Calling All Writers, Artists and Producers!
Winter 2024 🎬
Sync Challenge
Holiday and Beyond!
Don't Miss Out: Spots Fill Up Quickly!
Time Left To Apply
Application deadline
Early Bird: October 20
Final Applications Due: Sun November 10
Ready to make your mark in the world of sync? Look no further! 🎬
Discover Sooner and Molly Girl Music proudly present the ultimate opportunity for you to custom write songs from script for movies through the Sync Challenge. 🚀
This online program puts you on a team with like-minded songwriters and provides you with the platform to craft two songs specially made for the movie's story, which is a unique chance not given to external writers.
Whether you're a seasoned songwriter, a gifted artist/writer, or a visionary producer, this is your chance to get into the ground floor of the movies you'll be writing for.
If you want, you can BYOteam. Invite your trusted co-writers to the program and draft them to your team. Learn more about teams>>
About The Movies
Sync Challenge: Writing Songs From Script
Write one holiday song and one song in a pop, rock, or Americana style, specifically tailored for music sync placements. One of the films may move into post-production as early as 2025, providing an exciting opportunity for quick song licensing.
You'll receive a brief, along with a few pages from the script, to spark your creativity and help you craft the perfect track for the film. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the holiday magic!
How is Writing Songs From Script Different Than Typical Opportunities?
Typical sync opportunities have a fast turnaround. The film is already shot, and a music supervisor sends a brief for a specific type of song, often requiring submission within a day or two. There's little to no discussion, so you send your best guess, competing with hundreds of others. You'll know quickly if your song is selected.
In the Sync Challenge, you're writing for a movie that may not shoot for 6 months to 2 years. You'll receive a brief and time to discuss details with the music supervisor before writing. The good news is each team has its own brief, with no competition for your song’s spot. By the end of the Sync Challenge you will know if your song is on the short list. It may take a year or more to find out if short listed song is placed, but the agreement is non-exclusive, so you can seek other opportunities for your song while waiting.
WHY JOIN THE SYNC CHALLENGE?
🎵 Learn how to write songs tailored for sync! 🎵
🎬 Collaborate with a music supervisor! 🎬
🎙️ Write to active briefs! 🎙️
🎛️ Team up with new co-writers! 🎛️
🎧 Build your sync catalog with 2 powerful songs! 🎧
Success Stories
Hear songs selected for the short list for sync projects
Fly, The Rise of Jett Parker
2023 Sync Challenge
My LIfe Between the Reins
2024 Monthly Pitch and BreakThrough Writers
Sync Challenge Advantage
You'll be part of a small group of writers and producers selected to write songs customized to the film's script while being guided by industry professionals at the helm of the movie. No more pitching songs to someone you don't know, competing against hundreds (or more) of writers, and hoping your song fits the scene.
Our revolutionary approach helps sidestep the common pitfalls that lead to the rejection of most songs, giving each song written in the Sync Challenge the utmost advantage for placement. No other writers get this exclusive opportunity.
Donna Bukevicz
Music Supervisor
Donna is intimately acquainted with the story and each scene of the movie. She'll provide each songwriting team "briefs" to write to and one-on-one guidance. She'll even jump in and write with your team if you want.
Bryan Steele
Producer Advisor
Achieving the necessary production quality for your song poses a challenge on its own! Bryan is a seasoned producer who'll provide advice to help elevate your recordings to broadcast standards.
Nancy Deckant
Sync Agent
Preparing your song for sync licensing can be a daunting task! Nancy will answer all of your business questions and help you get your paperwork ducks in a row!
How It works
The Brief
You'll be teamed up with a producer, artist (singer), songwriter. Each team will get a brief the day of the writing session. Before writing begins you'll have a Q&A with the music supervisor to answer all your questions.
The Writing Session
Once the writing process starts your team will be relocated to your own Zoom breakout room. During this time, the producer has the option to begin crafting the tracks simultaneously or simply accompany by playing the guitar or keyboard. At an appointed time, the music supervisor will join your session to listen to your song-in-progress to offer guidance and support.
Listening Party / Feedback Night
A few weeks after the writing session, there's an online group listening party for your song-in-progress. The music supervisor and experienced producer will provide feedback to include in your final version of the song.
License Your Song
If your song is selected it will be non-exclusively licensed for the movie. Sync Agent commission on placements is 20% (Writers receive 80%).
Questions? Email Nancy
Requirements
Writing Skills & Experience
Intermediate to advanced songwriting skills with co-writing experience.
