UKTI networks expand MHCMs contacts

UKTI networks expand MHCM’s contacts

Practical, personalised support from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has given My Hart Canyon Music crucial contacts and renewed confidence as it promotes its artists in the US and the Netherlands.

Exeter-based record label and publishing company My Hart Canyon Music (MHCM) represents rock band Iko. Iko has had a number of its tracks picked up for synchronisation. Its biggest deal was when its song Heart of Stone was used on the soundtrack and promotional trailer for Hollywood blockbuster The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2.

MHCM has worked with UKTI as it promotes Iko in the US:

  • received guidance about how to secure an exemption from paying tax on earnings from US companies

  • joined Passport to Export, the UKTI programme that helps businesses to prepare for international markets

  • secured a Market Visit Support grant towards the costs of joining a UKTI Sync Mission to Los Angeles

  • was part of the UKTI Sync Mission, a delegation of 50 UK music businesses on a four day visit to Los Angeles to network with 40 US-based music professionals working in film, TV, advertising and games

“As part of Passport to Export, I attended a two-day workshop called Developing International Business,” says Adrian Scragg, Managing Director of MHCM. “This was the first time we had considered ourselves as ‘exporters’ of music and this changed the way we approached the Sync Mission. The mission itself was amazing. Besides giving us the chance to place music and business cards in the hands of some key players in Los Angeles, we left with a strong database of contacts both in the US and UK.”

Strong support

Since the LA Sync Mission, MHCM has kept in touch with UKTI and the British Consulate in Los Angeles. In July 2013, the company was making plans for Iko to play in the US at a Twilight fan-convention. It commissioned an Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) asking UKTI and the Consulate in Los Angeles to publicise Iko’s gigs and set up meetings with useful contacts who could help to promote the band in the US. The British Vice Consul himself attended a performance at the prestigious Hotel Café, along with people from his network who he thought the band should meet. He also arranged meetings with four major companies, including Lionsgate Entertainment and Create Advertising.

Meanwhile, UKTI in Amsterdam has also been supporting MHCM in the Netherlands, providing background information on people that the company is working with there.

“When we hosted a launch event in London, seven people from the local Create Advertising office came along,” says Adrian. “We have since had a breakfast meeting with them and they are sending us briefs for music. The personal interest and hands-on support that we have had from UKTI has been genuinely useful and given us a lot of confidence.”

Fast facts

Company: My Hart Canyon Music

Website: www.myhartcanyon.com

Helping you access international markets

Doing business in another country can be a challenge, so it’s good to know that UK Trade & Investment is there to help you succeed.

Through a range of unique services, including participation at selected trade fairs, overseas missions and providing bespoke market intelligence, UK Trade & Investment can help you crack foreign markets and quickly get to grips with regulations and business practices overseas.

UK Trade & Investment’s Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) is a flexible business tool, letting you use the services of our trade teams, located in our embassies, high commissions and consulates across the world, to benefit your business.

A service package could include:

  • Market, sector advice

  • Analysis of market entry strategies

  • Support during overseas visits

  • Identification of possible business partners

Sectors: Creative & Media
Export Action Plan