Video Jockey commonly called VJ, as a career has become one of the top most career options among the media savvy and music-crazy younger generation in the recent past. With the opening up of the most widely used mass media (TV) for the private players in the mid ninety’s and starting of a host of new 24-hour music channels by various private players that too with a huge success, Video jockeying is becoming an exciting career option for the music crazy generation.
During the earlier years of its advent, the main job of a VJ used to be only to introduce new videos and host some music related programmes. But with the increase in the competition among the channels to top in the rating so many new innovative shows have been incorporated by them every now and then thus increasing the demand of these professions to a greater extent.
In the last couple of years, their domain of work has spread many folds. Now they are not involved only in introducing some music videos or hosting some music programmes. Now, they are also hosting game shows to travel shows to youth forums, chatting with the public, doing interviews with artists and music celebrities etc.
They are also involved in behind-the-camera work like deciding on the theme of the programme and choosing the songs and video that suit the theme of the show, participating in promotional programmes like road shows, attending theme parties and with experience, even writing scripts for the show they are going to host. In short, one can say that a lot of opportunities exist for a professional in this field.
Video joking is a profession which requires a lot of hard work and presence of mind as they must constantly keep up-to-date on the latest trends in music, all the latest videos and information about music stars etc. They also should have a considerably good knowledge of all types of music besides being informed of a bit of everything from films to politics to travel, whatever the theme the show demands. They must be able to answer any queries about music and other related arts.
It is the performance of these Video Jockeys that makes or mars the credibility and popularity of a channel. Video jockeys are always expected with new ideas, concepts along with a lot of enthusiasm.
Video Jockey Eligibility
Video Jockeying is a talent based field. Basically, there is no need of any kind of formal education to be a VJ but to learn the tricks of the trade at a fast pace the aspirants should be at least plus two or graduate, preferably in the field of mass communication.
Video Jockey Required Skills
- Video jockey should be energetic, good sense of humour, excellent communication skills, good voice modulation and excellent knowledge of the subject.
- They should be able to undertake a lot of other functions as well such as writing the script for the program, preparing a list of the songs to be played during the program, deciding different themes and interacting with the audience.
- They should have a pleasing personality and good command over the language; be able to engage the audience by describing some interesting facts or share some anecdotes about the celebrities.
- Video Jockey should have his own style of communicating and presenting him/her before the viewers; be warm, friendly, spontaneous, and dynamic skills so that he/she could leave an everlasting impression of his personality on his viewer.
How to become a Video Jockey?
To become a Video Jockey the aspiring candidates have to follow the given steps:
Step 1
After completing 12 class aspiring candidates can join some short-term VJ courses run by former VJ's.in the institutes run by their name in some of the metro cities of India and abroad.
Step 2
After completing this 3-6 months course in which one has to go through all the major aspects of the field of study one can join some channel to start his / career on a high note.
Institutes offering Courses for Video Jockey
- Purple Rose Arts and Media Institute, Noida
- International School of Media and Entertainment Studies (ISOMES), Noida
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi
- Amity School of Communication, Noida
Video Jockey Job Description
- Video Jockey job description includes introducing music videos and hosting music programmes in the public functions as well as on electronic and social media.
- They are also supposed to hosting game shows to travel shows to youth forums, chatting with the public, doing interviews with artists and music celebrities etc.
- Nowadays their job also includes involvement in behind-the-camera work like deciding on the theme of the programme and choosing the songs and video that suit the theme of the show, participating in promotional programmes like road shows, attending theme parties and even writing scripts for the show they are going to host.
Video Jockey Career Prospects
Video Jockey Jobs has now become of diversifying nature. They are not supposed to work for any number of fixed hours a day. In fact, they work according to the assignments given to them from time to time. They can be asked to anchor a show any time of the day or night. A Video Jockey should also be able to write scripts for a show and should be aware of the latest movies and songs. Besides he should also be able to deal with sound equipment and computers.
There is a lot of scope for good VJ on channels like MTV, Channel V, B4U music, MCM Asia etc, and other regional music channels. One can enter into this field by giving an audition to various channels or by taking part and winning the contests running especially for these jobs like talent hunt etc. With the opening up of the airtime for the private players, Video Jockey’s are in high demand in almost all the TV channels. They are also required in event management companies to perform various events sponsored by the corporate sector.
Video Jockey Salary
Salary of beginner VJ's can range from Rs.25,000 to Rs.30,000 per month. For sponsored programs after some success, one can earn on the part-time or the assignment basis and can demand as high as Rs. 1,00,000 per assignment. Though considered to be a short-term career, owing to high competition from younger aspirants yet it opens up a lot of other employment areas in the same field, once the career as a VJ is on the sliding slope. Thus, all in all, a career in the hunt for present generation youths with enthusiasm.