You must be signed up with a PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, etc.). If you're not signed up, get signed up ASAP!
Recording Skills & Experience
Artists (Singers) must have the ability to professionally record vocals at home.
Producers must be experienced in broadcast quality recording. Tracking during the co-writing session is optional and can all be done during or after the writing sessions.
ownership
Composition Ownership (C)
All writers on the song will equally share ownership of the composition's lyrics & melody.
Master Recording Ownership (P)
All writers will equally own the track. However, due to the many hours the producer/track-writer spends producing the song, if there are additional expenses to achieve broadcast quality, the other team members will front the first $200. After that the entire team will share expenses equally.
Recording Costs
While each team has a producer who develops the recording for free, there are additional costs. Potential expenses include demo singers to get the right "voice" on the song, additional instruments, mixing, etc.
More About the music supervisor
Molly Girl Music is owned and operated by Donna Britton Bukevicz who has been a Music Supervisor since 2010. The company has over 1500 placements and provides music supervision from script to screen, clearances, song selection and catalog administration. Projects include Hashtag Blessed, Turnover, Cat Dexx Inkosi, Halloween Party (Oscar contending songs competing against Adele's Skyfall). Shorts include Passage, the movie, From Grief to Gratitude. Documentaries: Cuddle. TV Series: Nashville Unleashed, Green Heroes & Civil Disobedience. Song Licensing: Dancing Ninja, Last Call at Murrays.
Donna is an Associate Member of the Guild of Music Supervisors, Voting Member of Hollywood Music in Media (HMMA), a 2022 Silver Telly Award Winner, 2021 HMMA Best Song Nominee. Learn more at IMDB.
Donna Bukevicz
Donna Britton Bukevic is an award-winning singer-songwriter and music supervisor.. With over 1500+ TV & Film placements, Donna's music has been heard on Sony Pictures, Fox Sports, Amazon Prime, Peacock, Hulu, Tubi, Rock Band video games, Showtime "The L Word", Access Hollywood, VH1's "House of Consignment", MTV, and TVO's Green Heroes web series.
At-A-Glance
Don't Miss Out: Spots Fill Up Quickly!
Location
Zoom
Pricing
Songwriters/Artists: Early Bird: $427* USD Apply by October 20
Songwriters/Artists: Full: $457* USD Apply by November 10
Producers Free (but must apply)
*Payment due within 48 hours of acceptance.
Exchange rates may apply.
Save These Dates
Application deadline
-
Early Bird: Sun November 3
-
Final Deadline: Sun November 10
Orientation/meet & greet, Q&A
-
November 14 (5-6pm ct/6-7et/3-4 pt)
Writing Session #1
-
Meeting: Mon November 18 (4-7pm central)
-
Listening Party/Feedback: Mon December 9 (5-6:30pm cst)
Writing Session #2
-
Meeting Mon January 6 (4-7pm cdt) (corrected)
-
Listening Party/Feedback Night January 27 (5-6:30pm cst)
Application
Non-Refundable: $20
Music
Prepare a link to 3 original songs that best showcase your songwriting skills on SoundCloud, Songspace, Dropbox, etc. OR your Discover Sooner Community Music List link
1
Apply
$20 non refundable application fee.
2
Get Notified
Receive email with your acceptance status 7 days before the program begins
3
Time left to apply
Time Left To Apply
Application deadline
Early Bird: Wed October 20
Final Applications Due: Sun November 10
Apply
Sync Challenge
Limited to 20 Artists & Writers
You'll need a Disco, SoundCloud, Songspace, Dropbox, Box, (any link) to 3 songs.
Accomplished "Pop" producers are essential to the Sync Challenge and attend for free.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to be a part of Discover Sooner's Monthly Pitch & Community to participate?
A: No. Learn more about Sooner>>
Q: What if I don't have any experience writing songs for tv/film?
A: Not to worry! The Sync Challenge is designed as a learning opportunity. It's highly likely that your co-writers have some experience. And if you feel you need extra support, the music supervisor has offered to co-write with any team seeking additional assistance. Check out all the details on the application.
Q: When do we get the briefs?
A: You can expect to receive the briefs on the day of the writing session by midday, and if possible, even earlier!
Q: What is orientation about?
A: Meet the writers, learn what to expect at the writing sessions and how to share your screen and sound on Zoom.
Q: What happens if we don't finish the song by the end of that writing session?
A: You can meet off-line to complete it.
Q: Who will be my co-writers?
A: Before each writing session, you’ll receive your team assignments and contact info.
Q: Can I write with specific people?
