Zoë Ellen Bryant (Carbon Logic), Oliver White (Theodore Music) and Iain Cooke (45RPM) spoke in a panel at Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) in October.
The event was a part of ADE 2024 Pro conference, which features panels and discussions about the business behind electronic music, the future for electronic music and the world surrounding the music industry. Buma Music in Motion (BMIM) was one of the partners of the event and supported the curation.
Music has evolved from playing a minor background role in films and series to becoming a significant component in storytelling. A perfectly placed song or soundtrack can captivate audiences and define cultural moments. Especially with the power of platforms like TikTok. This transformation is largely due to the work of music supervisors, who meticulously craft these musical landscapes in collaboration with publishers, labels and other industry partners.
The discussion explored how music has shifted from a background element to a crucial part of storytelling in films and series. It highlighted the creative thinking required from music supervisors and the barriers they face.
One attendee who is a music producer based in Berlin shared their perspective on the session: “It was inspiring to hear from Zoë, Oliver, and Iain about the challenges and creativity involved in bringing music to life on screen. I hadn’t realised just how much thought and negotiation goes into placing one song—it’s not just about choosing a track that fits, but about creating a moment that can shape how people remember a scene.” The attendee added that hearing from seasoned professionals gave them “a new respect for the craft of music supervision” and the way it bridges the gap between artistry and audience engagement.
Events like this certainly highlight the complex but rewarding role that music supervisors play in shaping cultural moments. Our music supervisor members shared their process and emphasised the significant impact of music placement in trailers, games, TV series, movies and adverts. Their work not only enhances the viewing experience but also drives substantial revenue streams for the music that is used.
ADE Pro’s programme also covered panels that discussed the power of music during times of conflict and war, as well as market spotlights on Africa’s music industry, Masterclasses from Spotify and more.
Iain Cooke, Music Supervisor, 45 RPM
