How to Become a Video Jockey

About Video Jockey

A Video Jockey or VJ is a new term that was termed for the people who shoot live video clips or music videos. Initially, the term Disc Jockey (DJ) was famous for the people who play music. But a VJ is one where you will be infornt of the camera and shoot yourself for any video or live performances for the audience. With changing times, people now appreciate VJ to be a career option. Many youths aspire to be VJ or Video influencers as a career in the future. 

With multiple music channels on TV, a career as a VJ is possible now. Many established institutes have launched programmes to prepare candidates to emerge as VJs. Being a VJ is fun, exciting, and also carries a lot of responsibility. A VJ is always expected to be prepared and aware of all the trending music and in-depth knowledge of music. They not just have to know music, but also present it to the world. Many VJs are also hosts or anchors for music channels, videos, shows, or programs. Hence, pursuing a career to become a VJ in India is now possible. 

Eligibility to become Video Jockey

To become a Video Jockey, there is not any specific degree. However, a candidate is expected to be well-prepared for it. Broadly, to become a VJ, there are two ways:

Further, Candidates may pursue any of the following courses to build a career as a Vidoe Jockey:

• Course in Acting and Camera
• BA Journalism
• BS Communication
• Diploma in Communication and Media Development
• Course in TV Reporting, Presentation, and Production

Types of Job Roles Video Jockey

Video Jockeys have ample job roles. But they must always be available to accept the job role. Apart from the educational qualification, candidates are required much more. They must be witty, talkative, and have a sense of humor. Here are some of the job roles available for Video Jockeys:

Anchor Shows: They might have to anchor shows on a reality TV show. 

Present Music: VJ is also expected to present Music Videos, or launch music videos on various platforms.

Influencer: VJs can also be social media or TV influencers to attract mass audiences.

In India, there are many VJs that upcoming generations look up to. Some of the most famous VJs are:

• Ayushman Khuranna
• Amrita Arora
• Gurbani Judge
• Mini Mathur
• Cyrus Broacha

Employment Sector/Industry for Video Jockey

• It requires engaging in conversation with multiple people.
• Always be updated with the latest music and related information.
• May also involve anchoring or launching or hosting shows and making announcements.
• Writing interesting and relatable scripts or content.
• Always be lively, fluent, and witty in responding and making conversations.
• Being talkative is an additional benefit.
• Being able to tactfully respond to others or the audience. 
• Updated in operating various software and types of equipment.
• Listening to what others have to say and working on their feedback.

Pay Scale/Salary of Video Jockey

The salary for a Video Jockey solely depends on experience and quality of delivery. On average, a newbie can expect to get 20,000-25,000 per month. But, with experience, it can also exceed from 60,000 -1lakh per month. Renowned VJ also charges as per appearances and not monthly basis. Well-established VJ also gets paid on a per-day basis from 20,000-50,000. There is no bar to the limit. A VJ can earn the most salary with their delivery of work. And with poor delivery of work, they will be paid extremely low. 

In a world of fame and glamor, the competitions are quite high. So are the bars to meet. Hence, anyone with sheer dedication and the correct path can get fame along with high salary cheques. Constantly being the face of music pays a lot. If one knows how to present and host the show/music, they have great potential to earn as a Video Jockey.

Books & Study Material to Become Video Jockey

Preparing to become a Video Jockey prefers more field knowledge than book knowledge. Anyone aspiring to become a VJ must read books related to general knowledge, current affairs, magazines, grammar books, and other such books. It is best to depend on video content than on written or printed content. There are not in particular books for a Video Jockey. However, there are a few that are helpful for a Video Jockey:

• Encyclopedia of Journalism and Mass Communication by OM Gupta.
• The Radio Jockey Handbook by Simran Kohli.

Further, candidates interested in studying Video Jockey as a career may apply for these entrance exams in the following institutions:

• Radio City School of Broadcasting
• IIMC
• Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication.

Pros of becoming a Video Jockey

• A VJ can connect to a large mass and impact them with positivity and awareness.
• Brings a lot of opportunities.
• Also brings fame in the life of a VJ.
• After establishment, the salary is quite high.

Cons of becoming a Video Jockey

• The competition is very high.
• Candidates must always be on their tiptoes to act effectively and efficiently.
• Time Management is another issue. The schedules are tight.
• The initial salary is low.