Panichkul, who has 14 years experience as a VJ, also emphasized that VJs need to keep learning to be successful with their shows.
“I have to learn and practice every day to find new and interesting stories that I can share with my audiences.”
In talking about the job of a VJ, which has been not very popular in Vietnam Utt, who is Thai-American, said though people usually mistake VJs for emcees, the two jobs are different from each other. To VJs, the job means a life. Utt, for example, lived in Singapore for 14 years and had his life changed.
“Sometimes it’s inevitable that you have to sacrifice your personal life for the job,” he shared.
“You’re not only an emcee and a person who transfers new music information and trends to your audiences, you’re also a symbol of lifestyle and fashion.”
Moreover, a VJ has to be the one that always catches new music trends, acting as a pioneer so that he can connect audiences with his show.
As a judge of MTV Vietnam’s VJ hunting-show, the 39-year-old expressed his satisfaction at discovering potential Vietnamese contestants.
“When the show is on air, people might not understand why some contestants were eliminated, however, as a coach, I know who has the ability to progress through how they improved during the three-week camp,” Utt stated.
“VJ Camp,” which kicked off in May with the participation of numerous Vietnamese nationals aged from 18 to 28, broadcast its first episode over the weekend. The show welcomes those who are knowledgeable and passionate about music and have good communication skills.
Besides Utt, the main judges include former Vietnamese model Thuy Hanh, who was also a judge on Vietnam’s Got Talent, and a guest judge who will be replaced every episode.
The list of guest judges consist of VJ Holly Grabarek, who won the MTV VJ Hunt in 2010, local emcee Thanh Bach, musicians Huy Tuan and Nguyen Hai Phong, actors Ngoc Hiep, Le Khanh, and fashion designer Cong Tri.
The show, directed by Dany Nguyen and emceed by Dang Khoa and Anh Vu, is scheduled to be broadcast on MTV Vietnam at 12pm every Sunday.