Abstract:
This thesis analyses some key factors of what is often considered a marginalised cultural and
creative practice, VJing. The term VJ historically refers to Video Jockey, though in its own right
VJ can be used to umbrella a number of various practices that utilise live visual media
performances. This study is based on the researcher's active participation in the New Zealand
(Kiwi) VJ scene for over thriteen years. Chapter One introduces some of the traditional principles
and factors that are still in use in contemporary VJ practices, as well as the characteristics of the
Kiwi VJ scene. Chapter Two outlines and analyses an experiment that takes these factors and
characteristics into consideration. The case study utilises peer to peer information gathering
through an experiment designed to generate a disruption to the intuitive mode of working to which
four veteran VJs have been accustomed. The case study experiment sought to isolate key factors
that impact on content creation and selection for live VJ mixing that utilise traditional principles.
During the analysis, the following factors were identified: time, sight, memory, finance,
environment, technology, availability, efficiency, compatibility, loops, silence, form, rhythm,
movement, shape, colour and music. The experiment centred around a sample library of original
content that the four VJs were asked to respond to, both through conversational dialogue and a live
VJ performance. The DVD contains the results of the individual performances.
