First they collect a growing stock of samples from films, TV shows and the Web. They borrow from many stylistic genres that can be psychedelic, cinematic, surreal, funny, funky, nostalgic, shocking or thought provoking. They also generate original Images and animations using software such as Photoshop, Flash or Premiere. VJs use video mixers and projectors along with one of a number of specialised VJing software to create unique real-time visual mixes. Far from simply pressing PLAY on a VCR, this is an improvised jam session, in which the VJ responds to the music, free-associating images and synchronising movements cuts and repetitions to the rhythm and structure of the music.
Timing is crucial.
A good VJ reads the space, the crowd and the music while they perform. These days, we are seeing more and more VJs outside of the Club environment. As the leisure and retail industries increasingly recognise the benefits of using music and visuals to provide an experience for their customers, there is no telling where we will see the VJ's talents used next. If you're aged between 18 and 25 years old, live in the UK and are passionate about Film, Television or related New Media, we want to here from you. You have the ideas and the talent, but you're missing a professional crew, industry standard equipment and a few zeros on your budget.