Take a look at what Kate Bush is experiencing right now to see the potential of a music supervisor. Bush responded to her song “Running Up That Hill” after it was featured on Stranger Things’ most recent season. All of this would not have been possible without Nora Felder as music supervisor.
Music supervisors now want to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). IATSE reports that 75% of television and film music supervisors have signed authorization cards for the union. According to the union, music supervisors would like to standardize their pay rates to address discrimination and inequalities; have access to healthcare and retirement plans; and negotiate directly with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The Alliance has not yet voluntarily recognized the union.
Music supervisors are responsible for many aspects of production. They help to determine the best music for a scene, or find music that fits it. They also handle licensing logistics and collaborate with other departments to decide how music will be used.
Joel C. High, music supervisor, said that they work together with the creative heads to create an overall soundscape. This helps tell the story through music. He is president of the Guild of Music Supervisors. This group advocates for music supervisors’ craft, but it is not a union.
Music supervisors began to talk seriously about unionizing as soon as the pandemic hit, just like many other workers in many industries, such hair and make-up artists, video game developers, and hair stylists.
High stated, “Nobody knew what was about to happen.” “We didn’t have any protections and so there was a lot fear among our members that we would be left out in the cold and nobody was going out to look out for us.”
NPR reached out to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMTP) for comment.
