Remotely control MacBook Pro Retina
Are you trying to remote control the Apple TV? Or are you trying to remote control the MacBook Pro? (both will work!)

There's the Remote app (by Apple, not affiliated) which can control the Apple TV, and there are probably lots of 'VLC Remote' apps if you are trying to control VLC itself.


VLC Remote Free for iOS here
VLC Remote (paid) for iOS here


These work directly with the VLC client and allow for the full control experience - media selection, play, pause, rewind, forward etc.