I see here that Automator can be used to create commands that then can be triggered globally.
I have no idea how to use Automator but see that it has some options for involving applications… Can a "service" be created for VLC that will then be bound to keystroke triggers?
What I want are simple commands like pause/play, back and forward that could be used with shortcuts no matter what other window application is on top.
Best Answer
You can create services like this:
Then give the services shortcuts from System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Services.
I prefer using third party applications instead of services to assign shortcuts to scripts though. There has been a bug since 10.7 where the shortcuts for services don't always work until you hover over the services menu from the menu bar (or for example run a service once from the menu bar). There is also a noticeable delay before services are run, and the shortcuts for services don't work when an application that doesn't have a services menu (like Tower) is frontmost.
More examples:
Open VLC's dictionary in AppleScript Editor to see all supported terminology.