This panel will explore the complex landscape of music licensing for live television, from late-night to competition series and awards shows. Experts will discuss everything from booking and casting musical guests – with a focus on breaking new bands and showcasing established artists or their catalogs – to the crucial task of securing rights for the ideal music.

 

The conversation will also cover working with established artists and house bands, creating custom arrangements, navigating music rights, and considerations for DSP distribution. Using examples from Saturday Night Live, American Idol, Awards Shows, Dancing with the Stars, and the Kelly Clarkson show, this panel provides essential insights for music supervisors, producers, and rights managers in live TV, especially concerning strategic artist integration.

When music is both subject and storytelling tool, supervisors and composers must tread a creative and ethical line.

 

Join key team members behind projects like Luther: Never Too Much, The Fall of Diddy, Uncharted, and My Dirt Road Diary as they unpack the challenges of curating and composing for projects where the music is legendary—and sometimes controversial. Learn how music becomes a character, shapes narrative, and transcends even the artists behind it.

From fair use to archival footage, from source-heavy sound to budget-conscious decisions, we dive into the unscripted realities of clearing music for documentaries and docuseries.

 

Learn how spotting, licensing, and fees shift when the story is based on truth, and how to navigate challenges creatively in music-heavy, rights-sensitive projects.

This panel dives into the complex relationship between iconic film scores or songs and their use in advertising, specifically focusing on the Rolex Oscars ad featuring Ennio Morricone's "Ecstasy of Gold." We'll explore the initial appeal of using such a recognizable and powerful track, dissecting its intended cinematic grandeur and how it aligns (or misaligns) with Rolex's brand identity.

 

However, we'll also confront the issue of over-saturation, examining how the song's frequent use in various contexts, particularly Modelo's comedic campaigns, or Nike's similar iconic campaign, potentially dilutes its impact and creates a conflicting association.

 

The panel will debate whether the sheer expense of licensing such a famous piece justifies its use, or if a more bespoke musical approach would have served Rolex better in creating a unique and lasting sonic identity. We'll discuss the broader implications of using overexposed iconic music in advertising, and how brands can navigate the delicate balance between leveraging cultural recognition and preserving their own distinct brand voice.

As games increasingly reach global audiences, music has become a critical tool in shaping emotional resonance and cultural authenticity. This panel explores how game developers and music teams craft audio strategies that strike a balance between regional specificity and global accessibility.

 

How do we celebrate local cultures through sound while ensuring a game’s music still resonates across diverse markets? Join industry experts as they discuss the challenges and opportunities of creating soundscapes that feel personal and meaningful. Learn how music can deepen engagement, reflect identity, and transcend borders in today’s interconnected gaming world.

This panel explores the power of authentic storytelling through the lens of AAPI and BIPOC creatives, both in front of and behind the camera. Panelists will examine the vital role of music supervision and composition in shaping emotional resonance and cultural depth within film and television.

 

From scoring that aligns with a producer’s vision to song selections that reflect a community’s heartbeat, music becomes a tool for cross-cultural connection. The conversation will highlight examples like Japanese audiences embracing Chicano low-rider culture or the Caribbean’s deep appreciation for Celine Dion—demonstrating how music bridges identities and builds unexpected solidarity. The panel will also reflect on historic moments of cultural fusion, such as the influence of Chinese martial arts on 1970s Blaxploitation films and its lasting legacy in music like the Wu-Tang Clan & Hip Hop & Break Dancing.

This panel delves into the rapid growth of new media and its transformative impact on video and audio consumption, highlighting how platforms such as streaming services, UGC, and podcasts—both audio-only and video—are reshaping how audiences engage with content.

 

 

As consumption habits shift toward more personalized, on-demand experiences, the role of music has become increasingly vital in defining tone, enhancing storytelling, and building brand identity across formats. This has significantly elevated the importance of music supervision, expanding its reach beyond traditional film and television into podcasts, web series, branded content, and user-generated media. With this evolution comes the creation of new jobs and specialized roles in areas like licensing, content curation, digital rights management, and music strategy tailored for emerging platforms.

 

The panel will explore how these developments are opening up dynamic career paths, and how professionals can navigate and capitalize on the expanding intersections of music, media, and technology in this rapidly evolving landscape.