PODCAST · music
Ultimate Sync Sessions
by Ultimate Sync Access
Welcome to the "Ultimate Sync Sessions," the premier podcast dedicated to exploring the dynamic world of the sync industry! Hosted by Amelia McCloskey, founder and CEO of AM Licensing and Ultimate Sync Access, this podcast is your ultimate guide to understanding the intricate processes and key players behind the music sync industry.Each episode of "Ultimate Sync Sessions" brings you engaging and insightful conversations with a diverse array of prominent guests who are shaping the future of music in media.
Episodes
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Ep 04: How Music Supervisors Build Trusted Networks — And Cut Through the Noise
When a sync team is already managing briefs, budgets, rights holders, filmmakers and deadlines, more music is not automatically more useful. Mike Turner and Jonathan Lane explain why trusted networks remain so important in music supervision, how different agencies and catalogues serve different...
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Ep 03: Inside a Netflix Romcom With 50 Needle Drops
What happens when a film is extremely music-forward? Mike Turner and Jonathan Lane take us inside the music supervision process on a Netflix Christmas romcom carrying an unusually high number of needle drops in the working cut. The conversation covers creative and clearance workload, division of...
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Ep 02: Don’t Pitch What You Can’t Clear — Managing Budgets, Rights & Client Expectations
A brilliant creative idea becomes a problem very quickly if the production cannot afford it—or the track cannot actually clear. Mike Turner and Jonathan Lane unpack one of the most important working principles in music supervision: Don’t pitch what you can’t clear. They discuss clearance,...
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Ep 01: How Music Supervision Careers & Teams Get Built
Music supervision careers rarely follow a straight line. Mike Turner and Jonathan Lane of Clearly Music share how performing, publishing, pitching, trailer work and client relationships eventually led them into music supervision—and how their business has evolved as the workload has grown. They...
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Ep 05: Leadership, Motherhood and the Reality of Holding It All Together
In the final episode, Heather discusses the less visible side of music supervision, including workload pressures, managing creative expectations, budget realities and the evolving value of the profession. She also reflects on industry growth, career sustainability and the future of music...
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Ep 04: Why Most Pitches Die Before the Music Is Heard
Heather shares practical advice for artists and rights holders seeking sync opportunities. She discusses evaluating new music, assessing licensing risks, working with independent artists, common pitching mistakes and the importance of building genuine professional relationships within the…
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Ep 03: What Canada Gets Right About Sync
Heather explores what makes Canada's music and screen industries unique. She discusses government support, artist development programmes, international co-productions, the strength of the Canadian sync community and the growing global demand for Canadian content and creative talent. For exclusive...
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Ep 02: Why Timing Can Make or Break a Sync
Heather takes listeners behind the scenes of Netflix's BET, explaining how music supervisors help shape a show's identity. She discusses sourcing music, managing clearances, balancing budgets, discovering emerging artists and creating a soundtrack that blends major artists with exciting new…
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Ep 01: Why Trust Still Wins in Sync
Heather reflects on her early years as a pianist, her studies in music and media, and the moment she discovered music supervision. She discusses the importance of education, internships, practical experience and perseverance, while sharing how an internship at Vapor Music became the foundation of…
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Trailer | More Than Music Supervision
In this insightful season 14 of the Ultimate Sync Sessions Podcast, Heather Gardner shares her journey from classically trained pianist to award-winning music supervisor and industry leader. The conversation explores the realities of music supervision beyond song placements, covering career...
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Ep 5: The Future of Sports Sync
Joshua Sutherland shares the realities behind high-pressure music supervision, from clearing a DJ Snake track with 18 rights holders to managing fast-moving NFL deadlines. He opens up about self-doubt, staying grounded, maintaining relationships, and what it takes to build a long-term career in...
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Ep 4: Inside NFL Music Supervision
Joshua Sutherland breaks down how music gets licensed for the NFL — from promo campaigns and Sunday Spotlight placements to fast-turnaround clearances and cultural moments. He shares what makes a song stand out, why stems matter, and how themes like energy, family, and championship moments shape...
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Ep 3: Euphoria to the NFL
Joshua Sutherland shares what he learned working across The Idol, Rap Sh!t, and Winning Time, and how those experiences prepared him for the fast-paced world of the NFL. From deep-diving into regional artists to learning from top music supervisors, Joshua breaks down the strategy, research, and...
