Music for picture

From mood board to final mix on the timeline: original music and sound design that moves with your picture, without generic stock loops everyone else uses.

Composer and director reviewing video in studio

Music for picture is for filmmakers, agencies, brands and creators who want video, social clips or ads supported with bespoke audio. In our Overtoom control room we blend synths, live instruments from the studio and focused sound design into a mix that fits your edit.

We prefer a locked cut or a clear animatic. Voice-over only? Vocal recording is often faster; long podcast series belong in podcast recording. Usage rights are covered in terms and conditions.

Process

01
Creative brief
Send picture (or storyboard), length, audience and references — direction, not a mandatory “sound like X”. We confirm scope and rate.
02
Sketches
Short themes or an sfx library for approval. On ads we focus on hook and logo audio within your seconds.
03
Production
Recording in live room or control room, editing and mix to picture. Stems on request for later tweaks.
04
Final mix
Mix to your video export (48 kHz typical). Up to 2 revision rounds on the music mix within agreed scope.

Typical jobs

Online campaigns, product films, documentary segments, title sequences, app onboarding and short social formats. We do not score full feature length on one day rate — we do episodes, spots up to a minute and recognisable sonic branding for series.

If your band already has a song for picture, mastering and maybe mixing bridge the gap; we do not write a new piece but align sync and length.

Working with directors

Come alone or with director, editor and client. We project picture in the control room (20 m²) and mark tempo changes on the timeline. Bundle feedback per round — that fits our 2 revisions.

Location recording outside the studio is outside standard rates; within Amsterdam we discuss travel separately. Book an intro via the form or [email protected].

What you supply

Video export without music (H.264 or ProRes), preferably with timecode or a clear start frame. State final length, platform (TV, YouTube, Instagram) and whether voice-over is already on the timeline.

Brand guidelines for tempo and mood
Any sfx you own (with rights)
Deadline and approver contact
For ads: broadcast loudness specs if known

No picture yet? We can work to animatic or audio-only with a length map — sync stays loose until picture exists.

Sound design versus score

Sound design covers whooshes, UI clicks, ambience and accents; score is melody, harmony and rhythm. Most projects combine both. We keep sfx under dialogue when voice comes from podcast recording or an external source.

We use stock libraries sparingly and replace them where possible with our own captures from the live room (36 m²) so your mix sounds distinct in your sector.

Rates: hour, minute, day

Music for picture (incl. 21% VAT)
Option	Price
Studio per hour	€115
Final mix per minute (up to 60 s)	€420
Full day (8 hours)	€890

The per-minute rate applies to finished mixes up to sixty seconds — ideal for spots. Longer formats bill by hour or day depending on complexity. Net day rate: €735.54 for business clients.

30% deposit; free cancellation up to 7 days before the session. Replies within 1 business day.

Delivery and formats

Default: stereo WAV 48 kHz, 24-bit, plus a second version under dialogue if needed. Stems (music, sfx, bass) on request for extra work. We do not deliver broadcast-mastered files unless you also book mastering on the music-only bounce.

Files stay in archive for 12 months. Extended campaigns can often reuse the same project with small edit fees.

Rights and credits

Usage and buy-out are set per quote; default is use for the agreed medium and territory. Exclusivity or worldwide TV rights cost more and are stated explicitly. On-screen credits are welcome, not required.

Sample clearance for third-party loops is yours unless we agree otherwise in writing. See privacy policy if you share unpublished footage.

Not included

Full film production, colour grading, subtitles, voice casting, actors and location permits are outside this service. We will not mix commercial hits under your edit without licence.

Live orchestra or large ensembles do not fit all 3 rooms at once — max 6 musicians in the live room per house rules. Capacity questions? FAQ or call 020 737 0842.

Included

Creative alignment to picture or animatic
Original music and/or sound design in studio
Mix to your video export
Up to 2 revision rounds within scope
Stereo WAV 48 kHz plus optional stem export
Balance with voice-over or dialogue track
Project archive for 12 months

FAQ

When do I pick per minute versus hourly?

For finished spots up to 60 seconds, €420 per minute is often predictable. Longer or open-ended exploration fits €115 or €890 better.

Does my edit need to be final?

A locked cut avoids extra cost. Small length changes after delivery can be remixed at the hourly rate.

Can you mix under existing voice-over?

Yes — send dialogue and music as separate tracks. Voice from our podcast recording is already familiar level-wise.

Do you work with agencies outside Amsterdam?

Yes. Briefing and review can be remote; recording and mix happen at Overtoom 682. The studio is on Overtoom in Oud-West. Tram 1 (Overtoom stop) and tram 7 (Marnixplein stop) are a short walk away. From Amsterdam Zuid station, allow about 15 minutes on tram 1 towards Centraal. Bike racks are in front of the entrance; car parking is limited — use Q-Park Byzantium (Overtoom) or on-street spaces outside blue-zone hours.

How does VAT work for B2B?

With a valid EU VAT ID we invoice net where applicable; otherwise 21% VAT on consumer rates. See terms for 14-day payment on B2B invoices.