Key Points –
- The Studio Episode 2 features a humorous moment where a director asks for $800,000 to license The Rolling Stones’ song “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” for her film.
- The price is exaggerated but not unrealistic—licensing costs for classic songs like this can reach six figures, sometimes even more.
- The episode uses the song in an ironic twist, emphasizing Hollywood’s obsession with expensive music cues.
How Much Does It Really Cost to License a Rolling Stones Song?
In The Studio Episode 2, titled “The Oner,” a film director at Continental Studios requests an $800,000 budget to license The Rolling Stones’ hit “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” The gag plays into the absurdity of Hollywood’s spending habits, but it raises a legitimate question—how much does it actually cost to license a song from The Rolling Stones?
While the notion of spending millions on a single song may sound exaggerated, it’s not entirely far-fetched. Music licensing fees vary based on factors like song popularity, duration of use, and medium (film, TV, advertising, streaming, etc.). A track from a legendary band like The Rolling Stones can command high six-figure prices, especially for major studio productions.
For example, Microsoft reportedly paid $4 million to use “Start Me Up” for its Windows 95 launch, a rare instance where a song’s licensing cost exceeded a million dollars. However, most film and TV uses fall within the $100,000-$800,000 range for a premium classic like “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Past uses of the song in movies like The Big Chill and 21 or TV series like Californication suggest a realistic ballpark for the licensing fee.
In The Studio, the $800,000 price tag isn’t entirely outlandish, especially given inflation and the growing demand for classic rock in modern media. While not the standard rate for all Rolling Stones tracks, it aligns with real industry trends.
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Why Does The Studio Use the Song in an Ironic Twist?
Beyond the licensing discussion, The Studio uses “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” as a comedic payoff. Throughout the episode, Matt Remick (Seth Rogen), the newly appointed studio head, disrupts a critical one-take shot, much to the frustration of the film’s director. However, she tolerates his meddling because she hopes to secure approval for the expensive Rolling Stones track.
Matt eventually suggests that lead actress Greta Lee smokes a joint during the scene, complicating the already fragile production. In a final ironic twist, despite everything falling apart, the episode ends with “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” playing—mocking the film’s failure and highlighting Matt’s unwitting sabotage.
This moment underscores Hollywood’s obsession with big-ticket music cues. The episode pokes fun at the industry’s willingness to pour massive amounts of money into a single song, even if the overall production is falling apart. It’s a brilliant example of self-aware satire within the show’s larger critique of the film business.
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Does The Studio Exaggerate, or Is It Accurate?
While the notion of a Rolling Stones song costing millions is exaggerated for comedic effect, the actual licensing fees for top-tier classic rock tracks can reach substantial sums. The episode takes a satirical jab at the sometimes-ridiculous financial decisions studios make when chasing prestige elements for their films.
In real life, licensing fees depend on negotiation, song length, and distribution rights. While independent films might struggle to afford even $50,000 for a song, a major studio-backed project—like the fictional one in The Studio—could feasibly justify an $800,000 expenditure.
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Ultimately, The Studio doesn’t entirely fabricate its claim; instead, it cleverly heightens reality for comedic effect. The takeaway? Licensing The Rolling Stones is pricey, but the true cost depends on the film, the budget, and just how badly the producers want that iconic track.
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