with others. The company has worked on campaigns for broadcasters including BBC, Channel 4, ITV, and Sky.

Catalog Size and Genre Coverage

ThinkSync does not maintain its own music catalog. The agency sources music from record labels, publishers, artists, and libraries worldwide. This includes major label releases, independent artist tracks, deep catalog cuts, and emerging artists. The company covers all genres, with a specialization in films, trailers, and TV shows that look for music with character and individuality.

ThinkSync commissions original scores from a wide variety of composers, ranging from experienced professionals to members of successful bands transitioning into scoring.

Client Base

ThinkSync's client base includes:

• Film studios and distributors: StudioCanal, True Brit Entertainment, and independent UK film productions
• TV networks: BBC, HBO (Industry Series 4), Channel 4, ITV, Sky
• Trailer houses: Empire Design and other leading London-based trailer houses
• Brands and advertising agencies: Commercial and branded content projects
• Game studios: Video game music supervision

Recent and notable projects include:

• I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning (2026): Won the People's Award at the 58th Directors' Fortnight selection at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. Features music by The Streets, Bicep, Joy Orbison, UB40, The Paragons, and The Proclaimers.
• Power Ballad: Feature film music supervision including trailer music selection
• The Wizard of the Kremlin: Trailer music supervision
• Industry (BBC/HBO): Placed Molly Nilsson's music in Series 4
• Sunny Dancer: Trailer music supervision featuring Fred Again and other artists
• How To Make A Killing: Trailer supervision for StudioCanal, featuring Heaven 17
• Pressure, H Is For Hawk, Queen At Sea, Wild Horse Nine: Additional film projects

How They Pay Artists

ThinkSync does not sign artists to publishing deals or represent catalogs. The agency places music on a per-project basis. Payment to artists works as follows:

1. Sync fees: When ThinkSync places a track, the sync fee (for the composition) and master use fee (for the recording) are negotiated separately with the rights holders. Independent artist tracks typically license for 500 to 5,000 GBP per side. Well-known songs can cost 5,000 to 50,000 GBP or more per side.
2. Performance royalties: ThinkSync files cue sheets with PROs for every placement. When music airs on television or in films, composers and publishers earn performance royalties through their PRO (PRS for Music in the UK, ASCAP/BMI/SESAC in the US).
3. No upfront fees for submission: Artists submit tracks for free. ThinkSync does not charge for reviewing submissions. If a track is placed, the artist negotiates the license fee directly with the production company or through their publisher/label.

ThinkSync shares submitted music with AV (audiovisual) companies they work with, expanding placement potential beyond their own projects.

Comparison Table

Videos

Similar Sync Licensing Companies

• Big Sync Music - London-based sync licensing agency with a curated catalog
• Tracks and Fields - Berlin-based music supervision and sync agency
• Bodega Sync - London-based sync licensing and music supervision company
• Crucial Music - Independent sync licensing company that accepts artist submissions

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