A: Yes, the application form lets you draft participating writers to your team.
Q: Why does the program let me bring my own team?
A: While we carefully screen all participants and believe they are talented writers, sometimes personalities don't click. That's why we encourage you to invite your trusted co-writers to the program. Producers attend for free but must apply ($20).
Q: Can I co-write in-person?
A: Yes, if you live in the same town. It's especially helpful if the singer and track-writer/producer are in the same room to make it easier to record the vocals on the night of the cowriting session.
Q: I am considering applying to the Sync Challenge but I can't attend one of the writing sessions. What should I do?
A:We can consider accommodating the situation on a limited basis. If you're in need of assistance, please make a note of it in your application, and we'll do our best to help. It's important to note that there are 30 people in this program, so we kindly request that you only seek assistance after trying to reschedule your other appointment.
Q: What should I do if I am unable to attend the Listening Party or other meetings (not a writing session)?
A: Worry not! We will email you with a video of the meeting so you can watch it at your convenience.
Q: Is it possible to participate in a writing session while traveling in my car?
A: Regrettably, we cannot permit participants to join a writing session while traveling in their car. However, for all other types of meetings during the sync challenge, it is acceptable to join while in your car, although you will be muted to prevent any disruptions to the meeting.
Q: How do I become a producer in this program?
A: Apply ($20) and send in a playlist of 3 songs you produced. Producers need to be able to play or write their own guitar, keyboard, bass and drum tracks and have a solid working knowledge of their DAW. A plus if you have prior sync placements.
Q: How will the song's ownership be split?
A; The co-writing team including the track-writer/producer, singer, songwriter will split the composition equally.
Q: Who will own the master recording?
A: The co-writing team including the track-writer/producer, singer, songwriter will equally own the track. However, due to the many hours the track-writer/producer spends producing, if there are additional expenses to achieve broadcast quality, the other team members will front the first $200. After that the cowriting team will share expenses equally.
Q: What added costs may be needed for the recording?
A: Most frequent additional expense is a vocalist to get the right "voice" on the song.
Q: What if I don't have money for the master recording expenses?
A: You can refrain from contributing to the recording and will not own any portion of the recording.
Q: What happens if the director of the movie wants to sign my song?
A: Congrats! Your song will be signed to a non-exclusive agreement. The sync agent will forward paperwork for you to review and sign.
Q: What licensing royalties can I expect for a sync placement in the Sync Challenge?
A: Movies you'll be writing for are small independent films with a limited music budget. Licensing royalties are typically $300 per placement for both the sync and master recording which goes to the writers, publishers and recording owner.
Your PRO also pays royalties to the songwriters and publishers each time the movie plays on tv and streaming. The amount is variable and we cannot give you an estimate.
Q: When will I know if my song is chosen for the movie?
A: In the program, the music supervisor will tell you if the song is a good fit movie or not. But it will take time to get a final answer. You will be creating music for movies that haven't been filmed yet and music selections are made closer to the movies launch. But the good part is, your song is specially made for the movie's story, which is a unique chance not given to external writers.
Q: Who is the Sync Agent?
A: Nancy Deckant publisher with Nashville and CEO of Discover Sooner.
Q: What is the Sync Agent's commission?
A: We work strictly on commission, publishing is never requested. The fee is 20% on the song and the recording placed in the film. Writers retain 80%. If you wish your song will be represented for sync opportunities outside of the Sync Challenge, the commission is 50%.
Q: What do sync agents do?
A: Sync agents connect music creators with music supervisors and facilitate licensing agreements. Duties include:
-
Music Placements: Pitch songs to tv and film opportunities.
-
Clearances and rights management: Ensure that the necessary permissions and rights "clearances" are obtained for the songs being licensed for both the musical composition and the sound recording.
-
Project coordination: Ensure the delivery of high-quality audio files, metadata, and any documentation needed for the licensing process.
-
Royalty collection and distribution: Collect and distribute royalties from sync placements to the rights holders, such as artists, composers, and music publishers.
Q: How will songs in the sync challenge be maintained and be accessible to me?
A: Disco AC is a catalog management tool used to maintain songs. The music producer will submit songs for listening parties via Disco. It streamlines the music's organization and accessibility, and is used almost exclusively by sync professionals. Someone on your team will most likely have it.
If you choose to get it, here's a link to coupon entitling you to a $20 credit, which will be applied to your second purchase. https://disco.ac/signup?b=20087&u=828121
Q: Are there any scholarships?
A:If there are any scholarship sponsors, information will be posted on this page.