David Lowe and Steve Levine head to Liverpool to offer free advice to music makers

PRS for Music, the membership organisation that represents the likes of local Merseyside music stars CamelPhat, MiC LOWRY, The Wombats and over 140,000 music creators across the UK, is coming to Liverpool to inspire the next generation of musical talent.

As part of PRS for Music’s educational Outreach series in collaboration with The Ivors Academy, How To Place Your Music in Film and TV, will take place at Music Room, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Tuesday 12 November and will offer local songwriters, composers, producers and artists, the chance to learn how to write for a TV show or create music for advertising campaigns.  

The evening begins with a special In Conversation with David Lowe, the renowned composer, arranger and producer, whose music fronts some of the most popular shows on British TV today including, BBC News, The X Factor, Countryfile, Panorama, Grand Designs, to name a few. In this intimate and insightful chat, Lowe will offer advice about the world of sync, while music creators will learn what it is to prepare, pitch and place songs in film and television.

Later in the evening, and experienced speakers from across the industry including The Beach Boys and Culture Club producer and BBC radio presenter, Steve Levine, and member of electro-pop band Stealing Sheep, Becky Hawley, will discuss what creators need to know in today’s complex world of music. They will divulge everything attendees have ever wanted to know about getting their music used on both the big and small screen. 

Also sharing their experiences will be Patrick Cloherty, sync catalogue manager at Sentric Music and Gemma Jones, music supervisor at Lime Pictures. Collectively, they have placed music in top TV programmes and commercials, from Dolce & Gabbana and Adidas adverts, to Sky Sports, and Channel 4 hit series’ Skins and Hollyoaks. 

The session will be followed by a chance to meet and network with speakers and potential collaborators.

As a membership society, PRS for Music represents songwriters, composers, producers and music publishers in the UK and beyond, championing their rights and helping to make sure that they are paid whenever their music is streamed, downloaded, broadcast, performed or played in public. The Ivors Academy is the independent professional association for songwriters and composers across all genres, with the mission to support, protect and celebrate music creators in the UK.

There is something special about getting your music on the screen – whether it’s in a memorable advert or a dramatic moment in the latest hit TV series or film. This panel will discuss everything from planning your pitch to the world of music sync licensing and making sure you get paid. As a membership organisation, PRS for Music doesn’t just collect royalties on your behalf. We’re also here to highlight ways music creators can make money while developing their careers

We are excited to take part in this series of events to equip creators with vital information to understand the different ways music can generate revenue and sustain a career. Supporting and educating songwriters and composers in this way is fundamental to our mission cultivating the next generation of creative talent and helping them succeed in the music business.

While the event is free, space is limited so please ensure you book a space online if you wish to attend. Both non-members and PRS for Music members are encouraged to attend.

Event details

6pm - Doors Open

6.30pm – 7.30pm: In Conversation with David Lowe 
An illustrated talk from this renowned television and radio composer about his career and latest projects.

8pm – 9.15pm: Panel – How To Place Your Music in Film and TV
The area of ‘sync’ rights has become increasingly important in recent years for songwriters as both a valuable income stream and also for raising their profile, but it’s still a mystery for many artists how music is sourced and selected.

Panellists:

• Daniel Jones (PRS for Music – Moderator)
• Becky Hawley (Stealing Sheep)
• Dave Newton (PRS for Music)
• Gemma Jones (Lime Pictures)
• Patrick Cloherty (Sentric Music)
• Steve Levine (Producer & Composer)

9.15pm – 10pm - Networking

The evening closes with a networking session.

About PRS for Music

Here for music since 1914, PRS for Music is a world-leading music collective management organisation representing the rights of more than 175,000 talented songwriters, composers and music publishers. Redefining the global standard for music royalties, PRS for Music ensures songwriters and composers are paid whenever their musical compositions and songs are streamed, downloaded, broadcast, performed and played in public. 

For 110 years it has grown and protected the rights of the music creator community, paying out royalties with more accuracy, transparency and speed. In 2023, PRS for Music paid out £943.6m in royalties and collected a record £1.08 billion in revenues. prsformusic.com

About The Ivors Academy

The Ivors Academy is the UK’s independent professional association for music creators. We represent and champion a diverse, talented community of songwriters and composers. We are a self-funded not-for-profit organisation, relying on the continued support of our members and partners to carry on our work. 

Our Ivor Novello Awards are the ultimate accolade for songwriting and composition in the industry. The Ivors with Apple Music celebrate the talents of songwriters and screen composers, and The Ivors Composer Awards recognise music creators in the classical, jazz and sound art fields.