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Ep 2: How Joshua Sutherland Landed Euphoria
Joshua Sutherland shares how cold outreach, persistence, and a clear long-term vision led him from UnitedMasters to HBO. From moving to Los Angeles in just weeks to working on Euphoria Season 2, he breaks down what it felt like stepping into one of the most music-driven shows on television — and...
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Ep 1: From Church Piano to the NFL with Joshua Sutherland
Joshua Sutherland shares how he went from playing piano in church to supervising music at the NFL, after stops at UnitedMasters and HBO working on Euphoria, Rap Sh!t, Winning Time, and The Idol. This episode is packed with insight on breaking into sync, building real industry relationships, and...
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Ep 05: Lava Hong Beyond the Studio
In the final episode, Lava Hong reflects on her personality, passions and creative motivations beyond music supervision. She shares her love for journalling, meaningful relationships and artistic expression, while discussing upcoming projects and future ambitions. The conversation highlights her...
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Ep 04: The Sacrifices Behind the Career
Lava Hong opens up about the personal sacrifices behind building a career in the entertainment industry, from relocating across the world to managing intense workloads. She discusses work-life balance, long-term planning, and the importance of representation and mentorship. The episode also...
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Ep 03: What Makes a Great Trailer?
In this episode, Lava Hong breaks down the elements that make a powerful trailer. She explains why music, sound design and editing are critical to shaping emotion and storytelling in film marketing. Lava also shares her thoughts on memorable trailers, the structure of successful promos, and how...
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Ep 02: Inside the World of Trailer Music
Lava Hong takes listeners behind the scenes of working on major trailer campaigns at Trailer Park Group. She discusses the creative process behind trailer music, including the art of “trailerising” songs for cinematic impact. Lava also reflects on balancing her role as a music supervisor with her...
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Ep 01: From Shenzhen to Hollywood Sync
Lava Hong shares her journey from growing up in Shenzhen, China, to building a career in Hollywood’s trailer industry. She reflects on her musical upbringing, studying in the United States, and how mentorship, networking and persistence helped her land her first role in music supervision. This...
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Trailer | Behind the Trailers – The Sync Journey
This is Season 12 of the Ultimate Sync Sessions Podcast: Behind the Trailers – The Sync Journey. Hosted by Amelia McCloskey, this series features music supervisor Lava Hong from Trailer Park Group, whose work has contributed to campaigns for major Hollywood films and TV shows. Across the series,...
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Ep 04: Score vs Songs: The Choices Behind EA’s Soundtracks
This final episode explores how EA curates memorable and immersive soundtracks, from deciding when to licence commercial music versus hiring composers, to navigating complex clearances such as university-owned fight songs and global releases — all while keeping gameplay at the heart of every...
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Ep 03: How Songs Get Chosen for EA Games
In this conversation, Lori breaks down how creative vision leads every music decision at EA Games. She explains why there are no quotas for major or independent artists, how sound shapes player experience, and what supervisors really listen for when choosing music for games and marketing. 👉 For...
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Ep 02: How EA Clears Music for Global Games
This episode pulls back the curtain on the music clearance process, as Lori explains how songs are researched, negotiated, and approved for EA’s games. The discussion highlights common misconceptions about sync, the importance of organisation and metadata, and why preparation can make or break a...
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Ep 01: Who Licences the Sound of EA Games?
In this episode, Amelia McCloskey sits down with Lori Cromwell-Charron, Head of Music Licensing at EA Games, to explore her career journey, her role within EA, and what it really takes to manage music for global franchises such as Madden, UFC, and Need for Speed. 👉 For exclusive insights,...
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Trailer | Inside EA Games: Music Licensing
This is Season 11 of the Ultimate Sync Sessions, hosted by Ultimate Sync Access CEO, Amelia McCloskey. In this season, Amelia is joined by Lori Cromwell-Charron, Head of Music Licensing at EA Games (guest details based on the provided scripts) for a deep dive into how music is licensed, curated,...
