VJ – also known as visualist, projectionist, live mix video artist…not your videographer, not your filmmaker, we are perfomers mixing our video artworks LIVE to the music all around, with our fingers on our gear, and our eyes on the crowd, projections, and screens……our performances unfold as the evening unfolds….
So you want to work with a VJ. Curators, promoters, musicians, artistic collaborators, producers, curious minds —- here are a few simple things to keep in mind to keep that special VJ happy…..it all comes down to
GIVE CREDIT CREDIT CREDIT VJs are perfomers, just like a DJ, a band, a singer, a dancer etc. They make the show happen. GIVE CREDIT!
Before event:
During event:
After the event:
PAYMENT
Be clear and up front about your collaboration. If this is a paying or non-paying gig, make sure everyone knows. Don’t be surprised if your VJ asks you up front, even if they are your friend.
Be clear about how long you are asking your VJ to play-whether it is one set with a band, visuals for all bands, visuals for a whole party, or half the party, for the runway show, or in between sets…. Make sure you are both on the same page! This will make payment easier to figure out.
Depending on your event, proper pay for a VJ can go anywhere from $200 to $5,000+ per event. Of course, this depends on what kind of work you will be asking your VJ to do. Take a look at the first note in Tech Specs. Be prepared to discuss.
For low and no budgets– treat a VJ like any other performer— a few bucks, a couple drinks/tickets, guest comps, a ride home….. etc, are ways to keep your VJ happy. This often applies to musicians and bands working with a VJ, treat them like one of your band.
Again, GIVE SOME LOVE!
TECH SPECS!
· A plug and play is when your VJ plugs their gear into an existing video system, often the case in a club, or gallery. · A full video installation requires your VJ to install video projectors, screens, scrim, inflatables etc, then set up their equipment to mix. This is often the case at outdoor events, warehouse parties, converted spaces etc. · A specialized content gig requires your VJ to make specific visuals for your event, as is often the case in a corporate gig, or personal event like a wedding or birthday.
Lots of gigs are combinations of the above. Make sure to clear these differences up with your VJ in advance and be clear on what you are asking of them. They will be able to give you the proper timeline and cost for what you are asking them to do.
Again, whether the gig is a plug and play, or needs installation or equipment rentals etc, go over this with your VJ beforehand. Think of it this way, you wouldn’t ask a band to come play before making sure they know there is no sound system at the venue….
Discuss who will provide and install screens, cables, projectors, fabric etc. Don’t worry about all the technical details, your VJ will guide you. Talk over the entire scope of your idea with your VJ to see if there are issues that need to be addressed before the day of the event.
Lighting influences projections. · Have your lighting designer and VJ work out an environmental scheme that allows for their work to support each other. · Keep in mind that the presence of smoke, lights on the screens, equipment blocking the view, daylight etc can destroy a VJ performance and should be addressed in advance.
Other notes:
A SPECIAL NOTE FOR VJs
Thank you for reading this and supporting the art of VJs!
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