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As clubbing and new technology have become
more popular, a new art form has been born. VJing is the art
of mixing visuals and creating stunning effects in time to
music.
Jamie Corteen from 2BitTV, a VJ group in
Norwich, explained what it's all about.
"VJing is the video performance of live
visuals," he said.
"It can be compared to DJing I suppose,
where DJs use music with vinyl or CD's, VJs use computers
video players and cameras."
VJing has become very popular at club nights
and with live bands, however these aren't the only events
you'll find VJs.
"We've done events at art galleries,
product launches, festivals, anywhere that the video would
make an impact really," said Jamie.
So, what equipment do I need to be a VJ I
hear you ask?
Well that's one of the beauties of VJing.
There isn't one definite set up.
"Because this is a relatively new art
form there isn't a standard set up," explained Jamie.
"Where as DJ's have two turntables and
a mixer, VJ's use everything from old TV production equipment
to brand new computers, laptops and everything in between."
James teaching at the Blast VJ course |
The two three day courses at The Forum in
Norwich were staged by BBC Blast in association with 2BitTV.
2BitTV is a group of VJs, video editors and
DJs based in Norwich.
From their first gig in the middle of a field
in a thunderstorm, the organisation have now come a long way
- they now performance with a great
list of DJs and bands and are trying to encourage and spread
the word of VJing in the East of England.
Robbie Garbutt attended a similar course
run by 2BitTV around a year ago and now he regularly VJs at
events all over Norfolk.
"My friend did the course and said it
was really good, so I went along and tried it out. I thought
it was really good and that's how I got into it.
"After that we did the showcase at the
end of the course and then helped Jamie and his team set up
for gigs and stuff.
"We eventually built up our own clips
and then Jamie said we could start doing gigs.
Robbie was also impressed with facilities
at The Forum for the course.
"The set up is really nice at The Forum,"
he said. There is a lot of computers and a lot of room. Also
The Forum is a really nice place to film."
Students get down to some serious creativity
during VJ course at The Forum |
The courses were not just for people who
had experience of video.
Phil Slatter joined the VJ course not having
had much previous experience at all. He said it's been a very
valuable experience:
"We've been VJing which involved going
out and capturing bits of video of things and then coming
back and editing the material and playing around with it.
"It's great fun and I have learnt a
lot and can now go home and use my skills as a hobby."
But what does Jamie from 2BitTV like about
being a VJ? Easy, it's just so much fun!
"VJing is great. Playing in a club with
top name DJ's and you're entertaining the crowd. You're making
them laugh, chuckle and it's great.
"You get a chance to educate as well.
We try and include some form of social message, not at all
events but at some of our events. It's just a very good way
to entertain and educate a lot of people."
Lots of new talent was uncovered on the course
so watch out for top VJs in the future that have their roots
in Norfolk! Let's hope to see this art form grow and grow.
 DJ
nights in Watton
Blast
music
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TIM
FIELDING 