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Ep 05: Building a Lasting Music Career
The final episode centres on longevity. From managing production music labels and workflows to partnering with others and focusing on individual strengths, Beda and Martin share lessons on building careers that are sustainable, flexible, and creatively fulfilling. 👉 For exclusive insights,...
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Ep 04: Why Asking for Permission Doesn’t Work
Addressing common struggles composers face, this episode explores why chasing credits or copying others rarely leads to breakthroughs. The guests emphasise introspection, experimentation, collaboration, and developing a sound that naturally attracts attention. 👉 For exclusive insights…
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Ep 03: Why Signature Sounds Matter
Beda and Martin discuss industry challenges including COVID, shrinking budgets, delayed income in production music, and the rise of AI. Rather than speculation, they focus on practical realities, adaptability, and why originality and human perspective remain essential. 👉 For exclusive insights,...
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Ep 02: Production Music as a Career Path
This episode focuses on production music and career positioning. The guests discuss why competition has always existed, how identifying natural strengths matters more than chasing trends, and how unmet needs in TV and documentary scoring can become meaningful niches. 👉 For exclusive insights,...
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Ep 01: Where a Music Career Really Starts
Beda Senn and Martin Haene reflect on their early relationships with music, from collecting records and playing in bands to self-teaching, experimentation, and discovering professional pathways. The episode explores how curiosity and listening deeply laid the foundation for their later work in TV...
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Trailer | TV Composer’s Playbook: Success Mastery
In TV Composer’s Playbook: Success Mastery, host Amelia McCloskey, CEO of Ultimate Sync Access, is joined by Beda Senn, music consultant at Swiss Television and production music creator, and Martin Haene, composer and founder of Golden Rule Music. Across the season, they explore real-world…
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Ep 05: Storytelling Across Borders
This episode highlights one of Enzo’s most meaningful long-form projects: composing and directing music for a children’s series about endangered animals. Each track reflects the folk traditions of the animal’s home region, teaching young audiences about culture, rhythm and conservation. Enzo also...
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Ep 04: AI, Ethics & the Future of Sync
In this instalment, the focus turns to AI and its growing place in advertising. Enzo discusses the legal risks brands overlook, why human creativity remains essential, and how the supervisor’s role is shifting in a rapidly evolving landscape. He also reflects on industry controversies, the...
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Ep 03: The Psychology of Music Supervision
This conversation focuses on the art of translating vague briefs into precise musical direction. Enzo shares how he reads body language, extracts meaning from scattered references and turns emotion into BPM, genre and structure. The episode also revisits his powerful anti-cyberbullying project…
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Ep 02: Why Covers Rule in Advertising
Enzo breaks down the realities of supervising music for advertising across Latin America, why big commercial tracks are always in demand, how budgets shape creative decisions, and why covers and custom pieces often become the practical choice. He also unpacks the challenges around buyouts,...
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Ep 01: The Unplanned Path to Sync
This episode traces Enzo’s early beginnings, growing up with treasured cassettes, studying sound engineering, performing with bands and eventually discovering, almost by accident, that he’d been supervising long before he knew the term existed. A look at how a lifetime of music naturally evolved...
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Trailer | Ad Sync: Money, Buyouts & AI: The Harsh Reality
In Season 9 of The Ultimate Sync Session, host Amelia sits down with Chilean music supervisor and creator Enzo Massardo for the most revealing series yet. They explore his 20-year journey through the Latin American advertising and TV industries, the emotional and ethical challenges behind major...
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Ep 05: Uncharted: Syncing Alicia Keys' New Doc
Jenn shares the intricate journey behind music supervising Uncharted, the Alicia Keys-backed documentary. From managing real-time songwriting camps and using artist-created music as score, to negotiating rights with major labels, this episode is a deep dive into storytelling, activism, and...
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Ep 04: Toxic Sets & Speaking Up: Music Supervisors Get Real
A raw and reflective discussion on navigating your first big film gig, overcoming self-doubt, and confronting toxicity on set. Leyla and Jenn open up about feeling like imposters, working in male-heavy teams, and the importance of standing your ground and leaning on your community. 👉 For…
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Ep 03: Splice Dilemmas: What You Can (and Can’t) Use
This episode dives into the muddy waters of music licensing around loops, samples, and Splice packs. Amelia, Jenn and Leyla unpack common misconceptions, explore the art of negotiation for tight budgets, and share practical wisdom onsecuring high-quality tracks without compromising relationships…
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Ep 02: Music Supervisors vs. Chaos: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
This episode tackles the high-stakes world of sync for live shows and fast-turnaround productions. Jenn and Leyla share wild stories, from last-minute clearances and artist mishaps to educating filmmakers about music licensing. It's an honest, sometimes hilarious look at the chaos and complexity...
