VJ-ing, Live Cinema, and Live Audiovisual Performance involve the live manipulation or creation of visuals are different in their approaches to the relationships between narratives, visuals, and music. VJ-ing is more music-reactive focused, since VJs often work alongside a DJ; Live Cinema focuses on a narrative and coherence of that narrative; and Live Audiovisual Performance is more so about creating a synesthetic experience, where audio and visuals are all rolled into a singular sense.
Gabriel Menotti describes live cinema as a thematic coherence and narrative. It often involves the live creation or manipulation of visuals, but with a stronger emphasis on storytelling or thematic exploration. This form might include elements of VJ-ing but is generally more structured and conceptual. As we have seen in earlier classes, Light Surgeons exemplify live cinema through their multi-layered visual narratives that integrate documentary techniques, graphic design, and animation, constituting to a more subtle, contemplative experience.
Ana Carvalho describes A/V performance as a fusion of audio and visual elements created and performed live. She visualizes a unification of the audience, the artist, and the performance. This practice can encompass elements of VJ-ing and Live Cinema but emphasizes the technique and execution of the performance. An artist like Ryoichi Kurokawa uses creates synesthetic experiences such as his work in his project Subassemblies. The visuals and sound design interact with one another.