Brian Berger
Calabasas,CA
Summary
Dynamic professional with a proven track record of success in guiding the music direction of animated series, film productions, albums and commercials. Collaborate closely with showrunners, producers, music supervisors, creators and brand executives to shape the musical identity of projects. Skilled in reading development scripts, crafting music briefs, and recommending key music hires. Extensive experience working with both A-list and upcoming artists, producers and songwriters to create memorable soundtracks that enhance storytelling. Proficient in talent scouting, contract negotiation and music licensing. Detail-oriented, trustworthy, highly organized with excellent communication skills and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Music Supervisor - BE@RBRICK
DreamWorks Animation TV - NBC Universal
Glendale , CA
09.2022 - Current
- Apple TV+ expands its Academy and Emmy Award-winning offering of stories for kids and families with BE@RBRICK, a 13-episode animated series from DreamWorks Animation and Dentsu Inc. Told through CG animation, and based on MEDICOM TOY’s world-renowned collectible bear-shaped figures, BE@RBRICK is a music-driven comedy about young singer-songwriter Jasmine and her bandmates as they pursue their dreams.
- Working directly with Alexandra Nickson (SVP, Music, DreamWorks Animation), and Meghan McCarthy (Showrunner).
- Collaborated with my network of artists, producers and songwriters for theme song (Nash Overstreet), and all custom episodic ditties. Hired and oversaw, Mostly Music Agency (The Morning Show, John Wick, The Hunger Games), on all music licensing and WFH agreements.
- Hired and managed composers, Shirley Song and Jina Hyojin (XO, Kitty, Trollhunters: Rise Of The Titans, Mira, Royal Detective) to develop an effective musical score for the project.
- Regularly participated and facilitated spotting sessions.
- Coordinated both in-person and virtual vocal production sessions with cast and songwriters.
- Supervised post-production activities such as editing, mixing, mastering and scoring.
- Compiled playlists based on specific music brief criteria such as style, mood and genre.
- Conducted interviews with composers and songwriters to help inform creative decisions.
- Served as a liaison between clients, producers, composers and musicians throughout the entire production process.
- Coordinated with production teams to determine project requirements and budgeting needs.
- Researched copyright issues related to music and cleared rights for usage in production.
- Organized in-person and virtual recording sessions, including hiring musicians and engineers as needed.
SVP, A&R
Beatclub, Inc.
West Hollywood , CA
09.2020 - 02.2024
- Daily interaction with chairman, Timbaland, and department heads regarding artist roster and ongoing projects.
- Music supervision for Fables animated series (Bron Digital), narrated by Ricky Gervais and voiced by Jemaine Clement, Natasha Lyonne, JB Smoove, Roman Griffin Davis, etc. Collaborated with 7x Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Federico Vindver (Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Meghan Trainor) for theme song, as well as upcoming artists, songwriters, producers for original episodic ditties.
- Music supervision for Gossamer animated series (Bron Digital), voiced by Forest Whitaker, Thomasin McKenzie, Vera Farmiga and Richard E. Grant.
- Music supervision, scoring and licensing for BodyArmor (Coca-Cola) "Field of Fake" 2024 Super Bowl commercial featuring Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb, Joe Burrow, Alex Morgan, Ronald Acuna Jr. and Connor McDavid.
- Music supervision and licensing for Powerade "What 50% More Means" 2023 NCAA Final Four commercial featuring Ja Morant. A&R direction on "Mo Up Front" by NLE Choppa (Warner Records) that was synched to ad campaign.
- Music supervision, scoring and licensing for Los Angeles Clippers 2023 player introduction music. Collaborated with 4x Grammy Award-winner, Larrance Dopson (Jay-Z, Usher, Kendrick Lamar).
- Music supervision and score for BodyArmor (Coca-Cola) "Choose More" 2023 television commercial starring Jennifer Lopez. Collaborated with Grammy Award-winner, Angel Lopez (Jack Harlow, Justin Timberlake, Coldplay).
- Music supervision and licensing for BodyArmor (Coca-Cola) "One More" 2021 commercial featuring James Harden, Naomi Osaka, Mookie Betts, Trae Young, Baker Mayfield and Carlos Vela. At the time the company's biggest-ever ad campaign.
- Collaborated with Atlantic Records, SVP of A&R, Darrale Jones, on producer writing camp for Grammy Award-winning artist, Cardi B.
- Collaborated/A&R with NEON16 (Tainy, Yandel, Albert Hype), VP, Head of Producer & Songwriter Management, Juan Pablo Victoria, on recording sessions for Marco "Mag" Borrero, Bad Bunny, Cardi B. and Rmand.
- Coordinated A-list songwriting camps in Los Angeles and Miami. Attended by Grammy Award-winning artists, producers and songwriters including Timbaland, Boi-1da, Tommy Brown, Mike WiLL Made-It, Afrojack, Larrance Dopson, NLE Choppa, Symba, Baby Miko, Kaliii, Sonny Digital, Derrick Milano, Syd, Jozzy, !llmind, CashMoneyAP, SkipOnTheBeat, OG Parker, FNZ, D Smoke, OHGEESY, 88-Keys, Angel Lopez and Stacy Barthe.
