Start with the exact music
A title alone is not enough. A master recording, remix, live version or cover can have different owners and different clearance requirements. Identify precisely what the edit uses, even if the picture is still changing.
For existing commercial recordings, the rights in the composition and in the specific sound recording are usually considered separately. A quote, enquiry or informal approval is not a completed licence.
Producer's pre-clearance checklist
Tick each item when the information is confirmed. Items may be not applicable, but check that explicitly rather than guessing.
This checklist is general production guidance, not legal advice. Rights and approvals depend on the specific work, recording, contracts and jurisdiction.
Three common clearance surprises
Paid social is not always included
A licence for organic posts or an internal presentation may not grant paid advertising rights.
Cutdowns change the request
Short versions, recuts, territories and extensions should be described before terms are finalised.
A song has more than one rights line
Master use and composition/synchronisation permissions can involve separate controllers and negotiations.
What to send your clearance partner
Send the edit or reference, the song and specific version, a one-paragraph campaign description, the brand, media plan, territory, term, deadline and available budget. Mark any unconfirmed details clearly so nobody treats estimates as approved terms.
If you're using a replay or interpolation, explain that too. Replaying a musical part can change the recording-rights analysis without necessarily removing the composition clearance question.
AMM can help turn the brief into a rights-holder enquiry and track required permissions through documentation. Contacted is not cleared. Final approval must be evidenced for each required rights line.