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Ep 01: Leyla & Jenn: Crafting Soundtracks Across Borders
In this dynamic premiere, Amelia McCloskey dives into the origin stories of powerhouse music supervisors Jenn Smith and Leyla Flores. From Craigslist gigs and American Idol to music-filled childhoods and launching companies from scratch, the episode explores how passion and persistence shaped…
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Trailer | Women In Sync: Power, Pressure & Passion in Music Supervision
This is Season 8 of Ultimate Sync Sessions. Host Amelia McCloskey sits down with two powerhouse music supervisors, Leyla Flores (Loud Music Brokers, Mexico) and Jenn Smith (Rat Dance Party, USA), for a deep dive into the realities of sync licensing and creative supervision across film, TV, and…
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Ep 5: Lessons from a Billboard Power Player
In a reflective finale, Mike shares career-defining lessons and timeless advice for aspiring supervisors. He discusses integrity in creative choices, lifelong learning, and why passion and good taste will always outlast trends. His mantra: “Forget the title, focus on the work.” 👉 For exclusive...
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Ep 4: Music Pitching Secrets from Droga5
Mike offers invaluable advice to artists, labels, and publishers on pitching music for advertising. From perfect metadata to personalised outreach and well-curated playlists, he reveals what grabs a supervisor’s attention and what guarantees a delete. Practical, honest, and full of insider…
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Ep 3: The Sound of Hennessy - Crafting an Original Score
Diving deep into his portfolio, Mike discusses the creative and technical process behind iconic campaigns like Hennessy’s “Maurice Ashley”. He breaks down how originality, collaboration, and relentless experimentation shape award-winning work and why the best advertising music never sounds like…
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Ep 2: Workaholic or Music Addict?
Mike opens up about the realities behind success, late nights, relentless work, and the blurred lines between passion and burnout. He reflects on how his drive shaped his career and relationships, what fuels his motivation, and how true creatives never stop chasing the thrill of a perfect...
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Ep 1: Starting a Music Department from Scratch
Mike recounts his unconventional path into music supervision, from dreaming of being a rock star to discovering a career that merges creativity, sound, and strategy. He reveals how his deep musical knowledge and love for discovery led him to establish Droga5’s music department, transforming how…
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Trailer | Behind the Ads: Mike Ladman on Music, Brands & Creative
In this season 7 of Ultimate Sync Sessions, Amelia McCloskey sits down with Mike Ladman, Music Supervisor at Droga5, to explore his creative journey from record store clerk and DJ (“Puppy Hiccups”) to leading one of advertising’s most acclaimed music teams. Mike shares insights into building a...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the "Ultimate Sync Sessions," the premier podcast dedicated to exploring the dynamic world of the sync industry! Hosted by Amelia McCloskey, founder and CEO of AM Licensing and Ultimate Sync Access, this podcast is your ultimate guide to understanding the intricate processes and key players behind the music sync industry.Each episode of "Ultimate Sync Sessions" brings you engaging and insightful conversations with a diverse array of prominent guests who are shaping the future of music in media.
HOSTED BY
Ultimate Sync Access
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Ultimate Sync Sessions have?
Ultimate Sync Sessions currently has 86 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Ultimate Sync Sessions about?
Welcome to the "Ultimate Sync Sessions," the premier podcast dedicated to exploring the dynamic world of the sync industry! Hosted by Amelia McCloskey, founder and CEO of AM Licensing and Ultimate Sync Access, this podcast is your ultimate guide to understanding the intricate processes and key...
How often does Ultimate Sync Sessions release new episodes?
Ultimate Sync Sessions has 86 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Ultimate Sync Sessions?
You can listen to Ultimate Sync Sessions on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Ultimate Sync Sessions?
Ultimate Sync Sessions is created and hosted by Ultimate Sync Access.
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