- Partnered with Reservoir Media on profit-sharing deal for exclusive pre-cleared library for producer sampling. Collaboration lead to Mike WiLL Made-It lead single "Blood Moon" co-produced with J. Cole and featuring Lil Uzi Vert.
- Partnered with Steve Mayer (Senior EVP, Chief Content Officer) at the National Hockey League (NHL) to create exclusive custom tracks for high-profile hockey games. Featured in Rolling Stone Magazine, the partnership created a library of pre-cleared songs for use both in-arena and televised productions including 2021-23 Stanley Cup playoffs/Finals, All-Star Games, NHL official social media and "Quest for the Stanley Cup" docuseries streaming on ESPN+.
- Music Supervision/A&R for launch campaign on Comedy Central's "The God Honest Truth" featuring Charlamagne Tha God and Stephen Colbert.
- Music Supervision/A&R for main title song on Showtime's upcoming "Noah's Arc", and all original songs for VH1's "A New Diva's Christmas Carol" starring Ashanti with Drew Love (John Legend, Chris Brown, Kacey Musgraves).
- Built out custom library of DEI creators for Paramount music library; over 120 tracks placed.
- Partnered with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) on administrative publishing deal.
- Partnered with Grammy Award-winning artist, Estelle, on her official "American Boy" 15th anniversary remix.
A&R
Steven Universe: The Movie
Los Angeles , CA
11.2018 - 09.2019
- American animated musical television film based on the animated television series Steven Universe created by Rebecca Sugar. The film premiered on Cartoon Network on September 2, 2019.
- Coordinated/A&R "Isn't It Love?" and "True Kinda Love" for soundtrack and in film use with 4x Grammy Award-winning songwriter, James Fauntleroy (SZA, Bruno Mars, Rihanna), Grammy Award-winning artist, Estelle, and series creator, Rebecca Sugar.
Music Supervisor/Marketing Manager
Def Jam Enterprises (Def Jam Rapstar)
New York , NY
01.2012 - 02.2016
- Nominated for Best Soundtrack and Best Music Game at the 2012 Spike Video Game Awards.
- Handled all creative selections and publishing clearances, in collaboration with DMG Clearances (Deborah Mannis-Gardner) for music in the video game.
- Executed multi-platform marketing strategy with a specific focus on lifestyle and event marketing to achieve entertainment industry relevance, product awareness, public relations exposure and digital/social networking impact to increase direct-to-consumer and business-to-business value.
- Successfully executed over 60 events. Managed $1M budget for planning and logistical management of video game demonstration events from inception to completion - including but not limited to: day-to-day networking to solicit brand opportunities, creative design and direction, budget negotiation, quality control (branding
and technical), vendor and venue relationships, written and verbal communication between all parties, legal compliance and management of internal staff and freelance consultants. Activations included major music and sporting events nationwide, including Grammys, BET Awards, MTV VMAs, NBA All-Star Weekend, celebrity charity events, album release and listening events, Def Jam Rapstar New York launch event and national radio campaign culminating in live tournament events at Best Buy locations with artist appearances and $50K in prizing. - Reviewed and approved audio for video game, ensuring that all music was properly licensed.
- Ensured quality control of the songs by selecting appropriate instrumentals.
- Managed complex licensing agreements involving multiple parties such as songwriters, performers or publishers.
Director, A&R
Atlantic Records
New York , NY
01.2006 - 12.2011
- Daily interaction with chairman, Craig Kallman and senior A&R, marketing and radio promotion staff regarding current album cycles.
- Reviewed new music submissions to identify potential talent for signing.
- Responsible for discovery and development of platinum-selling recording artist, Maino. Oversaw artist recording contract and production of his debut album (750k recording fund).
- Negotiated traditional, as well as “360”, recording contracts with both new and established artists.
- Maintained relationships with publishers, record labels, attorneys, managers and other industry contacts.
- Arranged and oversaw recording sessions with Grammy Award-winning producers such as Timbaland, Danja, Nineteen85, Supa Dups, DJ Mustard, Just Blaze, Travis Barker, J.R. Rotem, Cool & Dre, DJ Khaled.
- Notable artist credits include T.I., Lupe Fiasco, Wiz Khalifa, B.O.B., Missy Elliot, Estelle, Flo Rida, Simple Plan, Trey Songz, James Blunt, Juvenile, Jim Jones, B.G., Gym Class Heroes.
Education
Master of Arts - Music Business
New York University
New York, NY05-2005
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
SUNY Buffalo State
Buffalo, NY06-2002
Skills
- Budget Development
- Talent scouting
- Music Supervision
- Creative Direction
- Contract Negotiation
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Film/TV Soundtrack Development
- Time Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Music Supervisor - BE@RBRICK
DreamWorks Animation TV - NBC Universal
09.2022 - Current
SVP, A&R
Beatclub, Inc.
09.2020 - 02.2024
A&R
Steven Universe: The Movie
11.2018 - 09.2019
Music Supervisor/Marketing Manager
Def Jam Enterprises (Def Jam Rapstar)
01.2012 - 02.2016
Director, A&R
Atlantic Records
01.2006 - 12.2011
Master of Arts - Music Business
New York University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
SUNY Buffalo State
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